How To Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Michigan 2025

<p>Sterile processing technicians are responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, and preparing surgical tools and equipment in hospitals and outpatient facilities. They work behind the scenes to ensure every instrument used in a medical procedure is safe and ready for use. It's a detail-focused job that plays a critical role in patient safety and infection control. </p> <h2 id="section---HowLongDoesItTakeToBecomeASterileProcessingTechnician">How Long Does It Take To Become a Sterile Processing Technician?</h2> <p>Most training programs take anywhere from four months to one year to complete. Some are self-paced and fully online, while others include clinical experience or externships that stretch the timeline a bit. If you want to start working quickly, you can choose a program that offers fast-track options and sterile processing certification online. </p> <h2 id="section---5StepsToBecomeASterileProcessingTechnicianInMichigan">5 Steps To Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Michigan</h2> <p>The process of becoming a sterile processing technician is fairly straightforward: complete your education, get certified, and apply for jobs in hospitals or surgical centers. </p> <h3 id="section---Step1EarnAHighSchoolDiplomaOrEquivalent">Step 1: Earn a High School Diploma or Equivalent</h3> <p>To enroll in a sterile processing technician program, you'll need to have a high school diploma or GED. This foundational requirement proves you have the basic math, reading, and communication skills necessary for healthcare-related work. In some cases, you may also need to provide school transcripts or complete placement exams, especially for programs offered through community colleges. </p> <h3 id="section---Step2CompleteASterileProcessingTechnicianTrainingProgram">Step 2: Complete a Sterile Processing Technician Training Program</h3> <p>Michigan offers several training programs both online and in-person, with most lasting between four months and one year. Courses typically cover infection control, surgical instrument handling, decontamination techniques, microbiology, and medical terminology. Some programs, such as those at Delta College and Herzing University, include CRCST exam vouchers or prep materials. Depending on the school, you might also gain clinical experience or complete an externship as part of the curriculum. </p> <h3 id="section---Step3GainHandsOnExperience">Step 3: Gain Hands-On Experience</h3> <p>Some certifications require you to complete clinical hours before or after the exam. Programs like those from Dorsey College and Delta College may include externships or lab practice as part of the curriculum. If you're enrolled in an online program that doesn't offer a hands-on component, you can meet experience requirements by applying for entry-level roles at hospitals or outpatient centers. Volunteering in a sterile processing department or shadowing experienced technicians are also valuable ways to build practical experience. </p> <h3 id="section---Step4PassACertificationExam">Step 4: Pass a Certification Exam</h3> <p>Certification isn't required by Michigan law, but most employers prefer it. You can choose the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) or pursue certification through the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD). For <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_are_the_Requirements_for_Certification_as_a_Sterile_Processing_Technician.html">CBSPD certification requirements</a>, you'll need a high school diploma, 12 months of full-time experience or completion of a training course, and a passing score on their exam. </p> <h3 id="section---Step5ApplyForJobsInMichiganOrAsATravelingTech">Step 5: Apply for Jobs in Michigan or as a Traveling Tech</h3> <p>Once certified, you can apply for jobs in hospitals, surgery centers, or clinics. If you enjoy variety and flexibility, consider becoming a traveling sterile processing technician. These positions usually come with higher pay and short-term contracts across the state or country. </p> <h2 id="section---SterileProcessingTechnicianTrainingInMichigan">Sterile Processing Technician Training in Michigan</h2> <p>Michigan offers a variety of training programs that fit different schedules and budgets. Whether you're looking for a self-paced online program or a hands-on classroom experience, there are several schools to choose from. </p> <h3 id="section---DorseyCollege">Dorsey College</h3> <p>Dorsey College offers a sterile processing technician certificate program that takes about seven months to complete and is available at four campuses across the state. The in-person classes cover topics such as infection control, sterilization procedures, and surgical instrumentation, and include built-in hands-on experience. </p> <p>This comprehensive training prepares students for the CRCST certification exam and costs $13,080. The college is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE). </p> <h3 id="section---DeltaCollege">Delta College</h3> <p>Delta College offers a fully online sterile processing technician program through its career training portal. This self-paced course includes a voucher for the CRCST certification exam and is typically completed within 12 months or less, depending