How To Become a Sterile Processing Technician in New Jersey 2025

<p>Sterile processing technicians make sure surgical tools and medical instruments are clean, safe, and properly sterilized. They play a vital role in patient care behind the scenes by preventing infections and helping hospitals and clinics run smoothly. You'll typically work in a central sterile processing department (CSPD), where you'll decontaminate instruments, operate sterilizers, assemble surgical trays, and keep detailed records. </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 under a year. Some programs take as little as four to six months, especially online options. Others, especially those that include clinical externships, may take closer to 12 months. After finishing your coursework, it's common to spend additional time preparing for certification exams. </p> <h2 id="section---5StepsToBecomeASterileProcessingTechnicianInNewJersey">5 Steps To Become a Sterile Processing Technician in New Jersey</h2> <p>Here's a simple breakdown of how to get started in New Jersey, including what you'll need to complete each step and how long the process typically takes. </p> <h3 id="section---Step1EarnAHighSchoolDiplomaOrGED">Step 1: Earn a High School Diploma or GED</h3> <p>Before anything else, you'll need a high school diploma or equivalent, such as a GED. This is a basic requirement for almost every training program in New Jersey. While there are no required high school courses, subjects like biology, anatomy, and health science will give you a leg up. Some programs may also expect basic computer literacy since digital recordkeeping is a major part of the job. </p> <h3 id="section---Step2EnrollInASterileProcessingTechnicianTrainingProgram">Step 2: Enroll in a Sterile Processing Technician Training Program</h3> <p>Once you've met the education requirement, you can apply to a training program. New Jersey has several options, both online and in-person. These programs usually take up to 12 months to complete and cover topics like infection control, microbiology, decontamination, and sterilization procedures. Many programs include a voucher for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam, and some also offer job placement help. </p> <h3 id="section---Step3CompleteClinicalHoursOrExternship">Step 3: Complete Clinical Hours or Externship</h3> <p>To become certified, you'll need to get hands-on experience. Some training programs include a built-in externship, while others require you to arrange one yourself. If you're aiming for CRCST certification from the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA), you must complete 400 hours of practical experience in a healthcare setting. These hours must cover a range of tasks, from assembling surgical instruments to monitoring sterilization equipment. </p> <h3 id="section---Step4EarnCertification">Step 4: Earn Certification</h3> <p>New Jersey doesn't mandate certification, but most employers will expect it. You have two main options: the CRCST through HSPA or the Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) through the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD). Both require a high school diploma, passing an exam, and verified work or training hours. The CRCST requires 400 hours of hands-on experience, while the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_are_the_Requirements_for_Certification_as_a_Sterile_Processing_Technician.html">CBSPD certification requirements</a> allow either 400 hours or the completion of a formal training program. </p> <h3 id="section---Step5ApplyForJobs">Step 5: Apply for Jobs</h3> <p>Once certified, you can start applying for jobs at hospitals, outpatient clinics, and surgery centers. New Jersey's urban hubs, like Newark and Jersey City, have a high demand for sterile processing techs. You might work in shifts and have opportunities to move into senior roles. Some techs eventually become traveling sterile processing technicians, taking short-term jobs across different facilities for higher pay. </p> <h2 id="section---SterileProcessingTechnicianTrainingInNewJersey">Sterile Processing Technician Training in New Jersey</h2> <p>Several schools across New Jersey offer programs designed to help you qualify for certification and land your first job. We've listed five of them below. </p> <h3 id="section---1.NewJerseyCityUniversity">1. New Jersey City University</h3> <p>New Jersey City University partners with ed2go to offer a flexible, self-paced sterile processing technician course that students can start anytime. The online program is designed to be completed in about 12 months and includes a voucher for the CRCST certification exam. </p> <p>You'll study key topics like infection control, sterilization methods, medical equipment handling, and microbiology. This program is ideal for students balancing work or family responsibilities. Tuition is $2,795 and includes access to learning materials and support. </p> <h3 id="section---2.HerzingUniversity">2. Herzing University</h3> <p>Herzing