For many, an immediate shift into an online sterile processing technician training program from the traditional high school classroom can be overwhelming.
Students are taught to learn a certain way throughout their primary school years, so switching to an online program can be surprising.
However, there are many benefits with some drawbacks that students should consider before enrolling in a traditional program.
Also, plenty of tips and tricks exist to be successful in an online sterile processing technician program.
Keep reading this guide to have all your questions answered about online sterile processing technician training programs!
Go to Section:
- Top Online Sterile Processing Technician Training Programs
- #1 Gwinnett Technical College Online Sterile Processing Technician
- #2 MedCerts Sterile Processing Technician Program
- #3 Herzing University Sterile Processing Program (Diploma)
- #4 Health Tech Academy Sterile Processing Tech Bootcamp
- #5 Preppy Online Sterile Processing Technician Program
- #6 Penn Foster Sterile Processing Career Diploma
- #7 Central Sterilization Solutions Online Sterile Processing Course
- #8 Ashworth College Sterile Processing Technician Training
- #9 University of Houston Online Sterile Processing Course
- #10 U.S. Career Institute Online Sterile Processing Technician Certificate Program
- #11 Sterile Processing Technician Online Training by SPD CEUs
- What Courses are in an Online Sterile Processing Technician Training Program?
- Can You Earn a Sterile Processing Technician Certification Completely Online?
- How Long Does it Take to Earn a Sterile Processing Technician Certification Online?
- How Much Does an Online Sterile Processing Technician Certification Cost?
- Types of Sterile Processing Technician Certifications
- Benefits of Online Sterile Processing Technician Training Programs
- Drawbacks of Online Sterile Processing Technician Training Programs
- Benefits and Drawbacks of Online Sterile Processing Technician Programs – Summary Table
- 4 Self-Study Tips for Sterile Processing Technician Online Students
- Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
Top Online Sterile Processing Technician Training Programs
#1 Gwinnett Technical College Online Sterile Processing Technician
About the School
Gwinnett Technical College offers an online Sterile Processing Technician course designed for students who want structured, college-level career training.
The program is built to help learners prepare for entry-level roles in healthcare facilities and understand industry expectations.
Courses Offered
The course covers core sterile processing responsibilities such as decontamination, inspection, preparation, sterilization, storage, and distribution of medical instruments.
Students also learn safety standards, infection control practices, and healthcare terminology used on the job.
Program Cost
Tuition is charged through the college’s continuing education department and is generally affordable compared to private training providers.
Total cost can vary, and some students may qualify for financial assistance or workforce funding.
Contact Information
- Address: 5150 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Lawrenceville, GA 30043
- Phone: 770-962-7580
- Website: Visit School Website
#2 MedCerts Sterile Processing Technician Program
About the School
MedCerts is a well-known online healthcare training provider focused on short-term career programs.
Its Sterile Processing Technician program is designed to help students build foundational skills and prepare for certification.
Courses Offered
The program includes coursework in medical terminology, anatomy basics, professionalism in healthcare, and sterile processing procedures.
The curriculum is structured to align with industry certification standards.
Program Cost
Total tuition is typically around a few thousand dollars, with flexible monthly payment plans available to help spread out the cost.
Contact Information
- Address: 13955 Farmington Rd, Livonia, MI 48154
- Phone: (800) 734-1175
- Website: Visit School Website
#3 Herzing University Sterile Processing Program (Diploma)
About the School
Herzing University is an accredited institution offering career-focused healthcare programs.
The Sterile Processing diploma program provides more in-depth academic training compared to shorter certificate options.
Courses Offered
Students take courses in medical terminology, microbiology, surgical instrumentation, infection control, and sterile processing fundamentals.
The program also includes lab components to reinforce practical skills.
Program Cost
Tuition is charged per credit hour, making the total cost higher than short online certificates.
Financial aid and military benefits may be available for qualifying students.
