2027 Rankings · Verified November 2026
Best Community College Sterile Processing Programs
Which Community and Technical Colleges Have the Best Sterile Processing Programs?
McHenry County College (Crystal Lake, IL) ranks first, with a score of 87 of 100. 146 sterile processing programs at 139 schools in 34 states fit this ranking, each checked on the school's own site in November 2026. 43 are non-credit courses and 103 are credit certificates, diplomas or degrees. 107 include clinical hours, and 22 state 400 or more, the hands-on total full CRCST certification requires. Where the school publishes a price for the whole program, it runs from $180 to $8,633, with a median of $1,960. 8 programs include the certification exam fee or a voucher.
- programs
- 146
- schools
- 139
- include clinical hours
- 107
- states
- 34
- 400+ clinical hours
- 22
- median length
- 22 wk
- median published cost (60 priced)
- $1,960
Top Picks for Your Situation
| Pick | Program | Score | Published cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | McHenry County College, Crystal Lake: Sterile Processing Technician TrainingNon-credit course · 400 clinical hours | 87 | $1,999 |
| Best for the CRCST's 400 hours | Pikes Peak State College, Colorado Springs: Sterile Processing Technology CertificateCertificate · 15 weeks · 400 clinical hours | 83 | |
| Lowest published cost | Coastal Carolina Community College, Jacksonville: Central Sterile Processing TechnicianNon-credit course | 47 | $180 |
| Fastest | Massachusetts Bay Community College, Wellesley Hills: Central Processing Technology (CPT) CertificateCertificate · 6 weeks · 100 clinical hours | 60 | |
| Best online or hybrid | Rowan College at Burlington County, Mount Laurel: Central Services TechnicianNon-credit course · 400 clinical hours | 81 | $2,750 |
Each pick links to the program's entry on its state ranking. Score: out of 100, as explained under How Each Program Is Scored.
The 10 Best Community College Sterile Processing Programs, Ranked
How this list is ranked: highest score first. The score (out of 100) adds hands-on training (35), certification prep (25), published cost (25) and the school's federal track record in sterile processing (15), each from the school's own pages or IPEDS; a part a program has no figure for is left out and the rest are rescaled. One program per school; programs not admitting students are left out.
McHenry County College: Sterile Processing Technician TrainingSterile Processing Technician Training
87score of 100Best for the CRCST's 400 hours with the exam fee paid near Crystal Lake
McHenry County College (Crystal Lake, IL, public) runs this on campus non-credit course. The school publishes a price of $1,999 for the program. Clinical: Classroom lessons and hands-on clinical labs; after passing the CRCST exam, students complete a 400-hour clinical internship with a preceptor-set schedule.
- Clinical
- 400hours, meets 400
- Cost
- $1,999published total
Includes- Clinicals
- Exam voucher
- Textbook
Prepares forMcHenry County College course on the school's site · McHenry County College among Illinois programs
Pikes Peak State College: Sterile Processing Technology CertificateSterile Processing Technology Certificate
83score of 100Best for covering the CRCST's 400 hands-on hours near Colorado Springs
Pikes Peak State College (Colorado Springs, CO, public) runs this certificate. Clinical: 400 clinical hours through SPI 1081 internship (unpaid) at sites in Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Canon City, Woodland Park or Denver.
- Weeks
- 15
- Credits
- 18
- Clinical
- 400hours, meets 400
Includes- Clinicals
Prepares forOfficial page for the Pikes Peak State College certificate · How Pikes Peak State College ranks in Colorado
Schoolcraft College: Sterile Processing Skills Certificate (CRT.0P285/CRT.00285)Sterile Processing Skills Certificate (CRT.0P285/CRT.00285)
83score of 100Best for covering the CRCST's 400 hands-on hours near Livonia
Schoolcraft College (Livonia, MI, public) runs this on campus certificate (Two semesters). Clinical: Clinical internship includes the 400 clinical hours HSPA requires; fall clinical days Tuesday and Thursday for 8 hours, winter clinical days Monday, Tuesday and Thursday for 8 hours.
