Central Service Technician

The Central Service Technician, also called Sterile Processing Technician, works in hospitals and surgical centers and plays a critical role in preventing and controlling infection by sterilizing, cleaning, processing, assembling, storing, and distributing medical supplies. Central Service Technician have very little direct patient contact. Work in the sterile processing department entails cleaning and decontaminating surgical instruments where the technician is exposed to blood, bodily fluid, or harsh cleaning agents and often needs to wear personal protective equipment. The technician is tasked to carefully inspect instruments which requires a high level of concentration, and to distribute supplies throughout the facility which can involve heavy lifting.

The Central Service Technician program teaches the student the principles and methods of infection control. The student will review types of surgical instruments, their use, and how to clean and decontaminate them. They will learn how to inspect instruments, and how to assemble, package and safely transport them throughout the healthcare facility.

After completing the program the student will be prepared to work in an entry-level technician positon and sit for the CRCST certification exam administered by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).

The student has the option of gaining 400 hours of hands-on experience needed for the full national CRCST certification exam by enrolling in the four CST Clinical classes. These classes are not required for the completion of the program.

Students entering this program need to be dedicated to their studies, attending all in-person classes and have computer and internet access for their homework. The Central Service Technician needs to be able to stand or sit for long hours while constantly being focused on the task at hand. The technician needs to have a high level of work ethic since failure to perform according to protocol can have far-reaching consequences for the patients.​

Central Service Technician have an excellent career outlook. Demand for certified technicians has been consistently high with new technologies expanding the tasks of the sterile processing department.

Program Course Sequence

CPR and First Aid classes REQUIRE 100% attendance. Students arriving late to class will not be admitted. Late arrival to or early exit from class will also result in a failing grade and no refund. Students will then be required to retake the class at their expense.

All three courses must be finished for successful completion

​​Optional Classes: