Sterile Processing Technician
Become the unsung hero of the operating room.
Behind every successful surgery and patient recovery is a sterile processing technician making sure everything is safe and sterile. In this role, you'll provide critical support to all patient care services across a wide variety of healthcare facilities. Your day-to-day will involve decontaminating, cleaning, processing, assembling, sterilizing, storing and distributing the essential medical devices and supplies needed for patient care. While most healthcare workers are considered essential, few are as fundamentally important to keeping a hospital running safely as you will be.
Our short-term, hybrid program is designed to fit your life, combining engaging live online sessions and coursework with a single day of hands-on, in-person lab practice. By the time you finish, you'll be fully prepared to take the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA). Earning this leading national, industry-recognized certification is the key to securing entry-level employment and launching a rewarding career in this fast-growing medical field.
Paying for the Program
Tuition and Fees
Financial Aid & Tuition Assistance
There are many options available for tuition savings. Credit programs may have opportunities for Financial Aid eligibility, while non-credit programs have separate tuition savings available on a per-program basis.
Career Pathway Certificate
Enrollment Process
Register and pay tuition now for the next class offering or Apply for Tuition Assistance.
- For Tuition Assistance contact NICC Business and Community Solutions to complete the following:
- Tuition Assistance Program Application
- CASAS Assessment
- Interview with NICC staff
All applicants must turn 18 years of age within 6 months of course registration and have evidence of high school diploma or equivalent within 1 year of course registration. All classes will be live, online with online coursework and one in-person lab day on main campus, Cedar Rapids. Technology requirements: classes can be taken on computer devices using the most up-to-date version of Safari, Chrome, or Firefox. Tablet devices can also be used with the following stipulations: Apple products must access the class using Safari and android devices must use Google Chrome. Must have a webcam and microphone on electronic device. Course textbook and exam voucher for the certification exam are included in the course fee.
Optional Volunteer Externship Opportunity: Learners who complete this program are eligible to participate in an optional volunteer externship opportunity with a local company/agency/organization whose work aligns with this area of study in order to gain valuable hands-on experience. As learners progress through their program, an Externship Coordinator will reach out to coordinate placement. Please Note: Additional documentation and fee's including health records, immunizations, drug-screening, criminal background checks, etc. may be required by the externship facility.
Additional Information
Industry Credentials Earned: Completion of this course, plus 6 months to 2 years of practical work experience, will qualify the student to sit for the HSPA national certification exam.
The textbook is included in the cost of tuition for the course. The program consists of one in-person lab day, with the remainder of the course delivered through live online instruction at scheduled class times. Attendance during online sessions is required.
This is a pass/fail certificate. Student performance will be evaluated by a combination of didactic and lab scores, with a minimum total of 75% overall to pass the course.
Program Contacts
- Email: deeneyk@nicc.edu
- Phone: 563.562.3263, ext. 1425
- Location: Calmar