Contact Information
- Address: 275 W Wisconsin Ave, Suite 210, Milwaukee, WI 53203
- Phone: 1-800-HERZING (1-800-437-9464)
- Website: Visit School Website
#4 Health Tech Academy Sterile Processing Tech Bootcamp
About the School
Health Tech Academy offers online bootcamp-style healthcare programs designed for faster completion.
The sterile processing bootcamp is flexible and self-paced, making it appealing for working adults.
Courses Offered
The bootcamp focuses on sterile processing theory, workflow, safety standards, and certification preparation.
Lessons are delivered through online modules and interactive content.
Program Cost
Tuition is typically under $3,000, with payment plans available that allow students to start with a low upfront cost.
Contact Information
- Address: 1101 South Capital of Texas Hwy, Building J, Austin, TX 78746
- Phone: 855-590-6601.
- Website: Visit School Website
#5 Preppy Online Sterile Processing Technician Program
About the School
Preppy partners with accredited universities to offer affordable online career training programs.
The Sterile Processing Technician program is fully online and designed to be flexible and beginner-friendly.
Courses Offered
Students learn sterile processing fundamentals, infection prevention, instrument handling, and regulatory standards.
The program is designed to prepare learners for certification and entry-level roles.
Program Cost
This program is generally priced lower than many competitors, often around the mid-$1,000 range, with payment plan options available.
Contact Information
- Address: N/A
- Phone: 800-729-1317
- Website: Visit School Website
#6 Penn Foster Sterile Processing Career Diploma
About the School
Penn Foster is a long-established online education provider offering self-paced career diplomas.
Its Sterile Processing Career Diploma is designed for students seeking flexible training that they can complete at their own speed.
Courses Offered
The curriculum includes allied health basics, sterile processing principles, and healthcare workplace skills.
Coursework is broken into manageable units for independent study.
Program Cost
Tuition is relatively affordable compared to many healthcare programs, with options to pay in full or through low monthly payments.
Contact Information
- Address: 200 Hickory Street, Scranton, PA 18505, USA
- Phone: 1-800-471-3232
- Website: Visit School Website
#7 Central Sterilization Solutions Online Sterile Processing Course
About the School
Central Sterilization Solutions specializes specifically in sterile processing education.
The program is self-paced and designed with a strong focus on real-world job readiness.
Courses Offered
The course covers medical terminology, infection control, decontamination, sterilization techniques, and professional development.
Some options include support with finding hands-on clinical experience.
Program Cost
Pricing varies depending on the package selected, with different levels of support and internship assistance available.
Contact Information
- Address: 19510 Van Buren Blvd F3-399, Riverside, CA 92508
- Phone: 855.234.6770
- Website: Visit School Website
#8 Ashworth College Sterile Processing Technician Training
About the School
Ashworth College has historically offered career-focused online healthcare training.
Its sterile processing program was designed for students seeking flexible, self-paced learning.
Courses Offered
The curriculum covered sterile processing fundamentals, safety procedures, and professional skills needed for entry-level healthcare roles.
Program Cost
Tuition has traditionally been affordable and comparable to other online career diploma programs, often with flexible payment options.
Contact Information
- Address: 5051 Peachtree Corners Circle, Suite 200, Norcross, GA 30092
- Phone: 1-800-957-5412
- Website: Visit School Website
#9 University of Houston Online Sterile Processing Course
About the School
The University of Houston offers a professional training course in sterile processing through its continuing education division.
The program is designed for adult learners preparing for healthcare support roles.
Courses Offered
Students learn decontamination processes, sterilization methods, storage and distribution procedures, safety standards, and professional communication.
Certification exam preparation is included.
Program Cost
The program is typically priced just under $3,000, with possible discounts or financial assistance options available.
Contact Information
- Address: 4800 Calhoun Road, Houston, Texas 77204
- Phone: 713-743-1010
- Website: Visit School Website
#10 U.S. Career Institute Online Sterile Processing Technician Certificate Program
About the School
U.S. Career Institute offers a self‑paced online Sterile Processing Technician certificate designed for learners who want flexible training that fits around their schedule.
