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?

The following courses are required to complete the program:

STP-510 Central Sterile Processing Technician

OPA-354 Workforce Success

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 can 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 and externship cost for Anne Arundel County residents is $2,582, 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 through scholarships.

The central sterile processing program is fully supported by the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) I and II Funds of the U.S. Department of Education as part of a financial assistance award totaling $364,000 for direct student aid for the fall 2021 term.

Attend an information session to learn more.

What are the requirements?

• Must be at least 18 
• Must have a high school or GED diploma
• Must have an 8th 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 CSP information session, as well as an orientation event before registering for the program. Register for an upcoming Central Sterile Processing 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 Flexible Endoscope Reprocessor