How Long Does It Take to Become a Sterile Processing Technician?

The healthcare industry is expected to grow over the next decade and beyond as the Baby Boomers reach the Medicare age.

Finding a career in the medical field can get you job security for years to come.

One of the fastest paths from education to entering the workforce is to become a sterile processing technician.

This is a profession dedicated to cleaning and sterilizing medical equipment and tools to prevent the spread of infections and diseases while maintaining high standards during the process.

The professional path to becoming a sterile processing technician can be anywhere from nailing the job interview tomorrow or within two to four years of higher education.

Overview of the Top Three Ways to Become a Sterile Processing Technician

There are three paths to choose from when looking for a sterile processing technician job–the shortest, medium, and longest.

The shortest option would require a high school diploma or a GED.

It would help the candidate’s chances of landing a job if there was a strong education focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

Another option for those with a high school education is to take a sterile processing tech certification course, which could be completed within six weeks to a year.

The longest route toward becoming a sterile processing technician is getting an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, which would take two or four years.

Pros and Cons of How Much Education You Choose for a Sterile Processing Technician Job

You might wonder why someone would get additional education when the jobs are available right out of high school.

That’s a valid question, but there are more complicated layers.

First of all, an entry-level sterile processing tech might not get the best hours (looking at you, overnight shift), lower pay, or an associate sterile processing tech role until they are certified.

It’s also worth checking if you live in a state where certification is required.

As of late 2024, the following states require a certificate to perform as a sterile processing tech:

Connecticut
Delaware
New Jersey
New York
Pennsylvania
Tennessee

Florida, Massachusetts, and Minnesota are working on legislation that will likely lead to certification requirements for a sterile processing technician.

Considering that the standard certification requires 400 hours of hands-on work, either in the previous five years or within the following six months, you’ll need to have experience in the workplace one way or another.

You could consider getting the job to start racking up hours to pass the certification or earn the hours while you’re in school.

Shortest Path to Becoming a Sterile Processing Technician

The fastest way to become a sterile processing tech is to get a job with just a high school (or equivalent) education.

Of course, this is only possible in states where certifications aren’t required.

Start by seeking entry-level positions or internships in hospitals or surgical centers that offer on-the-job training.

Highlight your attention to detail, willingness to learn, and strong work ethic on your application.

Volunteering at healthcare facilities or shadowing professionals can provide a foot in the door and valuable references.

Medium Path to Becoming a Sterile Processing Technician

While I don’t have a dog in this fight, it just makes sense to strongly consider this path when becoming a sterile processing technician.

Here’s why–taking the certificate course, which can be anywhere from six weeks to one year, achieves several goals at once.

Firstly, most programs will require apprenticeships or other hands-on training, there are online programs that do not require any hands-on training, which satisfies the certification requirements while also meeting the demands of the certificate program.

Secondly, there is more than just one type of certification in the sterile processing field.

Getting more advanced certificates requires passing the basic CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician) test and completing the required hours.

The more certificates you hold, the better chances you have of pay increases or lucrative traveling sterile processing tech positions.

Longest Path to Becoming a Sterile Processing Technician

Going for an advanced degree like an associate’s or bachelor’s might be ideal for those who want the power of a degree behind them in case they have management aspirations or wish to pursue a nursing or medical degree.

It will take two years for an associate’s degree and four years for a bachelor’s degree.

Plus, add on the time it will take to get certification(s).

Look for classes that parlay certification with education.

Even if your studies focus on a different niche in healthcare, getting a job as a sterile processing tech could be a great entry-level job in a top-tier hospital or healthcare business.

Look for healthcare settings that prioritize promoting from within if this is your path.

Schedule the time for hands-on work or apprenticeships into each semester.

On the flip side, if your end goal is to stay at the sterile processing tech level for years to come, getting that much more education might not pay off in the long run.

Key Takeaways

A sterile processing technician’s role is critical to the health and safety of all patients, even if it lacks the grandeur and accolades of top surgeons.

At the same time, it’s one of the top healthcare positions for those with little experience or minimal desire to continue more advanced education.

The top points to consider for planning education around becoming a sterile processing technician are:

Most job listings won’t require education beyond high school for a sterile processing tech job. The listings will likely say a certification or advanced degree is preferred.
Certification isn’t required in all states, but I expect that to change in the future. Given the illnesses that poorly sterilized equipment can spread, new technologies are being developed that will require strict standards and ongoing education.
The most logical path to becoming a sterile processing technician is getting a high school degree and then taking a certification course or pursuing a community college associate’s degree. This will put education and work experience happening in tandem, but it won’t take up to four years before you can work full-time.

Do not let the lack of education requirements make you think this job is easy.

The on-the-job training for a sterile processing technician will be more challenging for those without prior experience or education.

However, the value of the time invested and lower education costs make the sterile processing technician a reliable position, but also one that won’t leave you with decades of student debt.

I highly recommend reading some Subreddits from current sterile processing techs and leaders to learn more about the reality of this important job.