UPMC Hamot, Hamot Health Foundation, and ECAT have partnered to provide a tuition-free Sterile Processing Technician program for residents of Erie County. Ready to make a career change? Learn more to see if the profession and program are right for you.

What is a Sterile Processing Technician?

Sterile Processing Technicians, or Certified Registered Central Service Technicians (CRCSTs) are essential healthcare professionals who prepare, install, assemble, and sterilize the instruments and equipment used in medical exams, surgeries and other clinical procedures. These skilled professionals play a critical role in preventing infection and keeping patients safe.

Program Details

Overview

Students in this 12-week evening program will receive classroom instruction in medical terminology, anatomy, microbiology, infection prevention, sterilization, and decontamination.

Classroom instruction will be accompanied by hands-on training in ECAT’s state-of-the-art medical training lab, and an 8-hour job shadow with UPMC Hamot’s Central Sterile Processing team.

By week 12, students will be prepared to sit for their Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) provisional certification exam. Graduates are ready to complete the 400 on-the-job training hours required to earn full certification to become Certified Registered Central Service Technicians.

Job Outlook

Successful graduates will be eligible to apply for Sterile Processing Associate-level positions, where UPMC’s starting salary is $16.74. After completing the required 400 on-the-job-training hours to achieve full certification, graduates will be eligible to apply for Sterile Processing Technician positions at a 10% raise.

Graduates with 6+ months of prior healthcare experience may be eligible to apply for Technician-level positions, but are still required to complete the additional 400 hours of training to achieve full certification.

Student Support

Our program includes a dedicated student support team that helps remove barriers that might get in the way of your success.

We work with you to solve problems related to childcare, transportation, and stress by connecting you with solutions right here in your community. We’re invested in your success and will be with you every step of the way!

Tuition

This program, sponsored by UPMC Hamot and Hamot Health Foundation, is tuition-free for residents of Erie County. All educational costs associated with the program are covered, including materials and the initial certification exam fee.

Requirements

To participate in the Sterile Processing Technician program you must:

• Be a resident of Erie County, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, at least 18 years of age.
• Be legally eligible for employment in the United States.
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
• Possess a valid photo ID: drivers license, passport, state-issued identification card, military ID, tribal ID
• Obtain all required clearances and immunizations
• Pass all screenings