How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician
Duties, Responsibilities, Schooling, Requirements, Certifications, Job Outlook, and Salary
From groundbreaking surgical procedures to life-saving treatments, medical advances are only possible with strict adherence to infection control and sterilization protocols. The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and emerging infectious diseases has reinforced the critical role of sterile processing in maintaining patient safety.
Sterile processing technicians (SPTs) are the unsung heroes of healthcare facilities, ensuring that surgical instruments, medical devices, and high-tech equipment are properly cleaned, sterilized, and ready for use by doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals. Without their meticulous attention to detail, the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) would increase significantly, putting patient outcomes at risk.
If you’re considering a career in sterile processing, this guide will walk you through what you need to know—including educational requirements, certification options, day-to-day responsibilities, salary* expectations, and how long it typically takes to enter the field.
Looking for more opportunities in the healthcare industry? Click here to explore our full list of the best entry-level medical jobs.
Sterile Processing Technician Definition
What is a Sterile Processing Technician?
A Sterile Processing Technician (SPT) is a healthcare professional responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, and maintaining medical instruments and equipment to ensure they are safe for patient use. They play a crucial role in preventing infections by following strict protocols for decontamination, inspection, packaging, and sterilization of surgical tools and other medical devices.
As part of the broader healthcare team, Sterile Processing Technicians support surgeons, nurses, and other medical professionals by ensuring that every instrument is properly sanitized and readily available when needed. This behind-the-scenes role is vital for maintaining patient safety and supporting efficient medical procedures.
Sterile Processing Technician: Job Description
What Does a Sterile Processing Technician Do?
A Sterile Processing Technician (SPT) is responsible for ensuring that all medical instruments, surgical tools, and equipment are properly cleaned, sterilized, and ready for use in medical procedures. Their work is essential in preventing infections and maintaining a safe healthcare environment. However, as opposed to surgical technologists, Sterile Processing Techs tend to work in equipment-processing or central supply departments, which means they’re not usually present during an actual operation.
Key Responsibilities
- Decontamination: Cleaning and disinfecting surgical instruments and medical devices to remove biological contaminants.
- Sterilization: Operating sterilization equipment such as autoclaves, ethylene oxide sterilizers, and hydrogen peroxide plasma systems to ensure all instruments are free of harmful microorganisms.
- Inspection & Assembly: Examining instruments for damage or wear, assembling surgical trays, and ensuring proper function before packaging.
- Storage & Distribution: Organizing and storing sterile supplies properly and delivering them to operating rooms, emergency departments, and other hospital units as needed.
- Inventory Management: Keeping track of sterile supplies and ensuring that necessary instruments are readily available for procedures.
- Compliance & Documentation: Following hospital policies, OSHA regulations, and industry standards (such as those set by the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation – AAMI) and maintaining accurate records of sterilization cycles.
Sterile Processing Technician Skills
Sterile Processing Technicians (SPTs) must possess a combination of technical skills, attention to detail, and strong organizational abilities to ensure that medical instruments and equipment are properly sterilized and ready for use. Below are the essential skills required for success in this field.
Technical Skills
- Sterilization Techniques: Knowledge of various sterilization methods, including autoclaving (steam sterilization), ethylene oxide (EO) sterilization, and hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization.
- Infection Control & Decontamination: Understanding of proper cleaning, disinfection, and contamination prevention protocols to minimize the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
- Medical Instrumentation Knowledge: Familiarity with surgical tools and medical devices, including how they function and how to handle them safely.
- Equipment Operation & Maintenance: Ability to operate and maintain sterilization machines, ultrasonic cleaners, and other decontamination equipment.
Attention to Detail
- Thorough Inspection: Identifying damage, wear, or contamination on instruments before sterilization.
- Proper Packaging and Labeling: Ensuring that sterilized instruments are correctly packaged, labeled, and stored for future use.
- Record Keeping and Compliance: Maintaining detailed logs of sterilization cycles and adhering to industry standards.
Organizational and Time Management Skills
- Inventory Management: Tracking sterile supplies and ensuring necessary instruments are available when needed.
- Multitasking Abilities: Handling multiple tasks efficiently in fast-paced healthcare environments.
- Workflow Coordination: Ensuring timely sterilization and distribution of instruments to various hospital departments.
Communication and Teamwork
- Collaboration with Healthcare Staff: Working closely with surgeons, nurses, and other medical personnel to provide properly sterilized instruments.
- Clear Communication: Reporting any instrument malfunctions or missing equipment to supervisors and medical teams.
Adaptability and Problem-Solving
- Quick Decision-Making: Troubleshooting equipment issues and identifying the best sterilization methods for different instruments.
- Staying Updated: Keeping up with changes in sterilization technology, infection control practices, and regulatory guidelines.
By mastering these skills, Sterile Processing Technicians play a vital role in maintaining patient safety and ensuring the smooth operation of medical procedures.
Where Do Sterile Processing Technicians Work?
The majority of Sterile Processing Technicians (SPTs) work in hospitals, as these facilities require constant sterilization of surgical instruments and medical equipment. However, job opportunities extend beyond hospitals to various healthcare settings, including outpatient clinics and specialty practices.
