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.
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 $38,220 per year.
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.