In a busy hospital, it is essential to equip doctors, nurses and other caregivers with sterile, organized tools. A team of sterile processing technicians work together to make sure all the equipment is ready to go—from the medical instruments used during surgery to first aid supplies to equipment like beds and wheelchairs. Sterile processing technicians are the first line of defense against infections associated with health care.
As a sterile processing technician, you will play an essential role in ensuring that patient safety comes first. You’ll learn how to clean, organize, package, transport and store these tools using special procedures. Sterile processing technicians do not interact directly with patients, but do regularly interact with professional teams in health care settings like hospitals, surgical centers, specialty clinics, and dental clinics.
In one semester, you will get the training you need for an entry-level job as a sterile processing technician (also known as a medical equipment preparer or instrument technician). You will learn to use sterilizing equipment in our on-site lab. You will also get hands-on experience in a hospital setting through clinical training. And, you will be ready to get the work experience necessary to take the national certification exam.
You will learn from technicians who bring years of experience to the classroom and know exactly what you need to know to succeed on the job.
This is a limited enrollment health care program. For additional information, contact a health career advisor at healthcareeradvising@oakton.edu.
Students will learn skills in accordance with the standards and guidelines recommended by the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM). Upon successful completion of the program and the required work experience the graduate is eligible to take a national certification exam.
Successful completion of EGL 089 or EGL 095 or reading placement into EGL 089 or EGL 095.
Students can waive official high school transcripts. However, you should still submit official high school transcripts if you apply for financial aid.
Clinical placements require a health assessment, certain immunizations, yearly flu vaccine, criminal background check, specific skill certification (i.e., CPR). Clinical placements may require substance abuse testing and health insurance. These requirements represent an additional cost to the student.
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The sterile processing technician field is growing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical equipment preparers (also known as sterile processing technicians) prepare, sterilize, install or clean laboratory or healthcare equipment and may perform routine laboratory tasks and operate or inspect equipment.
The national median annual wage is $41,480 per year.
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Program Director
Donna Dickson
847.376.7688
ddickson@oakton.edu
Embry Alvarez
Sterile Processing Supervisor
Northshore University Health System
Gus Granchalek
VP of Perioperative Services and Anesthesia
Northshore University Health System
Donielle Horn
Sterile Processing Manager
Northshore University Health System
Courtney Mace Davis
Director of Sterile Processing
Northshore University Health System
Caryn Moore
Manager of High Level & Sterilization Operations
Northshore University Health Systems
Shary Williams
Sterile Processing Manager
Northshore University Health System
Kathy Zagorscak
Recruiter for Sterile Processing
Northshore University Health System
Ex-Officio Members:
May Alimboyoguen
Assistant Dean of Health Careers
Oakton College
Donna Dickson
Coordinator of Sterile Processing
Oakton College
Davita Webb
Adjunct Faculty in Health Information Technology
Oakton College
Kristin Whitehead
Adjunct Faculty in Sterile Processing
Oakton College
Ruth Williams
Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dean of Curriculum and Instruction
Oakton College
Clinical placement requires a health assessment, certain immunizations, flu and COVID vaccination, criminal background check and health insurance. The requirements may represent additional costs to the student. Students who refuse a criminal background check will not be considered "clear" and will not be authorized to participate in the clinical component of the program, necessitating withdrawal from the program at that time. Individual results of student background check are considered confidential.
Yes. Our program is designed to meet the guidelines recommended by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association. Upon successful completion of the program and the required work experience the graduate is eligible to take a national certification exam.