- Weeks
- 32Two semesters
- Clinical
- 400hours, meets 400
Includes- Clinicals
Prepares forApply or ask about the Schoolcraft College certificate · Michigan ranking: Schoolcraft College
Delaware County Community College: Sterile Processing Technician (CAR 2950)Sterile Processing Technician (CAR 2950)
82score of 100Best for covering the CRCST's 400 hands-on hours near Media
Delaware County Community College (Media, PA, public) runs this on campus non-credit course (Wednesdays, January 27 to May 19, 2027). The school publishes a price of $1,295 for the program (Spring 2027). Clinical: 400-hour externship. Evening classes are offered.
- Hours
- 60instruction
- Clinical
- 400hours, meets 400
- Cost
- $1,295published total, Spring 2027
Includes- Clinicals
Prepares forDelaware County Community College's own page for this course · Delaware County Community College among Pennsylvania programs
Rowan College at Burlington County: Central Services TechnicianCentral Services Technician
81score of 100Best for the CRCST's 400 hours with the exam fee paid near Mount Laurel
Rowan College at Burlington County (Mount Laurel, NJ, public) runs this hybrid non-credit course (March 1 to July 9 class session, plus clinical externship). The school publishes a price of $2,750 for the program (2026-27). Clinical: 400-hour in-person clinical externship at a clinical site, typically 7:30 AM-3:30 PM Monday through Friday, subject to hospital availability. Evening classes are offered.
- Clinical
- 400hours, meets 400
- Cost
- $2,750published course fee, 2026-27
Includes- Clinicals
- Exam voucher
- Textbook
Prepares forAdmission details for the Rowan College at Burlington County course · How Rowan College at Burlington County ranks in New Jersey
College of Southern Nevada: Sterile Processing Technician (Certificate of Completion)Sterile Processing Technician (Certificate of Completion)
81score of 100Best for covering the CRCST's 400 hands-on hours near Las Vegas
College of Southern Nevada (Las Vegas, NV, public) runs this hybrid certificate. Clinical: 400 hours in the clinical setting. The school reported 15 sterile processing awards for 2022-23 (IPEDS).
- Credits
- 9
- Clinical
- 400hours, meets 400
Includes- Clinicals
Prepares forCollege of Southern Nevada certificate on the school's site · Nevada ranking: College of Southern Nevada
H W Brewster Technical College: Central Sterile Processing TechnologyCentral Sterile Processing Technology
79score of 100Best for covering the CRCST's 400 hands-on hours near Tampa
H W Brewster Technical College (Tampa, FL, public) runs this on campus certificate (7 months). Clinical: 400 hours of hands-on experience (cleaning, wrapping and packaging, tray assembly, sterilization, storage, patient care equipment, case carts, distribution); clinical hours vary. The school reported 11 sterile processing awards for 2022-23 (IPEDS).
- Weeks
- 307 months
- Clinical
- 400hours, meets 400
Includes- Clinicals
Prepares forOfficial page for the H W Brewster Technical College certificate · H W Brewster Technical College among Florida programs
Seattle Central College: Sterile Processing (Short-Term Certificate)Sterile Processing (Short-Term Certificate)
79score of 100Best for covering the CRCST's 400 hands-on hours near Seattle
Seattle Central College (Seattle, WA, public) runs this on campus certificate. Clinical: 400-hour practicum at an assigned hospital sterile processing department. The school reported 10 sterile processing awards for 2022-23 (IPEDS).
