A Sterile Processing Technician, also known as a Central Services Technician, is responsible for preventing infection by sterilizing, cleaning, processing, assembling, storing, and distributing medical supplies and equipment. These professionals play a critical role in healthcare.

The Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) is a certification granted by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA). The CRCST is a certification program designed for entry-level and existing technicians who demonstrate the knowledge, experience, and skills needed to show competence as a sterile processing technician.

To sit for the national certification exam, candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent; it is recommended that you have this before enrolling in this program.

Medical Terminology

• Introduction to Medical Terminology
• The Musculoskeletal System
• The Cardiovascular System
• The Lymphatic and Immune Systems
• The Respiratory System
• The Digestive System
• The Urinary System
• The Nervous System
• The Special Senses The Eyes and Ears
• The Integumentary System
• The Endocrine System
• The Reproductive System
• Diagnostic Procedures, Nuclear Medicine, Pharmacology

Sterile Processing Technician

• Introduction
• Infection Control, Standards, and Regulations
• Decontamination and Workplace Safety
• Disinfection Process and Complex Instrumentation
• Tray Assembly
• Prep and Pack
• Introduction to Sterilization
• Introduction to Low-Temperature Sterilization
• Instrumentation Identification (Part I)
• Instrumentation Identification (Part II)
• Case Cart Introduction
• Sterile Storage
• Managing Inventory
• Ancillary Department Support
• Important Components for a Successful Career
• Wrapping Up and Preparing for Your Exam

Janice Brownlee

• Janice "Jan" Brownlee has been a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) for 43 years and has worked in all sizes of hospitals, including surgery centers. Jan worked in a sterile processing department in the instrument room and sterile supply areas. While working in the operating room, she scrubbed all services, with cardiothoracic, vascular, and orthopedics being her favorites.
  
  Jan also had the opportunity to work for a private group of cardiothoracic surgeons and expand her knowledge and skills even more. Working as a surgical first assistant was the highlight of her career. She has continued her career path by teaching surgical technology and sterile processing at a local community college and enjoys watching her students learn and grow.

Teresa Nicolich

• Teresa J. Nicolich holds a Master of Science (MS) in Human Services Leadership and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in American Studies, with a minor in Communications & Journalism. Teresa is a Certified Registered Central Service Technician, certified by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA), formerly the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM).
  
  Teresa has 30 years of experience in healthcare central supply and sterile processing central sterile technician programs providing course development, education, instruction, orientation, and staff training and development for the healthcare facility.