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Diploma Program

Sterile Processing
Online Program for Iowa Residents

Calendar

CLASSES START
Jan 6th

8 Mo.

Program Length

8-week

Courses

Online

Format

Certification

Preparation1

Diploma Program

Sterile Processing
Online Program for Iowa Residents

Online sterile processing courses for students in Iowa

Format100% online coursework you can complete at home
CertificationPrepare for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification exam
Start soonApply and get started fast—6 start dates per year
AccreditationAccredited by the Higher Learning Commission
QuickPathsTransfer credit, stackable credentials, and adaptive learning technology build a faster pathway to a higher education with Herzing University; save time and money in pursuing several future associate and bachelor’s degree possibilities in healthcare
Iowa sterile processing technician preparing baskets to load with medical equipment

Over 90%

Satisfaction rate

Our overall student satisfaction rate, according to the 2023 Herzing Graduate Survey.

Over 90%

Satisfaction rate

Our overall student satisfaction rate, according to the 2023 Herzing Graduate Survey.

Sterile Processing - Iowa

Students in Iowa: You can earn an education in sterile processing 100% online in less than a year

The online diploma program provides students in Iowa with comprehensive coursework including surgical services, sterile processing, surgical instrumentation, O.R. theory and fundamentals, and much more.

Our curriculum is designed to prepare you for certification and boost your qualification for entry-level positions as a sterile processing (or “central service”) technician.1

Our roots in online learning

Herzing University has been providing online learning to students throughout the United States since 2003.

Every year we work to improve our processes to create strong, supportive online communities of sterile processing students and faculty eager to help each other succeed in their education and work.

You can become a part of our vibrant online community—we’re thrilled to open our online sterile processing program to Iowa residents.

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Career-focused curriculum

Discover the crucial knowledge and skills required to succeed in your work and build a foundation for continued career growth.

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Flexible schedule

You can take classes during the day or in the evening. We strive to be as flexible as possible for busy non-traditional students.

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Virtual services

Access to extensive virtual services, including academic advising, tutoring, support services, technical support and library services.

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Lifelong support

We support your ongoing career advancement by providing comprehensive, personalized student services with lifelong career coaching.

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Rolling admissions

No application deadlines to worry about. Apply when you’re ready and prepare to get started soon.

Learn More Today!

Classes start: January 6th

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Job outlook in Iowa

The figures listed below represent a starting point to estimate potential salary and employment demand for medical equipment preparers in Iowa. Earning a diploma and certification can put you in a great position to compete for the job in sterile processing you really want.

8.1%

projected employment increase, 2022-2032 (source)**

$40,500

average annual salary (source)*

Careers

Prepare for a new career track in Iowa as a sterile processing professional

Job titles in sterile processing can vary by hospital or other types of medical facilities. Potential job titles include:

  • Central Service Technician (CST)
  • Central Sterile Supply Technician (CSS Technician)
  • Central Processing Technician (CPT)
  • Sterile Processing Tech/Technician (SPT)
  • Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (SPD Tech)

These departments may utilize a hierarchy of SPTs. Entry-level positions may be regarded as “SPT 1” while more experienced SPTs can ascend to SPT 2, 3 or higher.

Earn the education preparing you to begin a new career in central service/sterile processing in less than a year. We exist to help you make it possible.

How to Become a Sterile Processing Tech Salary potential

Curriculum

Courses & curriculum details

All lecture classes are delivered online (300 hours), including 120 lab hours to help you develop practical experience you can take into your first job as a sterile processing technician.

ProgramsMonthsiCredits
Diploma in Sterile Processing824

i. Average number of months for students to complete the program attending full-time

Required Courses

All Courses, 22.00 semester credit hours are required.

Special Surgical Technology and General Education Grading Requirements

All Surgical Technology (courses with an ST prefix) must be completed with a grade of "C" (76%) or better for a student to be continued in the Sterile Processing program. The following general education course must be completed with a grade of "C" (70%) or better for a student to be continued in the Sterile Processing program:   •  SC 144 Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology 

Personal and Professional Development Courses

2.00 semester credit hours are required.

Requirements

Admissions requirements

Prerequisites to enroll in the Herzing University Sterile Processing diploma program include:

  • Prior education requirement. Completion of high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
  • Entrance testing. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to succeed in college-level courses via prior ACT/SAT scores, completion of prior college credit, or additional entrance testing.
  • Availability of time, personal commitment, and a professional attitude. We exist to help enthusiastic students fully committed to reaching their highest career goals. Our faculty and leadership are dedicated to helping you reach them.

You will need to meet and interview with a Herzing University admissions advisor and complete an enrollment application to be admitted into the program.

If you have any additional questions regarding admissions into the program, please contact our admissions team.

Classes Start January 6th

Waived Enrollment Fee
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Our sterile processing program is designed to transition easily into a surgical technology associate degree program. Knowledge and skills learned in a sterile processing diploma curriculum closely applies to similar roles and responsibilities as a surgical technologist.