- Weeks
- 11
- Clinical
- 400hours, meets 400
Includes- Clinicals
Prepares forApply or ask about the Seattle Central College certificate · How Seattle Central College ranks in Washington
Southern University at Shreveport: Sterile Processing Technician - Certificate of Technical StudiesSterile Processing Technician - Certificate of Technical Studies
78score of 100Best for covering the CRCST's 400 hands-on hours near Shreveport
Southern University at Shreveport (Shreveport, LA, public) runs this certificate (Two semesters (fall and spring plan of study)). Clinical: SPDT 210S Central Sterile Processing Department Practicum (10 credits); students log a minimum of 400 hours of central service clinical hands-on experience in hospital operating room suites, instrument rooms and central service departments. The school reported 8 sterile processing awards for 2022-23 (IPEDS).
- Weeks
- 32
- Credits
- 27
- Clinical
- 400hours, meets 400
Includes- Clinicals
Prepares forSouthern University at Shreveport's own page for this certificate · Louisiana ranking: Southern University at Shreveport
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College: Central Sterile Technician Career Studies CertificateCentral Sterile Technician Career Studies Certificate
75score of 100Best for covering the CRCST's 400 hands-on hours near Richmond
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College (Richmond, VA, public) runs this on campus, hybrid and online certificate (1 year (2 full-time semesters)). Clinical: 400 hours of clinical practical experience (CSP 191 Fundamental Clinical Applications); competency-based credit possible for documented sterile processing work experience. The school reported 4 sterile processing awards for 2022-23 (IPEDS).
- Weeks
- 401 year (2 full-time semesters)
- Credits
- 20
- Clinical
- 400hours, meets 400
- Cost
- $187.60per credit, 2026-27
Includes- Clinicals
Prepares forAdmission details for the J Sargeant Reynolds Community College certificate · J Sargeant Reynolds Community College among Virginia programs
More of the Best Community College Sterile Processing Programs: Ranks 11 to 25
How this list is ranked: highest score first. The score (out of 100) adds hands-on training (35), certification prep (25), published cost (25) and the school's federal track record in sterile processing (15), each from the school's own pages or IPEDS; a part a program has no figure for is left out and the rest are rescaled. One program per school; programs not admitting students are left out.
Lowest-Cost Community Colleges Programs
How this list is ranked: lowest published cost first. Cost is the program total or the single course fee each school publishes for the whole program, read on the school's own site in November 2026; per-credit rates are never multiplied out. Published costs often leave out the certification exam fee, books, uniforms and background checks. One program per school.
Coastal Carolina Community College: Central Sterile Processing TechnicianCentral Sterile Processing Technician
$180published total, 2026-27Best for a low-cost course near Jacksonville
Coastal Carolina Community College (Jacksonville, NC, public) runs this non-credit course. The school publishes a price of $180 for the program (2026-27).
- Cost
- $180published total, 2026-27
Prepares forCoastal Carolina Community College course on the school's site · Coastal Carolina Community College among North Carolina programs
Wake Technical Community College: Central Sterile Processing Technician (PHM-3002A3)Central Sterile Processing Technician (PHM-3002A3)
$200published total, 2026-27Best for a low-cost course near Raleigh
Wake Technical Community College (Raleigh, NC, public) runs this hybrid non-credit course (3 months or less). The school publishes a price of $200 for the program (2026-27).
- Weeks
- 133 months or less
- Hours
- 112instruction
- Cost
- $200published total, 2026-27
Prepares forOfficial page for the Wake Technical Community College course · How Wake Technical Community College ranks in North Carolina
Beaufort County Community College: Central Sterile Preparation Technician-HybridCentral Sterile Preparation Technician-Hybrid
$205.25published total, 2026-27Best for a low-cost course near Washington
Beaufort County Community College (Washington, NC, public) runs this hybrid non-credit course (February 2 to April 27, 2027). The school publishes a price of $205.25 for the program (2026-27). Evening classes are offered.