Most SPTs work full-time, typically 40-hour weeks, though shift schedules vary depending on the facility. Many Sterile Processing Technicians work during standard business hours, but in hospitals and other 24/7 healthcare facilities, shifts may also include nights, weekends, and holidays to ensure a continuous supply of sterilized equipment for medical procedures.
Because the job involves handling potentially contaminated or infectious materials, Sterile Processing Technicians must adhere to strict safety protocols. This includes wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, face shields, gowns, and sometimes even respirators to minimize exposure to biohazards.
Work Environments for Sterile Processing Technicians:
- Hospitals: The largest employer of SPTs, where technicians work in central sterile processing departments supporting operating rooms, emergency departments, and intensive care units.
- Outpatient Surgical Centers: Facilities that perform same-day procedures, requiring efficient sterilization processes.
- Dental Offices & Oral Surgery Clinics: Handling sterilization of dental tools and surgical instruments.
- Private Physicians’ Offices: Ensuring medical tools are properly disinfected for routine patient care.
- Endoscopy & Gastroenterology Clinics: Specializing in sterilizing scopes and other instruments used in minimally invasive procedures.
- Laboratories & Research Facilities: Maintaining sterile conditions for lab instruments and medical research tools.
Typical Work Conditions for SPTs:
- Full-time schedules (40 hours per week) with the potential for overtime in high-demand settings.
- Varied shifts, including standard business hours, evenings, weekends, and holidays, especially in hospitals.
- Strict adherence to infection control protocols, including handling biohazardous materials.
- Frequent use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, face shields, and gowns.
- Repetitive tasks like sterilizing, inspecting, and packaging instruments while maintaining precision and attention to detail.
This career demands focus, precision, and a commitment to patient safety, making it a vital role in any healthcare facility.
Sterile Processing Technician Schooling & Certification
How Long Does It Take to Become a Sterile Processing Technician?
The easiest path to a new career as a Sterile Processing Tech is to complete a Sterile Processing program from an accredited college or university. While some people may be lucky and receive on-the-job training in certain states where certification isn’t required, earning your sterile processing diploma will make you a much more attractive candidate for potential employers and ensure you’re prepared in advance with the skills you’ll use at work on a daily basis.
While sterile processing programs can sometimes take up to two full years to complete, you could earn your diploma in as little as 42 weeks with an accelerated program. That means by this time next year, you could be working in an exciting new field with great long-term prospects!
Like any long-term goal, working toward a new career as a Sterile Processing Tech seems much more attainable when you break it down into individual steps.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to the education, experience, and certifications you’ll need to become a Sterile Processing Technician.
1. Enroll in a Sterile Processing Program
- Choose an accredited sterile processing program.
- Most programs require a high school diploma or GED to enroll.
- Some schools may require an entrance test.
- Expect coursework that requires focus and dedication to complete.
2. Earn Your Sterile Processing Diploma
- Learn infection control fundamentals – Understanding sterilization techniques, microbiology, and surgical instruments.
- Study decontamination and equipment handling – Hands-on training in sterilization, medical equipment inspection, and quality assurance.
- Complete an externship – Gain real-world experience under supervision, building essential skills and confidence.
- Consider schools with job placement assistance – Helpful for networking, job searches, and interview preparation.
3. Get Certified by a Major Credentialing Organization
- While not always required, certification boosts job prospects and may be mandatory in some states.
- Two primary certification organizations: the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) offers the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam and the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) provides the Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) exam.
By following these steps, you can launch your career as a Sterile Processing Technician with the education, skills, and certification needed to succeed in the healthcare industry.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Sterile Processing Technician?
The time required to become a Sterile Processing Technician (SPT) can range from a few months to a year, depending on the educational path, certification requirements, and hands-on training opportunities. For an accelerated path, explore Brookline College’s Sterile Processing Program where you can earn your diploma in as little as 42 weeks.
Education & Training Timeline
- Formal Training Programs: Most accredited Sterile Processing Technician programs take between 3 to 12 months to complete. These programs are offered at community colleges, vocational schools, and online training providers.
- On-the-Job Training: Some healthcare facilities provide on-the-job training for entry-level positions, but many employers prefer candidates with formal education and certification.
What Degree Do You Need to Be a Sterile Processing Technician?
A college degree is not required to become a Sterile Processing Technician (SPT). Instead, most aspiring SPTs complete a certificate or diploma program in sterile processing or central service technology. These programs provide essential training in:
- Infection Control & Microbiology – Understanding pathogens, disease prevention, and contamination risks.
- Sterilization & Decontamination Procedures – Proper cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing medical instruments.
- Medical Instrument Identification & Handling – Learning to recognize, assemble, and store surgical tools safely.
- Inventory Management & Quality Assurance – Tracking sterile supplies and ensuring proper storage and usage.
- Healthcare Regulations & Compliance – Adhering to OSHA, CDC, and AAMI standards for patient and staff safety.
Completing a formal training program improves job prospects and prepares you for certification exams, which many employers prefer or require.
