Sterile Processing Technician

Sterile Processing Technician

 Sterile processing technicians are integral members of the healthcare team who are responsible for decontaminating, inspecting, assembling, disassembling, packaging, and sterilizing reusable surgical instruments or devices in a healthcare facility.

DC Registration Required? No

Projected DC Annual Job Openings: 40*

Average DC Yearly Salary: $56,640*

Certifying Bodies, Examinations, and Requirements

There are several examinations that can be taken to become a sterile processing technician. Learn more about certification organizations and their requirements:

Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) Exam

• Complete a minimum of 400 hours of hands-on experience in a sterile processing department prior to testing: Decontamination (120 Hours), Preparing & Packaging Instruments (120 Hours), Sterilization & Disinfection (96 Hours), Storage & Distribution (24 Hours), Quality Assurance Processes (24 Hours), Equipment (16 Hours).
• Pay $165 application and submission fee
• - Maintain certification with 12 hours of continuing education each year

Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) Exam

• Completion of a Sterile Processing Technician Training Course, with a passing grade of 70 or higher; OR
• Completion of 6 months (each) of full-time employment or equivalent part-time hours in related allied health (clinical healthcare profession). as well as, performing SPD activities in SPD; OR
• Completion of 12 months of full-time employment or equivalent part-time hours performing SPD activities; OR
• Completion of 12 months of healthcare product sales or service related to the SPD profession
• Pay $128 exam fee
• - Maintain certification with 100 continuing education points every 5 years

Current DC Healthcare Academy Training Programs

Learn more​:

- Fall 2024: The George Washington Health Network