BECOME A CERTIFIED STERILE PROCESSING TECHNICIAN IN LESS THAN 6 MONTHS

When you complete the program, you'll earn a University of Missouri–St. Louis Certificate of Completion.

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

Our Sterile Processing Technician program is designed for beginners, so you don't need previous healthcare experience to get started.

The curriculum is designed to help you develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to prepare for your next career opportunity.

Yes! UMSL'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 certification exam and a new healthcare career — without putting the rest of your life on hold.

Yes, your certification exam voucher is included with tuition at no additional cost.

That means you won't pay extra for the exam voucher 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.

UMSL 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 instrument sterilization, infection prevention, decontamination, and inventory management skills employers are looking for, prepare for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification exam administered by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA), receive career support to help you connect with employers, and earn a Certificate of Completion from the University of Missouri–St. Louis — all on a timeline that works for you.

Yes! UMSL's Sterile Processing Technician program is designed to help you build the knowledge and practical skills needed to prepare for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification exam administered by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) — even if you're just starting your healthcare journey.

• Beginner-friendly: No prior experience required

• Career-focused: Learn the decontamination, sterilization, infection prevention, instrumentation, and inventory management skills Sterile Processing Technicians use every day

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

• Practice along the way: Reinforce key concepts with quizzes, assessments, and real-world coding scenarios

• 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.