Sterile Processing Technician Course

Sterile Processing Technicians (SPT), also known as Central Service Technicians or Certified Sterilization Technicians, play a critical role in preventing infection by sterilizing, cleaning, processing, assembling, storing and distributing medical supplies — and now is an excellent time to train for your sterile processing technician certification.

With the support of an instructor, you will learn all the necessary steps required to perform the duties and tasks of an SPT. Our self-paced sterile processing course covers essential topics such as medical terminology, including vital systems like the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems, as well as the lymphatic and immune systems, respiratory systems, digestive systems, urinary systems, and nervous systems. Students with prior knowledge of medical terminology can optionally test out by achieving a minimum score of 80%, replacing course content if desired. It is important to understand that this course feature only applies to the online Medical Terminology course.

Additionally, you will learn the details and expectations within the concepts of the role and gain proficiency in understanding the step-by-step requirements of the sterilization process, like sterilization techniques, inventory management, and infection control.

What you will learn

• Define the sterile processor role, responsibilities, professional skill set, and communication expectations (including accurate use of medical terminology and anatomy) required in the central processing and surgical services departments
• Identify sterile processing regulations and standards provided by regulatory agencies and professional associations to ensure workplace safety, infection prevention, and proper support for the ancillary departments
• Discuss basic procedures and best practices for each phase of sterile processing, including decontamination, inspection, preparation, and sterilization of medical instruments and supplies
• Review sterile storage considerations, guidelines, concerns, and common quality assurance procedures in the sterile processing department
• Understand the importance of following procedures to care for loaner instruments and manage inventory while using information management systems
• Describe how to adhere to compliance when handling documentation and maintaining records
• Explain the importance of effective communication, human relations, and personal development and how improving these skills can impact the career of a sterile processing technician

How you will benefit

• You will have full comprehension and understanding of all tasks related to the role and responsibilities of an SPT
• Assistance from our Clinical Experience Team and access to our Clinical Experience Guide
• You will be prepared to sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification offered through Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA). A voucher is available upon eligibility.

1. Medical Terminology
   1. Getting Started
   2. How to Take This Course
   3. Test-Out Exam 1: Lessons 1–Midterm Exam
   4. Introduction to Medical Terminology and the Human Body in Health and Disease
   5. The Musculoskeletal System
   6. The Cardiovascular System
   7. The Lymphatic and Immune Systems
   8. The Respiratory System
   9. The Digestive System
   10. The Urinary System
   11. Midterm
   12. Test-Out Exam 2: Lessons 8–Final Exam
   13. The Nervous System
   14. Special Senses: The Eyes and Ears
   15. The Integumentary System
   16. The Endocrine System
   17. Mental Health
   18. Male and Female Reproductive Systems
   19. Diagnostic Procedures, Nuclear Medicine, and Complementary Medicine
   20. Final Exam
2. Sterile Processing Technician
   1. Introduction
   2. Infection Control, Standards, and Regulations
   3. Decontamination and Workplace Safety
   4. Disinfection Process and Complex Instrumentation
   5. Tray Assembly
   6. Prep and Pack
   7. Introduction to Sterilization
   8. Introduction to Low-Temperature Sterilization
   9. Instrumentation Identification (Part 1)
   10. Instrumentation Identification (Part 2)
   11. Case Cart Introduction
   12. Sterile Storage
   13. Managing Inventory
   14. Ancillary Department Support
   15. Important Components for a Successful Career
   16. Wrapping Up and Preparing for Your Exam

There are no prerequisites to take this exam. However, to sit for the national certification exam, candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent. It is recommended that you have this before enrolling in this program.

Upon completion of this course, you will be prepared to sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification offered through Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA). A voucher is available upon eligibility.

Full CRCST Certification

• Provide 400 hours of hands-on experience during the previous five years, preceding the application.

Provisional CRCST Certification

• Provide 400 hours of hands-on experience within six months of passing the certification exam.

Students are supported by both an assigned instructor and assigned advisor throughout the duration of the course. Students receive contact information for both upon enrollment and all communication is handled via email. Students should allow up to two business days for responses.

Hardware Requirements

• This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook (with some ability for storage).

Software Requirements

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 12 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Microsoft Word Online (optional)
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.