Central Service Processing Technician

0 Days

23 Hours

18 Minutes

49 Seconds

Next Classes Start

07/10/2026

Fast Facts

Program Length
12 months (evening)

View Sample Program Schedule

New York State average annual wage $55,630*

National average annual wage $50,510*

Tuition and Fees
$13,100 (tuition and fees)
$2,449 (books and supplies)

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

Hours Quarter II: 170

Quarter III		Hours
SPT-105	Quality Assurance, Safety, Inventory and High-Risk Management	45
SPT-106	Comprehensive Applications for CRCST	50
SPT-107	Specialty Instrumentation and Integrated Skills	20
PCD 201	Professional Career Development	20

Hours Quarter III: 135

Quarter IV		Hours
SPT-200	Sterile Processing Technician Practicum	400

Hours Quarter IV: 400

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 four-quarter course sequence. Classes are held on weekday evenings, so you can fast-track your career in as little as 12 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 Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA). As a result, graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) examination.

Learn about financial aid

Take the next step toward a healthcare career with confidence. Financial aid is available for qualified students enrolled in Swedish Institute’s Central Service Processing program. Our team is here to answer your questions about tuition, payment options, and the financial aid process so you can focus on your future. Learn more about our financial aid options and application process.

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 $52,860 per year. Salary varies based on experience, location of employment, and the specific job title and/or duties being performed.*

testimonials

“The teaching was very clear and the process was very easy. The way the school worked, it made it very easy and you had everything on hand, especially with the iPad. It makes it very easy to get everything under control. And the scheduling is so good because they have different times for specific programs.”
A. Aliva,

Central Service Processing Technician

Class of 2024
“Something I loved about the program is the support. You don’t have to go through this alone. When you feel lost, you can always ask questions and you get the help and support you need. I would say even if you don’t know what you want to do, Swedish Institute can help you find careers and programs that best suit you.”
C. Greve,

Central Service Processing Technician

Class of 2025
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.

*Salary Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Query System. Information is for Medical Equipment Preparers in New York State and Nationally. Data from May 2025. https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/home. Site visited 6.8.2026.

^Growth Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Data from May 2024. Medical Equipment Preparers information comes U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook on Data for Occupations Not Covered in Detail. Site visited 6.8.2026.

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.