Every state has their own requirements, but in general surgical technologists typically have greater minimum requirements for education and certification. Earning an associate degree in surgical technology is considered the preferred educational model for entry-level positions by the Associate of Surgical Technologists (AST).

If you live in New Orleans, you can transfer credit earned in our diploma program into an associate degree in surgical technology, currently offered at our New Orleans campus.

Both certificate and diploma programs are field-specific credentials that do not include general education courses required in a degree program. Each can typically be completed faster than an associate degree program.

Certificates are typically the least comprehensive programs, providing the minimum career-focused training necessary to perform a certain type of job.

Diploma programs tend to be more in-depth than certificates, and can include hands-on experience to best prepare you for a wider variety of jobs in the field you’re pursuing.

Herzing University’s diploma programs exist to help you build the foundation for a long career beyond your very first job. Our diploma programs are designed to help you begin and grow your new career.

Sterile processing techs ensure medical instruments are properly inspected, cleaned, and sterilized for use across a hospital, clinic, physician’s office or other healthcare institution.

Technicians typically work in a Sterile Processing Department (SPD) in a hospital, sometimes called a Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD) or Central Supply Department (CSD). Sterile processing is a fast-paced, technical and detail-oriented job requiring high focus and clear collaboration with other medical staff.

Techs must follow strict processes for different types of equipment, using computers to track progress and provide verification that all instruments are accounted for and properly serviced.

Sterile processing techs do not work directly with patients, but their work is imperative to ensure every patient achieves positive health outcomes.

This can be a great starting point for more introverted personality types looking to quickly begin a new career path, become comfortable in a hospital environment, build valuable skills, and truly help those in need. 

Working as a traveling sterile processing can be a great opportunity to see new places, experience different cultures and meet new people—all while building your skills in a rewarding career.

Every job posting will come with their own unique requirements for traveling sterile processing technicians. Be ready with an updated resume and immunization and health records. Getting certified is very important; these positions can be competitive and you’ll need every advantage you can get in the application process.

You may choose to sign up with a healthcare staffing agency to help you find the types of travel jobs you’re looking for.

According to HSPA, out of 8,056 CRCST exams taken in 2021, 75% passed the test. The exam is not a walk in the park! You’ll need to be well-prepared both academically and professionally to pass the exam and become certified.

The computer-based CRCST exam is 3 hours, containing 150 multiple choice questions testing your knowledge of cleaning, decontamination, disinfection, patient care equipment, sterilization process, and more.

Get educated, study hard, and you’ll be in the best possible position to pass the exam and become certified.

Here is the primary general distinction:

  • Sterile Processing Technicians are responsible for sterilizing equipment needed for medical procedures. Their duties are primarily outside of the operating room; however, their job function is critical to the operating room.
  • Surgical Technologists are responsible for aseptic technique, understanding surgical procedures and instruments, maintaining the sterile field, passing instruments during the sequence of the procedure, as well as many other duties. They function as the masters of aseptic technique in the operating room.

Job titles, duties and responsibilities can vary between different healthcare institutions. Different states might have their own unique restrictions for who is qualified to handle what responsibilities. Some states require that the surgical technologist have a current certification for employment. Some surgical technologists handle the sterilization of equipment as well.

Earning your associate degree and becoming a certified surgical technologist is your ticket to becoming an indispensable member of a surgical team, handle many different types of tasks and become highly valuable to employers.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical equipment preparers earn an average annual salary of $47,410 per year ($22.79 per hour).*

Yes!

Sterile processing represents both a good job option and potential springboard to a multitude of career possibilities. If you’re looking to get started fast in a new healthcare career path, sterile processing might be perfect for you.

Becoming a sterile processing technician begins by getting educated!

While formal education isn’t always required to earn your first entry-level job as a sterile processing technician, you will position yourself to flourish in the role—and open doors to future career possibilities—by building your knowledge and skills with the support of experienced faculty and staff dedicated to your success.

Locations

Program Finder

Sterile Processing - Iowa Degree Programs

Showing 1 program for the Online campus

On Campus| Online

To learn more about this program, click the Request Info button to the right.

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Disclosures

1. Certification in this program is not a state requirement.

Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Herzing University is approved to offer programs in an online learning modality through association with the Main Campus in Madison, Wisconsin (Madison Campus). Degrees for these programs are conferred by Herzing’s Madison Campus.

* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics 2023 / Occupational Outlook Handbook 2022. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work and degree field, will affect career outcomes and earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.

** Projections Central, Long-Term Projections (2022-2032). Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work, and degree field will affect career outcomes. Herzing does not guarantee that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, or other career growth.

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By selecting this button you agree to receive updates and alerts from Herzing University. Text HELP to 85109 for help, Text STOP to 85109 to end. Msg & Data Rates May Apply. By opting in, I authorize Herzing University to deliver SMS messages and I understand that I am not required to opt in as a condition of enrollment. By leaving this box unchecked you will not be opted in for SMS messages. Click to read Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.