This program is aimed at students who want to prepare for certification and start working in healthcare quickly.
Courses Offered
The curriculum covers essential areas of sterile processing, including medical terminology, instrument decontamination, sterilization procedures, inventory management, infection control, and professional communication.
The course is broken into easy‑to‑follow lessons with quizzes and interactive exercises.
Program Cost
Tuition can be paid monthly, typically around $69 per month.
Students can complete the program in about four to nine months, depending on how much time they commit each week.
Contact Information
- Address: 2001 Lowe Street, Fort Collins, CO 80525
- Phone: (800) 833-6776
- Website: Visit School Website
#11 Sterile Processing Technician Online Training by SPD CEUs
About the School
This online program by SPD CEUs is developed by experienced sterile processing educators and aligns with professional industry standards.
It is designed for students who want a complete, affordable online foundation in sterile processing with practical training modules.
Courses Offered
The course includes over thirty modules covering sterile processing fundamentals from decontamination and cleaning to high‑level disinfection, sterilization techniques, and infection prevention.
The curriculum is aligned with recognized professional guidelines to help students prepare for certification.
Program Cost
Tuition for the full course is around $704, with an option to purchase modules individually for about $22 each if students prefer a pay‑as‑you‑go approach.
Contact Information
- Address: 1392 US Hwy 22 W, Lebanon, NJ 08833
- Phone: 201-937-1343
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
What Courses are in an Online Sterile Processing Technician Training Program?
Two types of degrees exist for sterile processing technician students: certificates and diplomas.
The certificate program usually requires several months to complete and includes the following classes:
Professionalism in Healthcare
A class in healthcare professionalism focuses on providing students with soft skills training such as patient interaction, communication, professional appearance, emotional strength, diversity and cultural bias, medical ethics, and proper office behavior.
This class is usually only for a few weeks, but it is critical for the interview process and learning to be professional in the workplace.
Introduction to Medical Terminology and Human Anatomy
Most training is in medical terminology, human anatomy, and sterile processing.
The medical terminology and human anatomy course was created to familiarize students with medical language through word pronunciation, abbreviations, root words, suffixes, and prefixes.
This curriculum also usually includes anatomy, such as the organization of the cardiovascular, immune, integumentary, and musculoskeletal systems.
Sterile Processing
The other essential part of the training is sterile processing, which teaches students the correct sterilization, packaging, inspection, disinfection, decontamination, and cleaning of reusable surgical instruments.
These techniques and procedures are eventually transferred to a hands-on environment.
A diploma program goes into more detail and requires eight months to a year.
Diploma programs include professionalism, medical terminology, human anatomy, and sterile processing, but expand into more complex topics, including:
Information Literacy
Information literacy teaches students how to conduct research and integrate it into written work.
This is typically an introductory course to help students throughout the program.
Microbiology
Microbiology is an important foundational class since sterile techs deal with contaminants like germs, diseases, and bacteria.
The primary role of a technician is to prevent and control the disease from spreading.
O.R. Fundamentals
O.R., or operating room fundamentals, teaches students how the different tools surgeons use fit into their responsibilities.
Topics include sutures, drains, dressing, wound healing, and surgical site preparation.
Psychology
This class analyzes human behavior, which helps with soft skills in the medical community.
For example, although sterile processing technicians don’t deal with patients, they work across numerous teams, so understanding human behavior is critical.
Surgical Instrumentation
The surgical instrumentation course introduces students to various instruments used in the operating room.
In addition, the course covers instrument classification, function, proper spelling, and the correct names of each tool.
Surgical Services
This course reviews the operative environment, medical communications, legal responsibilities, and professional roles.
Understanding the connection between different medical departments in a healthcare facility helps sterile processing technicians know who to contact for what needs.
Can You Earn a Sterile Processing Technician Certification Completely Online?