- Hours
- 240instruction
- Cost
- $205.25published total, 2026-27
Prepares forApply or ask about the Beaufort County Community College course · North Carolina ranking: Beaufort County Community College
Durham Technical Community College: Central Sterile Processing (PHM-3002A)Central Sterile Processing (PHM-3002A)
$257.25published totalBest for a low-cost course near Durham
Durham Technical Community College (Durham, NC, public) runs this hybrid non-credit course (About 4.5 months (late January or February to June)). The school publishes a price of $257.25 for the program. Clinical: 30 hours of clinical application at an offsite hospital, one day a week (8:30 am-3:30 pm), plus a 4-hour BLS course. Evening classes are offered.
- Weeks
- 19
- Hours
- 216instruction
- Clinical
- 30hours
- Cost
- $257.25published total
Includes- Clinicals
Prepares forDurham Technical Community College's own page for this course · Durham Technical Community College among North Carolina programs
Davidson-Davie Community College: Central Sterile ProcessingCentral Sterile Processing
$286.50published total, 2026-27Best for a low-cost course near Thomasville
Davidson-Davie Community College (Thomasville, NC, public) runs this hybrid non-credit course (12 weeks). The school publishes a price of $286.50 for the program (2026-27). Clinical: No clinical hours; in-person labs at the Davie Campus, with employer orientation or training after hire. Evening classes are offered. The school reported 6 sterile processing awards for 2022-23 (IPEDS).
- Weeks
- 1212 weeks
- Hours
- 180instruction
- Cost
- $286.50published total, 2026-27
Admission details for the Davidson-Davie Community College course · How Davidson-Davie Community College ranks in North Carolina
Vance-Granville Community College: Central Sterile ProcessingCentral Sterile Processing
$322.60published total, 2026Best for a low-cost course near Henderson
Vance-Granville Community College (Henderson, NC, public) runs this hybrid non-credit course. The school publishes a price of $322.60 for the program (2026). Evening classes are offered.
- Weeks
- 11
- Cost
- $322.60published total, 2026
Prepares forVance-Granville Community College course on the school's site · North Carolina ranking: Vance-Granville Community College
Guilford Technical Community College: Central Sterile Processing TechnicianCentral Sterile Processing Technician
$328published total, 2026-27Best for a low-cost course near Jamestown
Guilford Technical Community College (Jamestown, NC, public) runs this non-credit course. The school publishes a price of $328 for the program (2026-27). Clinical: Clinical or clinical simulation portion; these hours do not count toward the 400 hours required for full CRCST.
- Clinical
- Yesincluded
- Cost
- $328published total, 2026-27
Includes- Clinicals
- Textbook
Prepares forOfficial page for the Guilford Technical Community College course · Guilford Technical Community College among North Carolina programs
Wilson Community College: Central Sterile Processing Technician (CSPT)Central Sterile Processing Technician (CSPT)
$348published total, 2026-27Best for a low-cost course near Wilson
Wilson Community College (Wilson, NC, public) runs this hybrid non-credit course. The school publishes a price of $348 for the program (2026-27). Clinical: 100 hours of clinical experience in a healthcare setting.
- Clinical
- 100hours
- Cost
- $348published total, 2026-27
Includes- Clinicals
Prepares forApply or ask about the Wilson Community College course · How Wilson Community College ranks in North Carolina
Most Clinical Hours: Community Colleges
How this list is ranked: most hands-on clinical hours first, as each program's own page states them (November 2026). HSPA's CRCST certification requires 400 hours of hands-on experience; programs at 400 or more cover it. Ties go to the lower published cost; one program per school.
Indian River State College: Central Service TechnologyCentral Service Technology
410 hrclinical hours statedBest for covering the CRCST's 400 hands-on hours inside the program near Fort Pierce
Indian River State College (Fort Pierce, FL, public) runs this on campus certificate (6 months). Clinical: STS 0013L Central Sterile Processing Clinical, 410 hours.
