Join the high-growth field of health care as a central sterile processing technician with training from Anne Arundel Community College. Our experienced and credentialed professional faculty will prepare you for a rewarding career working in a variety of medical settings to ensure the cleanliness and safety of operating rooms, tables and other equipment.

Learn more about upcoming mandatory Central Sterile Processing information sessions.

What courses will I take?

Two courses are required to complete the program:

STP-510 Central Sterile Processing Technician

OPA-354 Workforce Success Skills

Additionally, externship options are available. Email the program coordinator at tlvalko@aacc.edu for information.

STP-505 Central Sterile Processing Technician: Externship 1

STP-506 Central Sterile Processing Technician: Externship 2

­STP-507 Central Sterile Processing Technician: Externship 3

STP-508 Central Sterile Processing Technician: Externship 4

What credentials will I earn?

This program will prepare individuals to take the exam to become a certified registered central service technician (CRCST) through the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM).

What is the job outlook?

Overall, employment of central sterile processing technicians is projected to increase by 12% through 2027. The average annual salary in Maryland is approximately $37,000 per year.

Source: Emsi 2018.4

What will it cost?

The total program cost for Anne Arundel County residents is $2,342, including tuition and fees.

AACC is offering students in select programs the opportunity to enroll without the financial burden of paying for college. Eligible students can now attend AACC with all tuition and fees paid except for externships through scholarships.

Learn more at an upcoming information session.

What are the requirements?

• Must be at least 18
• Must have a high school or GED® diploma
• Must have an eighth-grade reading level competency
• Strong interest in the field
• Willingness to commit to training and employment
• Students must have basic computer knowledge to include searching the web, navigating our learning management system, downloading and uploading documents and different formats, including Word, PDFs and Google Docs.

What are the externship requirements?

• Successful completion of STP-510 Central Sterile Processing Technician and OPA-354 Workforce Success Skills
• Must complete an application and be recommended by the CSP class instructor and the workforce success skills instructor
• Background check (included in tuition)
• Immunizations (may require additional student expense)
• Externship requires the student to be available to volunteer for a minimum of two eight-hour shifts during the week at one of our partner facilities.
• Drug screening

How do I enroll?

Interested students must attend a registration session before enrolling in the program:

• Find and register for an upcoming information session

Related Studies

Flexible Endoscope Reprocessor
Our experienced and credentialed faculty will prepare you for the the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) Certified Flexible Endoscope Reprocessor (C.F.E.R.) exam.

Learn more about our Flexible Endoscope Reprocessor program.