Certification Options for Sterile Processing Technicians
While certification is not always mandatory, many employers prefer or require Sterile Processing Technicians to obtain professional certification to demonstrate their expertise. As mentioned earlier, common certifications include:
- Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) – Offered by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) requires passing an exam and completing 400 hours of hands-on experience.
- Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) – Provided by the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) requires a combination of education, experience, and a passing score on the certification exam.
- Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER) – This certification is also provided by HSPA, and is for those specializing in endoscope reprocessing.
Steps to becoming a Sterile Processing Technician
- Complete a Sterile Processing Technician Program (3–12 months, depending on the school and program format).
- Gain Hands-On Experience (Some programs include clinical externships or require on-the-job training).
- Earn a Professional Certification (Recommended for better job opportunities and career advancement).
- Apply for Jobs in hospitals, surgical centers, and other healthcare facilities.
With minimal educational requirements and strong job demands, becoming a Sterile Processing Technician is a great entry point into the healthcare industry.
How Much Does It Cost to Earn a Sterile Processing Diploma?
According to the Education Data Initiative, as of December 2024, the average cost of college in the United States is $38,270 per student per year, including books, supplies, and daily living expenses. However, online education offers a more affordable alternative, often at a lower cost per credit hour. The Sterile Processing Program at Brookline College is an example of this, offering a competitive tuition that includes books, lab fees, and student services, such as programs that help with study and time management skills, overcoming test anxiety, building technology skills and other community and campus resources to complete your diploma.
Sterile Processing Technician Salary
How Much Do Sterile Processing Technicians Make?
According to the BLS, the mean annual wage for Medical Equipment Preparers—which includes Sterile Processing Technicians—was $47,410 in May 2023. Salaries in the top 10% can reach over $63,000 per year. Salary* can vary significantly depending on industry, geographic locations, and level of experience.
Industries with the highest concentration of employment in Medical Equipment Preparers
According to the BLS, as of May 2023, these industries are where you’ll find the top-paying jobs for Sterile Processing Technicians. Salary* can vary significantly depending on geographic locations and level of experience.
| Industry | Employment | Average Salary |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 46,330 | $47,940 |
| Offices of Dentists | 5,010 | $36,020 |
| Outpatient Care Centers | 4,140 | $53,890 |
| Specialty (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse) Hospitals | 800 | $55,300 |
| Other Ambulatory Health Care Services | 590 | $46,110 |
Highest Paying States for Sterile Processing Technicians
According to the BLS, as of May 2023, Sterile Processing Techs in these states earn the highest average wages. Salary* can vary significantly depending on industry and level of experience.
| Location | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| California | $29.70 | $61,780 |
| District of Columbia | $28.28 | $58,830 |
| Alaska | $26.44 | $55,000 |
| New Jersey | $25.23 | $52,480 |
| Delaware | $25.22 | $52,450 |
Highest Paying Cities for Sterile Processing Technicians
According to the BLS, as of May 2023, sterile processing technicians earn the highest average annual pay in these cities. Salary* can vary significantly depending on industry and level of experience.
| Location | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| San Francisco, CA | $37.63 | $78,260 |
| Vallejo-Fairfield, CA | $37.19 | $77,360 |
| San Jose, CA | $36.55 | $76,030 |
| Sacramento, CA | $33.22 | $69,100 |
| Napa, CA | $31.12 | $64,730 |
| Modesto, CA | $30.32 | $63,060 |
| San Luis Obispo, CA | $30.23 | $62,870 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | $29.77 | $61,930 |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $29.12 | $60,570 |
| San Diego, CA | $28.97 | $60,250 |
Sterile Processing Technician Job Outlook
What is the Job Outlook for Sterile Processing Technicians?
Advancements in surgical techniques and medical procedures have significantly improved patient safety and expanded access to healthcare. With the increasing demand for surgeries and medical interventions, the need for properly sterilized, cataloged, and maintained medical instruments and equipment has never been greater. Sterile Processing Technicians (SPTs) play a critical role in ensuring that hospitals, surgical centers, and other healthcare facilities maintain the highest standards of infection control, reducing the risk of complications and improving patient outcomes.
According to the BLS, as of May 2023, employment for Medical Equipment Preparers, which includes Sterile Processing Technicians, is projected to grow by 6% from 2023 to 2033—a rate faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by factors such as an aging population, increasing surgical procedures, and the expansion of healthcare facilities. As a result, SPTs are in high demand, making it an excellent career choice for those interested in healthcare, patient safety, and infection control.
Begin your Healthcare Training Today!
The evolution of sterile processing is a compelling reflection of broader advancements in healthcare technology, microbiology, and infection control. As the field has progressed, traditional roles in sterile processing have transformed, driven by modern sterilization techniques, enhanced microbiological understanding, and an increasing focus on patient safety. These advancements not only improve healthcare outcomes but also reshape career opportunities, making sterile processing a more dynamic and essential profession than ever before.
If you enjoy hands-on work, attention to detail, and contributing to patient safety, this could be the career path you’ve been looking for. With fast training programs, strong job demand, and opportunities for advancement, becoming an SPT is a smart choice for anyone eager to make an impact in healthcare. Learn more about the Sterile Processing program at Brookline College and start your career by enrolling.
