Sterile Processing Technician Certificate

Lasell’s online Sterile Processing Technician course provides a comprehensive introduction to the core responsibilities and daily practices of the profession. With guidance from experienced instructors, you will gain the knowledge and hands-on understanding needed to succeed in hospital, outpatient, and clinical settings.

Course topics include:

• Medical terminology and foundational anatomy (musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, lymphatic/immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and nervous systems)
• Sterilization and decontamination techniques
• Instrument processing workflows
• Inventory and equipment management
• Infection control standards
• Regulatory and safety guidelines

Students with prior medical terminology experience may opt to “test out” of the Medical Terminology portion by earning a minimum score of 80%. This option applies only to the online Medical Terminology course.

The program prepares you to sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam, offered through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA). Your course enrollment includes an exam voucher and the opportunity to apply for a clinical experience.

Students who successfully complete the online coursework and maintain a current account balance may apply for a clinical experience. Placement is not guaranteed, but Lasell’s affiliated sites increase opportunities for matching students with appropriate settings. You may begin reviewing the application steps two weeks prior to completing your coursework.

Note for WIOA-funded students: If your enrollment is supported by WIOA or another funding program, please confirm all test-out and course-sequence requirements with your funding representative before attempting to test out of Medical Terminology.

What You Will Learn

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Understand the role: Define the sterile processing technician’s responsibilities, skill set, communication expectations, and use of accurate medical terminology.
  
  
• Apply regulations & standards: Identify the regulatory and professional guidelines that support safety, infection prevention, and high-quality care.
  
  
• Master sterile processing workflows: Explain best practices in decontamination, inspection, preparation, assembly, and sterilization of instruments and supplies.
  
  
• Manage sterile storage: Review storage guidelines, quality assurance procedures, and strategies for maintaining a safe and compliant environment.
  
  
• Support inventory & documentation: Demonstrate proper care of loaner instruments, inventory processes, information management systems, and accurate documentation.
  
  
• Grow professional competencies: Describe how communication, teamwork, and personal development contribute to effectiveness and advancement in the field.