How To Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Illinois 2025

If you're considering a healthcare career that doesn't take years of school, sterile processing technician training could be your next step. Sterilization processing technicians play a critical role behind the scenes, ensuring surgical tools and equipment are clean, safe, and ready for use.

Whether you want to work in a large hospital or become a traveling sterile processing technician, Illinois offers multiple pathways to get started. This article breaks down how to become a sterile processing technician, from training and certification to salary expectations and program options.

What Is a Sterile Processing Technician?

A sterile processing technician, sometimes called a central service technician, is responsible for cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing surgical tools and medical equipment. These professionals work in hospitals, outpatient centers, and surgical facilities, playing a key role in infection control. Sterile processing techs don't usually work directly with patients, but their work supports every surgery and medical procedure behind the scenes.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Sterile Processing Technician?

Most people can become a sterile processing technician in under a year. Certificate programs in Illinois typically last four to nine months, depending on the school and course format. Some programs offer full-time, in-person training, while others allow part-time study or hybrid online options. After completing your coursework and gaining hands-on clinical experience, you can prepare for certification.

5 Steps To Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Illinois

It doesn't take long to start working in this field, but there are still a few key steps to follow. You'll need to complete a training program at least, and many employers will prefer you become certified. Below, we've explain exactly how you can become a sterile processing tech in Illinois.

Step 1: Meet Basic Requirements

To start, you'll need a high school diploma or GED. Some programs may also require you to pass a background check, provide immunization records, or complete a basic health screening. While prior healthcare experience isn't necessary, having good attention to detail and manual dexterity can be helpful for the job.

Step 2: Enroll in a Training Program

The next step is enrolling in a sterile processing technician training program. These programs are available at several community colleges in Illinois. Courses cover topics like microbiology, infection control, instrument identification, and sterilization techniques. Some programs include a clinical externship that gives you hands-on experience.

Step 3: Complete Hands-On Clinical Hours

To qualify for certification, you typically need at least 400 hours of hands-on experience. Many Illinois programs include this as part of their curriculum, placing you in a hospital or medical center to gain real-world skills. This step is essential for applying for certification.

Step 4: Pass a Certification Exam

Certification is not legally required in Illinois to work as a sterile processing technician, but most employers prefer it. The most common credential is the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) from the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA), which requires 400 hours of hands-on experience and a passing score on the CRCST exam.

Another respected option is the Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) certification, offered by the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution. CSPDT certification requirements include at least 12 months of full-time experience in sterile processing or completion of a CBSPD-approved training course, plus a passing exam score.

Step 5: Look for Entry-Level Jobs

Once you've finished your training and earned your certification, you're ready to start job hunting. Entry-level positions are available in hospitals, outpatient surgical centers, dental clinics, and specialized medical facilities. These roles typically involve working in sterile processing departments, preparing instruments for procedures, and ensuring safety standards are met. Some technicians pursue roles as traveling sterile processing technicians, which offer temporary assignments in various locations and may come with higher wages and added flexibility.

Sterile Processing Technician Training in Illinois

Several schools in Illinois offer programs to prepare students for this fast-paced field. Below are five options with details on cost, program length, and certification outcomes.

1. College of DuPage

College of DuPage offers a central processing distribution technician program designed to prepare students for national certification exams like the CRCST. This non-credit program combines classroom instruction with a 128-hour clinical externship at a local healthcare facility. The curriculum covers infection control, medical terminology, and instrument processing.

The total estimated cost is $2,209.98, with additional expenses for textbooks, background checks, drug screenings, and immunizations. Students can complete the program in one semester, making it a fast and practical training option.

2. Lincoln Land Community College

Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC) offers a Central Sterile Service Technician Certificate of Completion designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in hospitals and surgical centers. This 8.5-credit-hour program includes two courses: HLT 109 (Medical Terminology) and SGT 100 (Central Sterile Service Technician). The curriculum covers essential topics such as:

• cleaning, sterilizing, and assembling surgical instruments
• infection control
• decontamination
• record-keeping
• distribution of hospital instrumentation, equipment, and supplies.

In-district tuition is $140 per credit hour, while out-of-district tuition is $280 per credit hour, but additional fees may apply. Financial assistance is available through the Pipeline for the Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce (PATH) program, which offers eligible students free tuition, fees, books, a monthly stipend, and other support services.

3. Kishwaukee College

Kishwaukee College offers a sterile processing technician program entirely online in an asynchronous format, allowing students to access weekly materials at their convenience. Spanning nine weeks, the course covers essential topics such as anatomy, microbiology, infection control, and surgical instrument decontamination.

The total cost is $1,300, which includes textbooks and supplies. While federal and state financial aid are not available, a payment plan can be arranged. Upon completion, students are prepared to sit for the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) exam.

4. Illinois Central College

Illinois Central College trains students for sterile processing roles through its Central Sterile Service Technician Certificate program, which combines classroom instruction with clinical experience. The curriculum covers core topics such as infection control, surgical instrumentation, and decontamination procedures.

Students gain hands-on experience through 400 to 500 hours of clinical rotations, which help fulfill certification eligibility requirements. The program is designed to be completed in about one year, with tuition costing approximately $1,600. Additional expenses for supplies and uniforms may apply, but financial aid—including grants and scholarships—is available to help reduce out-of-pocket costs.

5. Parkland College

Parkland College's sterile processing technician certificate program is an affordable and fast-paced option for students looking to enter the healthcare field. The program can typically be completed in one semester and includes both classroom instruction and supervised clinical training.

Students learn key skills such as sterilization procedures, microbiology, and the handling of surgical instruments—preparing them to sit for the CRCST exam. Tuition is approximately $730 for in-district students, with additional costs for textbooks, supplies, and required immunizations.

FAQs About Becoming a Sterile Processing Tech in Illinois

If you're still weighing your options, here are answers to common questions about training, certification, and working as a sterile processing technician in Illinois.

What Is a Sterile Processing Technician's Salary in Illinois?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, sterile processing technicians in Illinois (classified as medical equipment preparers) make around $46,470 a year on average, which breaks down to about $22.35 an hour. Your actual pay can depend on things like where you work, how much experience you have, and whether you're certified. Some techs take on short-term roles in different cities as traveling sterile processing technicians—and that flexibility can often come with a higher paycheck.

Can You Earn Sterile Processing Certification Online?

Yes, you can complete coursework for sterile processing certification online through programs that offer remote instruction. However, you'll still need to complete your clinical hours in person to qualify for exams like the CRCST or meet CSPDT certification requirements.

Do You Need a License To Work as a Sterile Processing Technician in Illinois?

No, Illinois does not require sterile processing technicians to be licensed. However, many employers prefer or expect certification from a nationally recognized body such as HSPA or CBSPD.

Is There Job Demand for Sterile Processing Technicians?

Yes, the job outlook is steady. Hospitals and surgical centers continue to rely on trained sterile processing techs to maintain safety and infection control. With additional certifications and experience, you may be able to move into supervisory or training roles.

Where Do Sterile Processing Techs Usually Work?

Most sterile processing technicians work in hospital central service departments, but you can also find roles in outpatient surgery centers, dental clinics, and even research labs. Those looking for more flexibility sometimes become traveling sterile processing technicians.

Explore Healthcare Degrees

Sterile processing is a fast entry point into healthcare, especially for students looking for an affordable, short-term training path. Browse degree and certification programs featured here on Learn.org and start your path toward a rewarding career as a sterile processing technician today.