Vanessa · Sacramento, California
From preparation to a sterile processing career.
Vanessa completed The Sterile Process and moved forward into sterile processing from Sacramento, California.
Enrollment openStart immediately
Self-Paced CRCST Training Program
Build the knowledge to pass the CRCST and enter the field prepared.
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.
1 year course accessVideo lessons learn on demand652 questions CRCST Exam Practice LibraryStudy guides included450 flashcards active recall practiceCareer support included
Student outcomes
Preparation that moves with you.
Hailey · Class of January 2026
Completed training and began working in the field.
Ariel · Chicago, Illinois
Moved from training into sterile processing work.
Individual timelines and outcomes vary.
Inside the department
Precision, responsibility, and a process that never skips steps.
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.
DecontaminationReceive, sort, clean, and disinfect used devices.Inspection and assemblyCheck instruments and rebuild procedure sets accurately.Packaging and sterilizationPrepare items and monitor validated sterilization cycles.Storage and distributionProtect sterile items and deliver them where needed.
Need program info?
Find the next step that fits where you are.
Whether you are brand new, preparing for the exam, or looking for career support, these options help you move in the right direction without guessing. If you still need help after reviewing your path, you can reach out for support.
I am not sureTake the 30-question diagnosticUse this if you want help deciding between the full program, study tools, and career support.I am brand newView the Self-Paced CRCST ProgramStart here if you need structured training, exam preparation, and career-readiness guidance from the beginning.I am studying for the examExplore 652 unique CRCST practice questions and flashcardsChoose this if you already have a foundation and need practice, recall, and score tracking before exam day.I need 400-hour or job helpExplore Career LaunchGet support with resume updates, interview preparation, outreach, job-search planning, and next-step strategy.
Career tools · 01
Check pay in your area.
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.
Official O*NET dataZIP-based resultsFree to use
Career tools · 02
See who is hiring near you.
Search several major job sources at once, then use The Sterile Process for exam preparation, interview readiness, and 400-hour support and guidance.
Search tipTry several job titles: sterile processing technician, central sterile technician, sterile processing tech, and SPD technician.
Frequently asked questions
Get clear before you enroll.
Review the most common questions about training, certification, employment, and the 400-hour requirement.
Ready to begin?Enrollment is open now.
Choose pay in full or a three-month payment plan.
Start enrollmentDo I need to request more info before enrolling?
Most 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.
Which option should I choose if I am brand new?
Start with the Self-Paced CRCST Program if you need structured sterile processing education, CRCST preparation, and career-readiness guidance from the beginning.
What does a sterile processing technician do?
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.
Do I need certification to work in sterile processing?
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.
What are the CRCST 400 hours?
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.
How much do sterile processing technicians earn?
Pay varies by location, employer, shift, experience, certification, and responsibility. Use the salary finder below to review current federal wage information for your area.
Where do sterile processing technicians work?
Common workplaces include hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, dental facilities, clinics, endoscopy departments, and organizations that reprocess reusable medical devices.
Does The Sterile Process guarantee certification or employment?
No. The Sterile Process provides education, exam preparation, study tools, and career-readiness support. HSPA makes certification decisions, and employers make hiring decisions.