How To Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Georgia 2025

<p><a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_Does_a_Sterile_Processing_Technician_Do.html">Sterilization processing technicians</a> play a key behind-the-scenes role in patient care. They're the ones responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, and organizing surgical instruments, endoscopes, and other medical tools. Working in hospital sterile supply departments, outpatient centers, or even as a traveling sterile processing technician, these professionals help maintain patient safety and prevent infections. </p> <h2 id="section---HowLongDoesItTakeToBecomeASterileProcessingTechnician">How Long Does It Take To Become a Sterile Processing Technician?</h2> <p>You can usually complete sterile processing technician training in four to 12 months. The time depends on the type of program you choose and whether it includes hands-on experience. Some online programs are self-paced, while others follow a set schedule. Many students finish in under a year and are ready to sit for certification exams. </p> <h2 id="section---5StepsToBecomeASterileProcessingTechnicianInGeorgia">5 Steps To Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Georgia</h2> <p>Becoming a sterile processing technician involves a few key steps, from meeting basic education requirements to completing training, gaining experience, and earning certification. Here's a quick look at the typical path for sterile processing technicians in Georgia. </p> <h3 id="section---Step1EarnYourHighSchoolDiplomaOrGED">Step 1: Earn Your High School Diploma or GED</h3> <p>Before you can enroll in a sterile processing technician program, you'll need a high school diploma or equivalent. Some schools may also require you to pass a background check or provide proof of immunizations. </p> <h3 id="section---Step2EnrollInASterileProcessingTechnicianProgram">Step 2: Enroll in a Sterile Processing Technician Program</h3> <p>Start by enrolling in a training program that covers the core principles of sterile processing. Programs in Georgia, whether in person or online, typically teach infection control, instrument sterilization, microbiology, and medical terminology. These courses lay the academic foundation you'll need to move forward in this career. Some schools may offer optional externships, but most online programs focus on classroom learning and do not fulfill hands-on experience requirements. </p> <h3 id="section---Step3CompleteTheRequiredHandsOnExperience">Step 3: Complete the Required Hands-On Experience</h3> <p>To become eligible for certification, you must complete 400 hours of hands-on experience in a sterile processing setting. This is a requirement for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) credential through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA). If your program does not include a clinical externship, you'll need to arrange this experience independently, either before or after passing the certification exam. This step is essential for developing real-world skills and qualifying for employment. </p> <h3 id="section---Step4GetCertified">Step 4: Get Certified</h3> <p>While Georgia doesn't require certification by law, most employers strongly prefer it&mdash;and some won't hire you without it. The two primary certification options are the CRCST credential from the HSPA and the certification offered through the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD). </p> <p>To earn the CRCST, you must pass a written exam and complete 400 hours of hands-on experience in areas like decontamination, sterilization, and equipment preparation. HSPA allows you to take the exam before completing the hours, but you'll only receive provisional certification until your experience is verified within six months. Once your hours are submitted and approved, your full certification becomes active. </p> <p><a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_are_the_Requirements_for_Certification_as_a_Sterile_Processing_Technician.html">CBSPD certification requirements</a> are slightly different. You must pass the written exam and meet eligibility through either prior work experience or completion of a formal training program. Unlike HSPA, CBSPD requires that your training or experience is completed before you sit for the exam. </p> <h3 id="section---Step5ApplyForJobsAndKeepLearning">Step 5: Apply for Jobs and Keep Learning</h3> <p>Once you're certified, you can start applying for jobs in hospitals, outpatient centers, and surgical clinics. You might also explore opportunities as a traveling sterile processing technician. Continuing education helps you stay up to date on industry standards and may be required to maintain your certification. </p> <h2 id="section---SterileProcessingTechnicianTrainingInGeorgia">Sterile Processing Technician Training in Georgia</h2> <p>There are several training options in Georgia for those pursuing this career. Below are five programs to consider, each offering its own mix of flexibility, price, and certification preparation. </p> <h3 id="section---1.GwinnettTechnicalCollege">1. Gwinnett Technical College</h3> <p>Gwinnett Technical College offers a central sterile processing technician certificate that blends classroom learning with practical lab experience. The program includes 29 credit hours and covers sterilization methods, anatomy, and surgical terminology. It's designed to prepare students for industry certification, including the CRCST. At $107 per credit, the total cost comes out to approximately $3,100, not including additional fees and materials. </p> <h3 