- Weeks
- 266 months
- Hours
- 650instruction
- Clinical
- 410hours, meets 400
Includes- Clinicals
Indian River State College certificate on the school's site · Indian River State College among Florida programs
SOWELA Technical Community College: Sterile Processing Technology (Certificate of Technical Studies)Sterile Processing Technology (Certificate of Technical Studies)
405 hrclinical hours statedBest for covering the CRCST's 400 hands-on hours inside the program near Lake Charles
SOWELA Technical Community College (Lake Charles, LA, public) runs this on campus certificate. Clinical: STPR 2106 Sterile Processing Practicum, 9 credit hours / 405 contact hours at clinical sites throughout Southwest Louisiana. The school reported 4 sterile processing awards for 2022-23 (IPEDS).
- Hours
- 660instruction
- Clinical
- 405hours, meets 400
Includes- Clinicals
Prepares forOfficial page for the SOWELA Technical Community College certificate · How SOWELA Technical Community College ranks in Louisiana
Delaware County Community College: Sterile Processing Technician (CAR 2950)Sterile Processing Technician (CAR 2950)
400 hrclinical hours statedBest for covering the CRCST's 400 hands-on hours inside the program near Media
Delaware County Community College (Media, PA, public) runs this on campus non-credit course (Wednesdays, January 27 to May 19, 2027). The school publishes a price of $1,295 for the program (Spring 2027). Clinical: 400-hour externship. Evening classes are offered.
- Hours
- 60instruction
- Clinical
- 400hours, meets 400
- Cost
- $1,295published total, Spring 2027
Includes- Clinicals
Prepares forApply or ask about the Delaware County Community College course · Pennsylvania ranking: Delaware County Community College
McHenry County College: Sterile Processing Technician TrainingSterile Processing Technician Training
400 hrclinical hours statedBest for covering the CRCST's 400 hands-on hours inside the program near Crystal Lake
McHenry County College (Crystal Lake, IL, public) runs this on campus non-credit course. The school publishes a price of $1,999 for the program. Clinical: Classroom lessons and hands-on clinical labs; after passing the CRCST exam, students complete a 400-hour clinical internship with a preceptor-set schedule.
- Clinical
- 400hours, meets 400
- Cost
- $1,999published total
Includes- Clinicals
- Exam voucher
- Textbook
Prepares forMcHenry County College's own page for this course · McHenry County College among Illinois programs
Queensborough Community College (CUNY): Sterile Processing Technician - Hybrid ClassSterile Processing Technician - Hybrid Class
400 hrclinical hours statedBest for covering the CRCST's 400 hands-on hours inside the program near Bayside
Queensborough Community College (CUNY) (Bayside, NY, public) runs this hybrid non-credit course (Jan; 25 - Feb; 24 online, Mar; 01 - Mar; 10 in-person labs). The school publishes a price of $2,295 for the program (2026-27). Clinical: Eligible students may complete a 400-hour externship with Northwell Health. Evening classes are offered.
- Hours
- 80instruction
- Clinical
- 400hours, meets 400
- Cost
- $2,295published total, 2026-27
Includes- Clinicals
Prepares forAdmission details for the Queensborough Community College course · How Queensborough Community College ranks in New York
Rowan College at Burlington County: Central Services TechnicianCentral Services Technician
400 hrclinical hours statedBest for covering the CRCST's 400 hands-on hours inside the program near Mount Laurel
Rowan College at Burlington County (Mount Laurel, NJ, public) runs this hybrid non-credit course (March 1 to July 9 class session, plus clinical externship). The school publishes a price of $2,750 for the program (2026-27). Clinical: 400-hour in-person clinical externship at a clinical site, typically 7:30 AM-3:30 PM Monday through Friday, subject to hospital availability. Evening classes are offered.
