Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Less Than 6 Months

When you complete the program, you'll earn a Certificate of Completion from SMU Continuing and Professional Education.

The Sterile Processing Technician curriculum is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect current healthcare industry standards, helping you build the sterilization & infection control skills employers value while preparing for the CRCST exam.

SMU Continuing and Professional Education partners with Preppy to offer flexible, online career training programs designed to prepare students with practical skills for in-demand careers.

Through this partnership, students can complete their training online and at their own pace, with Preppy providing the learning platform and student support throughout the program. Upon successful completion, students earn a Certificate of Completion and digital badge from SMU Continuing and Professional Education. The digital badge can be shared on LinkedIn, in an email signature, or elsewhere online to showcase your completed training.

SMU Continuing and Professional Education is part of Southern Methodist University (SMU), a regionally accredited private university accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Yes! SMU Continuing and Professional Education's Sterile Processing Technician program is built for busy adults. Whether you're working full-time, caring for your family, or balancing other responsibilities, you can complete your coursework on a schedule that works for you.

Because the program is self-paced, you can study when it's most convenient and move through the material at your own pace. While many students complete the program in 3–6 months, you'll have up to 12 months to finish your training.

This flexibility makes it easier to prepare for the CRCST exam and a new healthcare career — without putting the rest of your life on hold.

Yes, your voucher for the CRCST exam is included with tuition at no additional cost.

That means that, should you choose to pursue the CRCST certification, you won't have to pay extra for the exam needed to earn your credential — you can focus on completing your training and preparing for certification.

Virtual simulations are interactive learning experiences that let you practice the essential workflows and procedures performed by sterile processing professionals in a realistic, low-risk environment. Instead of simply reading about the material, you'll actively complete guided exercises that reinforce the knowledge and skills you'll use on the job.

Throughout the simulations, you'll practice key sterile processing procedures, strengthen your understanding of proper workflows, and complete competency-based activities designed to build confidence and improve retention. You'll receive performance feedback along the way and can repeat simulations as many times as needed to master each skill.

You can get started as soon as you're ready. There are no application deadlines or semester start dates to wait for.

Once you enroll, you'll receive access to your online coursework so you can begin learning on your own schedule. Because the program is self-paced, you can start when it makes sense for you and progress at a pace that fits your life. While many students complete their training in 3–6 months, you'll have up to 12 months to finish the program.

SMU Continuing and Professional Education offers a flexible way to prepare for a sterile processing technician career without putting your life on hold.

The online Sterile Processing Technician program combines the credibility of a regionally accredited university with the flexibility of self-paced learning.You'll develop the sterilization & infection control skills  skills employers are looking for, prepare for CRCST, get career and externship placement support, and earn a Certificate of Completion from SMU Continuing and Professional Education — all on a timeline that works for you.

Yes! SMU Continuing and Professional Education's Sterile Processing Technician program is designed to help you build the knowledge and practical skills needed to prepare for the CRCST exam — even if you're just starting your healthcare journey.

• Beginner-friendly: No prior experience required

• Career-focused: Learn the sterilization & infection control skills sterile processing technicians use every day

• Step by step: Build your knowledge and confidence through guided online coursework

• Practice along the way: Reinforce your learning with quizzes, assessments, and hands-on learning opportunities

• Certification preparation: Complete a curriculum designed to prepare you for the CRCST certification exam

Our goal is to help you feel confident, prepared for certification, and ready to begin your career as a sterile processing technician.

You'll have support throughout your learning journey.

From your first lesson to your job search, we're here to help you succeed.

Learner Support: Get help with course content, assignments, and navigating the online learning platform whenever you need it.

Career Support: Receive guidance on resumes, interviews, and job readiness as you prepare to pursue opportunities in healthcare.

All required digital course materials are included with your tuition at no additional cost.

You'll have access to the online lessons, learning resources, quizzes, and other materials needed to complete your program. There are no required textbooks to purchase, so you can get started right away without worrying about unexpected costs.