Yes, sterile processing technician training programs prepare students for the certification examination based on learned concepts and techniques.
The Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam is the most recognized certification test and is not required for employment, but it is advantageous.
Also, many online programs require local lab or externship work for firsthand experience.
Although not required, it’s best to implement practical use of classroom knowledge before applying for jobs.
How Long Does it Take to Earn a Sterile Processing Technician Certification Online?
A sterile processing technician certificate can be earned online in as little as one-to-two months, depending on how fast you work through the material.
The median completion time is two months; students must schedule and take the certification examination.
Diploma programs are more involved and require an eight-month to a one-year commitment.
An associate degree in surgical technology or a related field covers all sterile processing technician topics and goes into more detail regarding surgery preparation and instrumentation.
This degree requires a time commitment of around two years.
How Much Does an Online Sterile Processing Technician Certification Cost?
Online sterile processing technician certifications range from as little as $600 to tens of thousands for an associate degree.
In addition, there is a direct correlation between the cost of a program and the length of time required to complete the program.
Types of Sterile Processing Technician Certifications
The Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) offers four certifications, including the following:
Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST)
The CRCST certification is for entry-level technicians who have proven they hold the knowledge, competency, and skills required to succeed as sterile processing technicians.
These individuals clean, decontaminate, maintain, sterilize, inspect, assemble, disassemble, store, and package surgical equipment in medical facilities.
Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS)
The CIS certification was created for those with the required skills to work as advanced instrument specialists in a sterile processing department.
CISs focus specifically on instrument support systems and medical instruments.
Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER)
According to industry strangers, the CER certification was developed for those with knowledge of storing, transporting, sterilizing, disinfecting, inspecting, decontaminating, testing, and pre-cleaning endoscopes.
Certified Healthcare Leader (CHL)
Those with the CHL certification manage intra- and inter-departmental communications, human resource management, staffing, reporting, finance, compliance, and industry standards.
Benefits of Online Sterile Processing Technician Training Programs
Multiple benefits exist in taking an online sterile processing technician training program, including the following:
Additional Free Time
Since your free time isn’t spent sitting in a classroom or commuting to and from school, you have extra time with friends and family.
This is critical to maintaining a positive balance between school and leisure time.
Also, online classes make it significantly easier to work while going to school, which can help pay off debt or pay for the sterile processing technician program.
Advanced Education Options
Many online sterile processing technician graduates proceed to advanced degrees in nursing, hospital administration, surgical technology, and many other roles within the medical community.
Some continue schooling immediately after graduating from the online sterile processing technician program, while others enter the workforce and pursue additional education at night or with online classes.
Flexibility
In addition to enjoying free time with friends and family, taking an online sterile processing technician training program gives a vast amount of flexibility.
Classes are structured so you can learn at your own pace while working and access the materials on demand throughout the program.
Therefore, if you need to review a confusing area, the information is readily available in digital format.
This also helps if you are a morning person or a night owl, whatever is your most productive time of day.
Immediate Feedback
Most online sterile processing technician programs provide immediate feedback on quizzes and tests.
Since the test questions are loaded into the online learning platform, the system calculates a grade instantly.
As a result, there’s no need to wait weeks for an instructor to grade and post each test manually.
Improved Time Management
Time management is one of the best skills learned in an online sterile processing technician program.
Since students primarily work independently from home, time management is critical to success.
In addition, this helps graduates since time management is required in the field to ensure all equipment is maintained and sterilized within tight timeframes before the next surgical team needs the tools.
Lower Cost
Since you aren’t learning in a brick-and-mortar location that consumes electricity, maintenance, and other overhead, many online sterile processing technician programs are considerably cheaper than a traditional in-classroom experience.
This allows you to make lower monthly payments or pay the program off more easily from work while taking the courses.
It also helps lower debt upon graduation.
On-Demand Coursework Access
When taking a traditional sterile processing technician program, your learning is at the mercy of your note-taking.