id="section---2.ChattahoocheeTechnicalCollege">2. Chattahoochee Technical College</h3> <p>This online sterile processing technician training program is offered through Chattahoochee Tech's career training portal. It includes a voucher for the CRCST exam and is self-paced, making it ideal for students who need flexibility. The curriculum covers sterilization procedures, microbiology, surgical instruments, and safety protocols. Tuition is $3,340, but there is often a 15% discount making the total cost $2,795 instead. </p> <h3 id="section---3.U.S.CareerInstitute">3. U.S. Career Institute</h3> <p>The U.S. Career Institute offers a self-paced online program for aspiring sterile processing technicians in Georgia. Students can begin at any time and study on a flexible schedule that fits their lifestyle. The program is specifically designed to prepare students for national certification exams, including the CRCST. </p> <p>Tuition is $979 if paid in full, and interest-free monthly payment plans are available at $69 per month. All course materials are included, and the school offers a five-day risk-free preview so students can decide if the program is right for them. </p> <h3 id="section---4.PennFoster">4. Penn Foster</h3> <p>Penn Foster offers a fully online sterile processing technician career diploma that you can complete in as little as three to six months. The program is self-paced, allowing you to progress on your own schedule while still preparing for industry certification like the CRCST. It includes access to an interactive student portal, academic support, and career services. </p> <p>The program costs $949 if paid in full, but monthly payment plans are available for a fee. It is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which helps ensure quality and credibility. </p> <h3 id="section---5.AshworthCollege">5. Ashworth College</h3> <p>If you're looking for a no-frills, affordable entry point into sterile processing, Ashworth College might be a good fit. This online program is built for independence: students decide when to start and how quickly to finish. There are no fixed schedules or live sessions, making it ideal for those who prefer learning on their own terms. </p> <p>The total cost is $1,049 if paid upfront, and $1,449 if you set up a monthly payment plan. Support is available when needed, but the focus is on giving students the tools to train at their own pace and prepare for certification confidently. </p> <h2 id="section---FAQsAboutBecomingASterileProcessingTechInGeorgia">FAQs About Becoming a Sterile Processing Tech in Georgia</h2> <p>Here are a few key details that often come up when exploring a career as a sterile processing technician in Georgia. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatIsASterileProcessingTechnicianSSalaryInGeorgia">What Is a Sterile Processing Technician's Salary in Georgia?</h3> <p>In Georgia, medical equipment preparers, including sterile processing techs, earn between $44,650 and $47,920 a year on average according to the <a href="https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes319093.htm">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>. Your pay might be higher or lower depending on where you work, how much experience you have, and whether you're certified. If you are a traveling sterile processing technician, you could earn even more since those positions usually come with higher rates and short-term contracts. </p> <h3 id="section---DoINeedALicenseToWorkAsASterileProcessingTechnicianInGeorgia">Do I Need a License To Work as a Sterile Processing Technician in Georgia?</h3> <p>No, Georgia does not have a licensing requirement for sterile processing technicians. However, most employers expect you to have formal training and certification. This helps show that you meet industry standards and are qualified to handle critical sterilization tasks. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatCertificationShouldIGet">What Certification Should I Get?</h3> <p>The two most common certifications are the CRCST from <a href="https://myhspa.org/certification/certification-overview/certified-registered-central-service-technician-crcst/">HSPA</a> and the certification offered through CBSPD. Both are recognized by employers across the country. Review each organization's eligibility rules and choose the one that best fits your experience and goals. </p> <h3 id="section---CanICompleteSterileProcessingCertificationOnline">Can I Complete Sterile Processing Certification Online?</h3> <p>Yes, you can complete sterile processing certification online. Many programs in Georgia offer flexible online options that prepare you for certification exams, including CRCST and CBSPD. These programs often include interactive lessons and support services to help you succeed. </p> <h3 id="section---HowCanIBecomeATravelingSterileProcessingTechnician">How Can I Become a Traveling Sterile Processing Technician?</h3> <p>To work as a traveling sterile processing technician, you'll need to complete your training, earn certification, and gain a bit of experience. Travel positions are often offered through staffing agencies and require you to work in different facilities for short-term contracts. This role can offer higher pay and flexibility. </p> <h2 id="section---ExploreHealthcareDegrees">Explore Healthcare Degrees</h2> <p>Sterile processing is a reliable entry point into healthcare, and certification can open the door to higher-paying roles. Whether you're drawn to online programs or hands-on campus training, Georgia offers several paths to help you get started. 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>