on your schedule. </p> <p>The program costs $3,290, but the site often runs a discount, offering the course for $2,795 instead. It's a flexible option for students who need to work while attending school. </p> <h3 id="section---HerzingUniversity">Herzing University</h3> <p>Herzing University, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), provides a sterile processing technician training track as part of its broader healthcare curriculum. The program is delivered entirely online, allowing students to study from anywhere at their own pace. It includes 24 credit hours focused on sterilization processes, infection control, surgical equipment handling, and professional ethics. </p> <p>At $530 per credit, total tuition comes to approximately $12,720. Although the program is fully online, it is structured to prepare students for the CRCST certification exam and may be completed in less than a year. </p> <h3 id="section---MichiganHealthcareAcademy">Michigan Healthcare Academy</h3> <p>Michigan Healthcare Academy offers a central sterile processing technician program designed for flexibility, accommodating various schedules and learning preferences. Students can choose from four distinct class formats: </p> <ul><li>The daytime program is 12 weeks long, and students meet twice a week for three and a half hours. </li><li>The evening program also spans 12 weeks where students attend three-and-a-half-hour classes twice a week. </li><li>The accelerated daytime program is an intensive six-week option with classes Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. </li><li>The accelerated evening program is 6 weeks long and meets Monday through Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. </li></ul><p>Tuition is $3,800, with a required down payment of $2,500. Michigan Healthcare Academy is an approved training provider with Michigan Works, offering potential tuition assistance for eligible unemployed individuals. </p> <h3 id="section---LansingCommunityCollege">Lansing Community College</h3> <p>Lansing Community College offers a sterile processing technician certificate of completion that is designed to be completed in a single semester. The seven-credit program includes two courses: STPR 145, a lecture and campus lab held during the first eight weeks, and STPR 148, an externship that takes place during the final eight weeks of the semester. </p> <p>Students can start in either the fall or spring semester, and all classes are held in person. Upon completion, students are eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination for Sterile Processing and Distribution. Tuition is $120 per billable hour, totaling approximately $840 for in-district students, not including fees or materials. </p> <h2 id="section---FAQsAboutBecomingASterileProcessingTechInMichigan">FAQs About Becoming a Sterile Processing Tech in Michigan</h2> <p>Below are answers to some of the most common questions about training, certification, and employment as a sterile processing technician in Michigan. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatIsASterileProcessingTechnicianSSalaryInMichigan">What Is a Sterile Processing Technician's Salary in Michigan?</h3> <p>According to the <a href="https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes_mi.htm">Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>, the average annual salary for sterile processing technicians in Michigan is about $43,870. That breaks down to roughly $21.09 per hour. Pay can vary by region, with higher wages in Ann Arbor and Detroit and slightly lower pay in rural areas. </p> <h3 id="section---DoINeedALicenseToWorkAsASterileProcessingTechnicianInMichigan">Do I Need a License To Work as a Sterile Processing Technician in Michigan?</h3> <p>Michigan does not require state licensure for sterile processing techs. However, most employers expect certification through either the HSPA (CRCST) or CBSPD. </p> <h3 id="section---IsCertificationRequiredToGetHired">Is Certification Required to Get Hired?</h3> <p>While it's not a legal requirement in Michigan, certification is strongly preferred by healthcare facilities. It demonstrates your competency and helps you stand out in the job market. </p> <h3 id="section---HowDoIMeetTheCBSPDCertificationRequirements">How Do I Meet the CBSPD Certification Requirements?</h3> <p>To qualify for CBSPD certification, you'll need to meet one of the following: one year of full-time experience in sterile processing, completion of a training program, or a combination of both. You'll also need to pass a written exam and submit documentation verifying your experience or training. </p> <h3 id="section---CanIGetSterileProcessingCertificationOnline">Can I Get Sterile Processing Certification Online?</h3> <p>Yes, many training programs are now offered fully online and include prep for national certification exams. Online courses may also include vouchers for the CRCST exam or virtual simulations to help build practical skills. </p> <h2 id="section---ExploreHealthcareDegrees">Explore Healthcare Degrees</h2> <p>If you're ready to start a hands-on healthcare career, becoming a sterile processing technician is a great place to begin. Browse degree and certification programs featured here on Learn.org and start your path toward a rewarding career as a sterile processing technician today.</p>