Sterile Processing Technician

Overview

This program teaches students to prepare instruments/packages for processing, decontamination, ultrasonic clearner disinfection, sterilizations, and distribution in the hospital or surgery setting.

Sterile Processing technicians are responsible for processing surgical instruments, supplies, and equipment. Serving in settings ranging from hospitals to ambulatory surgery centers, central service technicians provide support to patient services. Central Service Department tasks include decontaminating, cleaning, processing, assembling, sterilizing, storing, and distributing the medical devices and supplies needed for patient care. The Central Service Department of a health care facility is the heart of all activity surrounding instruments, supplies, and equipment required for operating rooms, endoscopy suites, intensive care units, birth centers, clinics, emergency departments and other patient care areas. Sterile Processing technicians play a most important role in patient care arenas and are responsible for first-line processes to prevent patient infections.

Program Type

Training Certificate

How to Enroll

To pursue this certificate, please click on the courses below to see availability. You can register for courses online, and you do not have to apply to the college!

Talk to us
Tuition Assistance
Training Resources

Questions?
Call 803.732.0432 to talk to us about this program, or email cce@midlandstech.edu

This program is currently eligible for a QuickJobs Scholarship.
Please visit the MTC QuickJobs page to sign up for a free mandatory information session where you will learn how to apply for a scholarship. To be eligible, you must:

  • Attend an information session. Information sessions last approximately two hours and are free to attend.
  • Be a South Carolina resident for 12 consecutive months. Applicants will be required to submit documentation for proof of residency (Driver's license, Beginner's permit, or state issued ID).
  • Not be in default on any federal student loans and not owe MTC or any other college monies.
  • Submit an application. You will need to enter your student ID on the application.
  • Scholarship recipients will be in communication with the Program Director responsible for the program for which they applied.
  • Some programs require clean SLED background checks and clean drug/alcohol tests.
    If you have additional questions, please call 803-732-0432.
Print Plan

Sample Program Plan and Costs

Anatomy and Physiology and Medical Terminology must be taken with a passing grade before taking the Sterile Processing Technology course.

On-Campus Traditional. Classes meet on campus.
Virtual 100% online. Meets with a live instructor and classmates on specific days, at specific times. Uses web conferencing software, like Zoom.
Hybrid Some classes on campus. Some classes online or virtual.
Online 100% online. Due dates for projects and assignments. Self-paced work on your time.
CEUs Class Hours Course Title Cost
4.80 48

Anatomy and Physiology

This 48-contact-hour, all-lecture course is a general introduction to the anatomy and physiology of the human body. This course is a prerequisite for other courses and certificate programs. PLEASE NOTE: If you are registered for the ONLINE version of this class, the first day of the ONLINE class will meet IN-PERSON. This meeting is mandatory, so that the student can be a part of the online course orientation and receive course materials. If you have any additional questions or if you are unable to attend the in person meeting, please contact us at 803-732-0432.

Online

ID: CEMPR-500

View Available Courses
No sections currently available. For information on Training classes, contact our Corporate and Continuing Education Department (CCE) at 803.732.0432 or cce@midlandstech.edu.
$895.00
4.80 48

Medical Terminology

Students will learn medical terminology by analyzing the prefix, suffix, word roots, and combinations used in medical terms. This course is a prerequisite for other courses and medical certificate programs. This course may be used for exemption of AHS 102 PLEASE NOTE: If you are registered for the ONLINE version of this class, the first day of the ONLINE class will meet IN-PERSON. This meeting is mandatory, so that the student can be a part of the online course orientation and receive course materials. If you have any additional questions or if you are unable to attend the in-person meeting, please contact us at 803-732-0432.

Classroom, Online

ID: CEMPR-524

View Available Courses
No sections currently available. For information on Training classes, contact our Corporate and Continuing Education Department (CCE) at 803.732.0432 or cce@midlandstech.edu.
$895.00
4.80 48

Sterile Processing Technology

This course teaches students to prepare instruments/packages for processing, decontamination, ultrasonic cleaner disinfection, sterilization, and distribution. Anatomy and Physiology -- CEMPR-500, BIO-110, BIO-112 or BIO-210 along with BIO-211-- as well as Medical Terminology --CEMPR-524 or AHS-102-- must be taken with a passing grade of C or better before taking the Sterile Processing Technology course.

Classroom

ID: CEMED-700

View Available Courses
No sections currently available. For information on Training classes, contact our Corporate and Continuing Education Department (CCE) at 803.732.0432 or cce@midlandstech.edu.
$995.00
 
Estimated Cost
Tuition Assistance
$2,785.00
Not including fees and equipment

Careers

Sterile Processing Technicians

Sterile Processing technicians are responsible for processing surgical instruments, supplies, and equipment. Serving in settings ranging from hospitals to ambulatory surgery centers, central service technicians provide support to patient services. Central Service Department tasks include decontaminating, cleaning, processing, assembling, sterilizing, storing, and distributing the medical devices and supplies needed for patient care. The Central Service Department of a health care facility is the heart of all activity surrounding instruments, supplies, and equipment required for operating rooms, endoscopy suites, intensive care units, birth centers, clinics, emergency departments and other patient care areas. Sterile Processing technicians play a most important role in patient care arenas and are responsible for first-line processes to prevent patient infections.

Average Annual Salary

$36,512
According to EMSI data as of 2022

Where Can I Work?

  • Hospitals

Want more information?

Academic programs count as academic credit for a certificate, diploma or degree and may transfer toward future academic endeavors at four-year colleges and universities.
Training programs can be completed in a matter of weeks or months, are focused on career training, and provide credentials and certificates needed in the specific fields of study. Coursework does not transfer.
Not sure: Check out these resources to explore what fits your goals.

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