University offers a fully online sterile processing diploma that blends convenience with thorough training. The curriculum covers sterilization techniques, microbiology, infection control, and healthcare ethics to prepare students for CRCST certification. </p> <p>This program can be completed in about 12 months and is designed for students with busy schedules. The $8,240 tuition includes access to course materials, exam preparation resources, and academic support. </p> <h3 id="section---3.HudsonCountyCommunityCollege">3. Hudson County Community College</h3> <p>Hudson County Community College offers an online sterile processing technician program through its continuing education division. This self-paced course prepares students for the CRCST exam and includes a voucher for the exam fee. Students can complete the program in under a year, making it a fast track into the field. The total cost is $2,795, which includes course materials and access to online support. </p> <h3 id="section---4.MedCerts">4. MedCerts</h3> <p>The sterile processing technician program at MedCerts costs $4,000 and is delivered entirely online. The curriculum includes interactive modules, virtual simulations, and access to exam prep tools designed to help students pass the CRCST exam. The program also comes with a CRCST exam voucher. </p> <p>Students learn sterilization procedures, infection control practices, and medical equipment handling. This flexible program allows learners to study at their own pace while gaining the foundational knowledge needed for entry-level positions. </p> <h3 id="section---5.U.S.CareerInstitute">5. U.S. Career Institute</h3> <p>U.S. Career Institute offers one of the most affordable sterile processing technician programs available online, with tuition priced at $979 if paid in full. The self-paced course includes video-based training, exam prep tools, quizzes, and instructor support to help students master key skills like sterilization techniques and equipment handling. Designed to be completed in just a few months, this flexible program prepares students for the CRCST exam and provides a budget-friendly path into the healthcare field. </p> <h2 id="section---FAQsAboutBecomingASterileProcessingTechInNewJersey">FAQs About Becoming a Sterile Processing Tech in New Jersey</h2> <p>We understand that there still may be more you want to know about becoming a sterile processing technician in New Jersey. We've answered some frequently asked questions below. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatIsASterileProcessingTechnicianSSalaryInNewJersey">What Is a Sterile Processing Technician's Salary in New Jersey?</h3> <p>According to the <a href="https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes_nj.htm">Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>, sterile processing technicians (listed as medical equipment preparers) in New Jersey earn an average salary of $52,480 per year, or about $25.23 per hour. Pay may vary based on your experience level, certification status, and location. </p> <h3 id="section---DoYouNeedALicenseToWorkAsASterileProcessingTechInNewJersey">Do You Need a License to Work as a Sterile Processing Tech in New Jersey?</h3> <p>No, New Jersey does not require sterile processing technicians to be licensed. However, certification is often expected by employers, and completing an accredited training program can improve your job prospects. </p> <h3 id="section---WhichCertificationIsBetterCRCSTOrCSPDT">Which Certification Is Better: CRCST or CSPDT?</h3> <p>Both certifications are well-respected. CRCST is offered by HSPA and requires 400 hours of experience and passing a written exam. CSPDT certification requirements include either completion of a training program or a year of experience, in addition to passing an exam through CBSPD. Your choice might depend on which aligns better with your training program or work setting. </p> <h3 id="section---IsSterileProcessingAGoodCareer">Is Sterile Processing a Good Career?</h3> <p>Yes, sterile processing is a stable healthcare career with consistent demand. It's especially appealing if you want to work in a hospital but don't want to spend years in school. There are also options to advance into supervisory roles or become a traveling sterile processing technician for more flexibility. </p> <h3 id="section---CanICompleteSterileProcessingCertificationOnline">Can I Complete Sterile Processing Certification Online?</h3> <p>Yes, many schools now offer <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Online_Sterile_Processing_Technician_Certification_FAQs.html">sterile processing certification online</a> through self-paced or hybrid programs. These often include exam vouchers and preparation materials to help you meet certification requirements. </p> <h2 id="section---ExploreHealthcareDegrees">Explore Healthcare Degrees</h2> <p>If you're ready to start your career in healthcare, sterile processing could be your first step. 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>