Some instructors offer video presentations on the course material, which you must rewatch to find the proper information.
In an online sterile processing technician class, students have on-demand access to all course materials.
In addition, since they are digital, they can quickly search for specific topics, thus saving time and increasing information retention.
Drawbacks of Online Sterile Processing Technician Training Programs
Like with any program, there are several drawbacks to online sterile processing technician training, including the following:
Can Cause Social Isolation
This ties in with the next point:
Online classes cause students to fall into social isolation without a professor or peer interaction.
Students who spend a significant amount of time online can experience social isolation because of little human interaction.
This can lead to mental health issues like negative thoughts, anxiety, and heightened stress.
Lack of Face-to-Face Communication
The biggest downside to online learning is the need for face-to-face communication.
Taking an online sterile processing technician program may be a major challenge if you are more of a social individual.
Many learn better in group settings with the instructor immediately available to answer questions.
This could cause some students to feel tremendous pressure and abandon their studies more easily.
Limited Quality Assurance
Accreditation is one of the most critical aspects of searching for a reputable online sterile processing technician program.
Unfortunately, plenty of unaccredited online programs provide a subpar educational experience to students.
Accreditation ensures the program is up to the educational standards required by the state.
Requires Strong Time Management Skills
An online sterile processing technician program is an excellent option for those who wish to develop their time management skills or excel in this area.
However, if you don’t have this goal or have poor time management skills, an online program may end with a disastrous outcome.
Many students need the structure of a traditional classroom, with specific class times and due dates, to thrive.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Online Sterile Processing Technician Programs – Summary Table
| Benefits of Online Sterile Processing Technician Training Programs | Drawbacks of Online Sterile Processing Technician Training Programs |
|---|---|
| Additional Free Time | Can Cause Social Isolation |
| Advanced Education Options | Lack of Face-to-Face Communication |
| Flexibility | Limited Quality Assurance |
| Immediate Feedback | Requires Strong Time Management Skills |
| Improved Time Management | |
| Lower Cost | |
| On-Demand Coursework Access |
4 Self-Study Tips for Sterile Processing Technician Online Students
There are several self-study tips to help you succeed in an online sterile processing technician program, including:
- Creating a productive learning environment – establishing a work area within your home or apartment can help separate school from your regular life.
- Focus on self-care – this includes stepping away from the computer regularly or sleeping in if necessary.
- Seek virtual interactions – always seek virtual interactions with peers to help avoid social isolation.
- Set a schedule – setting a schedule ensures you create and follow a routine, which is critical to turning in assignments on time.
Summary
Taking an online sterile processing technician training program is the right path for some students.
If you have excellent time management skills and motivation without interacting with other students and the instructor, this might be your best path.
However, if you need the discipline and structure of a traditional classroom, then go the brick-and-mortar learning path, as you likely have for your entire educational career!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is taking an online sterile processing technician class difficult?
Becoming a sterile processing technician is a challenging task.
There are many techniques and procedures to remember and implement in a lab and a first-hand setting.
Depending on your self-discipline, taking the class online can be more difficult because there needs to be more instructor interaction and intervention.
For some, it is much easier to learn independently, but that is only the case.
Therefore, taking a sterile processing technician course or program online could add a challenge for some.
What is the best way to study for online sterile processing exams?
Studying for an online exam is the same as studying for an in-class exam.
Review the instructor’s material and attempt to retain as much as possible.
Also, taking online practice exams with realistic questions can help prepare you for sterile processing tests.
How many hours per day should you study for an online sterile processing technician program?
The best rule of thumb is to study at least three hours per week per credit and an additional hour per class weekly to review all materials.
Therefore, a three-credit online class requires nine hours of study time per week plus one hour of review time.
What is the sterile processing technician certification examination?
The IAHCSMM CRCST certification exam comprises seven distinct sterile processing areas, including sterilization, documentation, preparation, disinfection, decontamination, and cleaning.
A score of at least 70% will earn you the certification.
