Education for professionals

Apply: Sterile Processing Technician

Sterile processing technicians are medical professionals trained to stock, sterilize, package, and prepare the tools and equipment used in surgical procedures.

Admission to the program is based on a first-come, first-served basis and requires immunization records and passing the drug screen/background check. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Program description

IHP’s Sterile Processing program provides knowledge and hands-on experience to work as a Sterile Processing Technician. Upon successful completion of our program, you may work and obtain your provisional certification through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).

Once you are employed and work in a sterile processing department, you can work towards completing the 400 hours required for full certification* through HSPA.

*”The CRCST certification program is designed to recognize entry-level and existing technicians who have demonstrated the experience, knowledge, and skills necessary to provide competent services as an SPD technician. CRCSTs are integral members of the healthcare team who are responsible for decontaminating, inspecting, assembling, disassembling, packaging, and sterilizing reusable surgical instruments or devices in a healthcare facility. While the CRCST program is based on US practice and standards, it is in harmony with international ISO standards and open to all candidates in the US and abroad who meet the eligibility requirements.” – Healthcare Sterile Processing Association

Time

One term, 42 hours of online and hands-on training in a hospital setting.

Tuition

$1,498, excluding book. Tuition is due at the time of registration, or students may set up a 3-month payment plan with the Portland Community College Student Account Services. For information about the payment plan, please visit the PCC payment plan webpage.

Things to keep in mind before applying
  • Make sure you have included all requested materials before submitting your application. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.
  • You must be age 18 when class begins.
  • Submitting a registration form does not signify or guarantee that you will be registered or accepted into the Sterile Processing program.
  • This program includes or requires educational experiences that take place in clinical/field environments. The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Public Health Division requires students in clinical/field environments to comply with vaccination requirements, including COVID-19 vaccination. Students are also required to pass a criminal background check and drug screenings. If you have any questions, please contact EntryHealthcareapps@pcc.edu.
  • View the class schedule. Required text: AHA BLS for Healthcare Providers Manual (c 2020) available at PCC Sylvania Campus bookstore, 971-722-4910, or order direct from shopcpr.heart.org (e-book cost: $15, product number: 20-3102, ISBN: 978-1-61669-799-0; printed book cost: $17.50, product number: 20-1102, ISBN: 978-1-61669-768-6).

Upcoming program details

  • The next Sterile Processing Technician Program will be offered in Spring 2026.
  • Program start date: March 30, 2026
  • Application period: January 12 to March 6, 2026, or until seats are filled
  • Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis, contingent upon successful completion of vaccination documentation and passing a drug screen and background check via the CastleBranch website.
  • All applicants will receive an update on their application status by February 12. If seats are still available, a second update will be provided by February 27. Final updates will be shared by March 6.

Admission requirements

All applicants must:

  • Complete all vaccination requirements and submit on Castlebranch website
  • Pass a background check (Orders cannot be placed before January 12)
  • Pass a drug screen (Orders cannot be placed before January 12)
  • Provide a copy of a current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider, (BLS) CPR Certification

These requirements must be completed through CastleBranch (See Step 3: Castlebranch Account Setup Instructions below)

Note: Students will incur an estimated nonrefundable fee of $200 to create a CastleBranch account. This includes the cost of both the background check and drug screen.

Required documentation

Applicants should gather immunization records and CPR Certification early to ensure they meet the requirements before ordering their background check and drug screen on the Castlebranch Website. This can be done before the application period begins.

  1. CPR Certification
    Copy of a current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR card. Cards from the American Red Cross are not accepted. If you need an AHA CPR card, please see our course schedules.
  2. Immunization Records (Submit documentation or immunity titers)
    • Hepatitis B: 3-dose series or positive titer, or provider confirmation of immunity
    • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): 2 doses or positive titer
    • Varicella (Chickenpox): 2 doses or positive titer
    • TDAP: Must be within the last 10 years
    • Tuberculosis test: Current-year PPD showing negative result; if positive, a chest X-ray is required
    • Flu vaccine: Required for the 2025–2026 season (August–April)
    • COVID-19 vaccine (Optional): Documentation of two doses.
  3. CastleBranch account setup:
    • Order a background check and drug screening (must be completed within 3 months of program start)
    • Visit the CastleBrand PCC – Sterile Processing -NC specific portal (Orders cannot be placed before January 12)
    • Follow prompts to create an account with a username and password
  4. Submit the following documents to: EntryHealthcareapps@pcc.edu
    • Education documentation
      • Copy of high school diploma, GED, or college/university degree
    • Registration form
      • Submit a completed PCC Non-Credit Registration Form
        • CRN field may be left blank
        • Write “Sterile Processing Training” in the course title section
        • Include a valid email address for acceptance notification