
From preparation to a sterile processing career.
Vanessa completed The Sterile Process and moved forward into sterile processing from Sacramento, California.
Self-Paced CRCST Training Program
Get one connected training system with video lessons, chapter reviews, a CRCST Exam Practice Library with 652 unique questions, 450 recall flashcards, instructor support, interview preparation, and 400-hour support and guidance.
Already trained and only need CRCST exam prep?
Use the Study Hub to practice CRCST-style questions, identify weak content areas, review missed questions, and strengthen recall before exam day.
Student outcomes

Vanessa completed The Sterile Process and moved forward into sterile processing from Sacramento, California.


Individual timelines and outcomes vary.
Inside the department
Sterile processing technicians support patient safety behind the scenes. Their work helps ensure reusable medical devices are properly cleaned, inspected, assembled, packaged, sterilized, stored, and ready when clinical teams need them.
Need program info?
The main program details and 30-question diagnostic are available on the site so you can choose the right next step without waiting for a separate explanation. Phone appointments are scheduled after the right pathway is selected.
Career tools · 01
Compare official wage data before choosing a training or employment path. Sterile processing is listed under Medical Equipment Preparers, and actual pay varies by employer, shift, experience, certification, and location.
Career tools · 02
Search several major job sources at once, then use The Sterile Process for exam preparation, interview readiness, and 400-hour support and guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Review the most common questions about training, certification, employment, and the 400-hour requirement.
Choose pay in full or a three-month payment plan.
Start enrollmentMost students can review the program details, use the 30-question diagnostic, confirm fit, and begin the enrollment intake without a call. Phone appointments are scheduled after the right pathway is selected.
Start with the Self-Paced CRCST Program if you need structured sterile processing education, CRCST preparation, and career-readiness guidance from the beginning.
Sterile processing technicians receive contaminated reusable devices, clean and disinfect them, inspect and assemble instrument sets, prepare packages, operate and monitor sterilization equipment, maintain records, and manage sterile inventory for patient care.
Requirements vary by state and employer. Some employers hire entry-level technicians and allow time to earn certification, while others require certification before hire. Review local job postings and confirm requirements directly with employers.
HSPA requires qualifying hands-on experience for full CRCST certification. Candidates may qualify through provisional or full certification pathways depending on when those hours are completed. HSPA determines eligibility and whether submitted hours meet its requirements.
Pay varies by location, employer, shift, experience, certification, and responsibility. Use the salary finder below to review current federal wage information for your area.
Common workplaces include hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, dental facilities, clinics, endoscopy departments, and organizations that reprocess reusable medical devices.
No. The Sterile Process provides education, exam preparation, study tools, and career-readiness support. HSPA makes certification decisions, and employers make hiring decisions.