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Central Sterile Processing Technician

Want to work in healthcare but not directly with patients? Our Central Sterile Processing Technician program might be for you.

Central Sterile Processing Technicians (CSPT) are responsible for packaging surgical instruments in hospitals, medical offices, surgical centers and clinics. They are highly needed healthcare professionals who improve the quality of patient care by minimizing infection rates.

The CSPT program combines classroom and clinical experience, either online or on-ground, covering topics and skills including decontamination and sterilization processing, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, infection control and identification of surgical instruments.

Upon completion, students are eligible to take the certification exam through the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution Inc. (CBSPD) National Certification. Certification is mandatory for employment.

In This Course You'll Learn To:

  • understand decontamination and sterilization processes, detailing key steps and principles
  • analyze functional areas within a central sterile processing unit, highlighting roles and interconnections
  • evaluate work hazards, stressing the importance of effective communication for workplace safety
  • identify human body parts and functions relevant to central sterile processing
  • explain microbe transmission, disinfection levels, and universal precautions for infection control

Admission Requirements:

  • Completed health form, signed by your physician (if clinical is included)
  • Proof of COVID-19 vaccination, including booster (if clinical is included)
  • GED/Diploma in order to sit for the national exam
  • Criminal background check. Students who have a record of felonies or misdemeanors may be denied access to clinical training sites (if clinical is included).

    NOTE: Background checks are required for most allied health positions. Students with felony convictions may have difficulty obtaining employment in these fields.

Upcoming Courses

Next Steps

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Use our course finder to get info about upcoming classes including dates, times, locations, and more. (Select WFD/CE 2024-2025 for summer, fall and winter courses.)

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Learn About Funding Options

Many of our courses have funding options available for qualifying students.

The Sterile Processing Technician Certificate program is approved by the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) CBSPD, INC., Main Street, Suite C-1, Lebanon, NJ 08833, mailbox@sterileprocessing.org