Sterile Processing Technician
Degree Type
6-credit Technical Diploma
Program Code
30-534-2
Time to Degree
Less than 1 year
Start Date
August
How You'll Learn
Hybrid
Daytime
Sterile processing technicians provide patient care services in the healthcare facility by maintaining the equipment and supplies used in hospital and clinical settings. Learn the principles, procedures and skills needed to process, package, sterilize and distribute tools and equipment used in surgery and other patient care areas.
Please note: Healthcare and Human Services Programs require multiple vaccinations, including flu shots. Deadlines vary by program.
There is a waitlist for this program
WCTC follows a waitlist process for students admitted into this program. Questions about the waitlist process? Email our Admissions office or contact an enrollment counselor.
Apply and Become Admitted as a Core Ready Student
- Apply online and pay the $30 application fee.
WCTC follows a waitlist process for students admitted into this program. The current estimated waitlist timeframe to begin core program courses is approximately 0-1 year.
Questions on the application process? Visit the Admissions page or contact an enrollment counselor.
Before Program Start
Students offered a seat in the Sterile Processing Technician core program courses will be notified via email with instructions on how to register. If you don't receive an initial seat, it is important to continue checking your email until the start of the term. If a student doesn't register or drops their courses we will continue to offer seats until the start of the semester.
- Fall Start: Waitlist review begins the first Monday in April to be considered to start core Sterile Processing courses beginning in fall.
- Spring Start: Waitlist review begins the first Monday in October to be considered to start core Sterile Processing courses beginning in spring.
Become Core Active and Complete Core Courses
After receiving a seat and registering for core program courses:
- Complete required health requirements and Caregiver Background Check. Information on how to complete these requirements will be provided to your WCTC email after you register.
Note: Students who do not complete these requirements will be dropped from courses and moved back to Core-Ready status.
Program Details
Contact Us
Questions? We'd love to help! Connect with our Enrollment team by filling out our online form or by email at enroll@wctc.edu.
Potential Careers
Sterile processing technicians work independently and as part of a team. If you have an interest in the medical field, are an active listener, detail-oriented team player with a penchant for organization, this may be a career to explore.
- Central Service Technician
- Instrument Technician
- Processing Technician
- Supply Processing Technician
- Medical Equipment Preparer
Technical Standards
The students enrolled in the Sterile Processing Technician program should be able to meet the established technical standards identified below with or without reasonable accommodation. The technical standards for the Sterile Processing Technician program are representative of those found in the Sterile Processing Technician profession.
Review the Sterile Processing Technician Technical Standards.
High School Eligibility
This program is open to qualified high school applicants. Learn more >
Please note, students must be 16 years or older to enroll in this program.
Career Salaries
$34,300 – $43,900 annually
Salary range estimates based on wages for related occupations in Waukesha County as reported by Lightcast. Individual wages may vary based on experience, industry, location and specific job requirements. Find our graduates' entry wages in the most recent Graduate Success Report.
Financial Aid
This program does not qualify for financial aid.
Questions? Contact your academic advisor.
Clinical Site Compliance
Please note that some clinical sites require compliance with various safety protocols and measures as a condition to placement. Students may individually address clinical placement requirements with Jenny Clausen, Clinical Placement Specialist.
Reasonable accommodations may be available for students with documented disabilities and/or sincerely held religious beliefs.
Students seeking accommodations due to a documented medical condition or religious belief may request an exemption HERE.
It is important to understand that while WCTC may provide an exemption, there may come a point where clinical sites require vaccines without an option for exemption or where clinical sites do not accept the WCTC exemption.
Review the background check overview.
Course Offerings
View your program's Course List to learn when each course will be offered, including the term and time of day.
What Makes This Program Unique
- Get into the workforce quickly with this short-term, one-semester program.
- After completing 400 hours of on-the-job experience, graduates can take the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) certification exam.
- Current employees in the field can complete this program and then take the HSPA certification exam.
Similar Programs
More Credit Opportunities
High School Dual Credit
Dual enrollment offers high school students an opportunity to get a head start in high-demand fields while earning college credits.
Credit for Prior Learning
You may have the opportunity to obtain credit for the college-level skills and knowledge you've already acquired through prior coursework, work experience and more.