Clicking the “Get Started” button constitutes your express written consent, without obligation to purchase, to be contacted by Swedish Institute College of Health Sciences (including through automated technology, e.g. dialing and text messaging) via the telephone, mobile device (including SMS and MMS) using the phone numbers provided above, and/or email, even if your telephone number is on a corporate, state or the National Do Not Call Registry, and you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. Standard message and data rates apply.
Sample Quarter Course Sequence (9 months)
9 MONTHS
Offered: Evenings Only
Quarter I
Hours
FSS-100
Freshman Student Success
10
SPT-100
Terminology and Anatomy for SPT
45
SPT-101
Introduction to Central Service, Regulations, Legal and Ethical Standards to Patient Care
55
SPT-102
Infection Control, Prevention and Microbiology for SPT and Principles of Asepsis (Cleaning, Decontamination and Disinfection)
85
Hours Quarter I: 195
Quarter II
Hours
SPT-103
Surgical Instrumentation and Principles
85
SPT-104
Sterilization Techniques and Sterile Processing (Assembly, Packaging, Storage, Transport and Record keeping)
85
SPT-200
Sterile Processing Technician Practicum I
120
Hours Quarter II: 290
Quarter III
Hours
SPT-105
Quality Assurance, Safety, Inventory and High-Risk Management
45
SPT-106
Comprehensive Applications for CRCST
50
PCD 201
Professional Career Development
20
SPT-201
Sterile Processing Technician Practicum II
300
Hours Quarter III: 415
Total Program Hours: 900 Hours
Equip Yourself for the Future
A dynamic healthcare career does not always involve direct contact with patients. A Central Service Processing Technician works with a medical team in a patient care facility in a “behind the scenes” sense. Skills such as attention to detail and organization are crucial in this role.
The Central Service Processing Technician program at Swedish Institute, also known as Sterile Processing Technician, prepares students for a vital role in healthcare. Sterile processing technicians clean, sterilize, and store medical equipment and supplies, ensuring that they are safe and sterile for use on patients.
What to Expect in the Central Service Processing Technician Program
The Central Service Processing Technician program is available in a three-quarter course sequence. Classes are held during weekday evenings so you can fast-track your career in as little as nine months. Weekday evening classes allow students to fast-track their careers in as little as nine months.
Students will develop the skills to properly disinfect, decontaminate, prepare, process, store, and issue sterile and nonsterile supplies and equipment for patient care. After successfully completing the classroom and laboratory courses, students will also complete a mandatory clinical 420-hour externship. Clinical practicum externships take place during daytime hours.
The Swedish Institute Central Service Processing Technician program meets the requirements of the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM). As a result, graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) examination.
What Does a Central Service Processing Technician Do?
Central Service Processing Technicians are an integral part of the medical team that prepares medical instruments and supplies for surgical procedures in hospital operating rooms and similar environments. Duties and responsibilities may include:
Preparing and assembling instruments for distribution.
Processing supplies and equipment from operating rooms, surgical centers, ambulatory facilities, and nursing units.
Sterilize and decontaminate medical instruments and equipment.
Assemble, package, store, and transport medical supplies and inventory.
Career Opportunities for Central Service Processing Technicians
Our Central Service Processing Technician program prepares students for entry-level employment in a variety of healthcare settings, such as:
Hospital surgical and sterile processing departments
Outpatient surgical centers
Physician and dental offices
Ambulatory surgical centers
Salary Opportunities
According to the latest national data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the median pay for a Central Service Processing Technician (medical equipment preparers) in the state of New York is $51,290 per year. Salary varies based on experience, location of employment, and the specific job title and/or duties being performed.*
testimonials
“I had a great experience at Swedish in the nursing program. The courses were challenging but rewarding. I found a job almost instantly with the help of Swedish faculty and the rest has been history. Super thankful for my experience at Swedish.”
T. Crearer,
Nursing Graduate
“I am a recently graduated student and it is incredible all the job offers I have received. I feel thrilled and proud to have been part of the school the teachers are amazing and supportive. I felt very prepared for the State Board Exam.”
Y. Diaz,
Massage Therapy Graduate
“I got my RN license in 21 months. Now I work in a NY city hospital. I am very grateful to the school for giving me an opportunity to study nursing. Nursing program was not easy, I am very happy, I passed all the courses and passed NCLEX the first time.”
J. Jan,
Nursing Graduate
“This school strives for excellence and produces the best of the best. They offer so many amazing programs that fit everyone’s preferences. The nursing program at Swedish Institute is one of the best nursing programs out there. It prepares you for what you will actually encounter when you are working in the institution that you are hired for. Like every accelerated program it is fast-paced but you do learn. The faculty staff is genuine and they are always available when needed. The professors are vast in knowledge and aside from your textbooks they are the key that will help unlock your success. I am a proud graduate of 2021, working as a Pediatric Nurse in the Emergency Department.”
R. Ramdham,
Nursing Graduate
Class of 2021
“Had a great experience going through the massage therapy program here. The classes were small enough that I was able to get great supervision and insight from the skilled professors who were able to teach from their own experiences with massage over their careers. I left the school feeling competent and confident with my abilities, and comfortable knowing that I had the support of my professors and the staff to assist me with getting started. Would definitely recommend any other aspiring massage therapists to come here!”
T. Costello,
Massage Therapy Graduate
“Swedish institute changed my life! The staff is very supportive and personally cares about your success. They always went the extra mile! The surgical tech program changed my whole life’s trajectory and career path. In two short years, I have worked my way up from being a barber to orthopedic surgery and now Neurosurgery. All with the opportunity that Swedish gave me. So thanks for the life upgrade Swedish and staff!”
D. Vasc,
Surgical Technologist Graduate
“They are really great in helping you in preparing for the NCLEX and they keep track of your progression throughout the program, and if you are struggling with your grades they will help you.”
R. Ramdham,
Nursing Graduate
Class of 2022
Thank you for your invaluable teachings, insights, and encouragement. Every lesson and guidance you provided helped me grow not only as a student but also as a future sterile processing technician. I’m equally grateful to the entire staff at Swedish Institute, whose efforts made the experience less stressful and fostered a positive environment in which I could thrive.
Thank you all once again for being such an important part of my journey.
L. Cruz,
CSPT Graduate
Class of 2024
†Applies to full-time students only.
*State Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for the State of New York. Data from May 2024. https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/area/3600000Site visited 4/10/2025
^National Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics Survey for Medical Equipment Preparers. Data from May 2023. https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes319093.htm. Site visited 4/10/2025
National long-term projections and salary averages may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual growth or any particular salary. Swedish Institute does not guarantee employment. Swedish Institute cannot guarantee a student’s eligibility either to take any exam or become certified, registered, or licensed.
Swedish Institute’s programs are registered by the New York State Education Department. Accredited by ACCSC. For important information on program costs, completion and placement rates, median debt incurred, etc., please visit student consumer information. Learn more about our Personal Protection Policy.
Request Information
Clicking the 'Get Started' button constitutes your express written consent, without obligation to purchase, to be contacted by Swedish Institute College of Health Sciences (including through automated technology, e.g. dialing and text messaging) via the telephone, mobile device (including SMS and MMS) using the phone numbers provided above, and/or email, even if your telephone number is on a corporate, state or the National Do Not Call Registry, and you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. Standard message and data rates apply.