- Clinical
- 400hours, meets 400
- Cost
- $2,750published course fee, 2026-27
Includes- Clinicals
- Exam voucher
- Textbook
Prepares forRowan College at Burlington County course on the school's site · New Jersey ranking: Rowan College at Burlington County
Bergen Community College: Central Sterile Processing Technician (HH-008)Central Sterile Processing Technician (HH-008)
400 hrclinical hours statedBest for covering the CRCST's 400 hands-on hours inside the program near Paramus
Bergen Community College (Paramus, NJ, public) runs this on campus non-credit course. The school publishes a price of $2,950 for the program (2026-27). Clinical: Required 400-hour unpaid clinical internship at a local medical center or surgical center; shifts 7 AM-3 PM, 3-11 PM or 11 PM-7 AM. Evening classes are offered.
- Weeks
- 10
- Hours
- 460instruction
- Clinical
- 400hours, meets 400
- Cost
- $2,950published course fee, 2026-27
Includes- Clinicals
Prepares forOfficial page for the Bergen Community College course · Bergen Community College among New Jersey programs
Yakima Valley College: Sterile Processing Technician (SPT) CertificateSterile Processing Technician (SPT) Certificate
400 hrclinical hours statedBest for covering the CRCST's 400 hands-on hours inside the program near Yakima
Yakima Valley College (Yakima, WA, public) runs this hybrid certificate (Two quarters (about 6 months)). The school publishes a price of $3,074.45 for the program (2026-27). Clinical: 400-hour clinical externship.
- Weeks
- 26Two quarters (about 6 months)
- Credits
- 19
- Clinical
- 400hours, meets 400
- Cost
- $3,074.45published total, 2026-27
Includes- Clinicals
Prepares forApply or ask about the Yakima Valley College certificate · How Yakima Valley College ranks in Washington
How Each Program Is Scored
Each program gets a score out of 100 from figures on the school's own pages and federal data. A part a program has no figure for is left out and the others are rescaled, so a missing fact never counts against it and nothing is guessed. Each ranking lists one program per school and leaves out programs not admitting students.
| Part | Weight | What it measures |
|---|---|---|
| Hands-on training | 35 | Clinical hours the program states, measured against the 400 hands-on hours HSPA's CRCST requires. A program at 400 hours or more scores full marks; clinical time without stated hours scores 15 of 35. |
| Certification prep | 25 | 15 points when the program's page names the CRCST or CSPDT exam, and 10 more when the exam fee or a voucher is included. |
| Cost | 25 | The whole-program price the school publishes, ranked against every priced program. Per-credit rates are never multiplied out. |
| Track record | 15 | Sterile processing awards the school reported to the U.S. Department of Education for 2022-23 (IPEDS, CIP 51.1012), on a log scale that reaches full marks at 50. |
Why These Community College Sterile Processing Programs Rank Highest
The score rewards hands-on training first, and that decides the top of this list. Every program in the top ten builds in all 400 hours of hands-on experience that HSPA (the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association, formerly IAHCSMM) requires for full CRCST certification. Only 22 of the 146 public college programs in this set do that, so the leaders stand apart from most of the field.
After the hours, price and track record separate them:
- McHenry County College in Illinois charges a $1,999 total that includes all textbooks, course materials and the CRCST exam fee. You take the exam, then complete a 400-hour internship on a preceptor-set schedule.
- Pikes Peak State College packs an 18-credit certificate with a 400-hour unpaid internship into one 15-week semester, with fall, spring and summer starts.
- Delaware County Community College is the lowest-priced program in the top ten with full hours: $1,295 with books and materials, Wednesday evenings from January 27 to May 19, 2027, then a 400-hour clinical placement.
- College of Southern Nevada runs a 9-credit hybrid certificate and conferred 15 sterile processing awards in 2022-23, the most among the top ten.
H W Brewster Technical College in Tampa (11 awards) and Seattle Central College (10 awards) earn their places with federal track records on top of the full 400 hours. Seattle Central’s short-term certificate is one quarter of classroom training followed by a 400-hour practicum in an assigned hospital department.
Credit Certificate or Non-Credit Course at the Same College
Most community colleges run sterile processing through one of two doors, and some run both. The credit side offers certificates billed by the credit hour, built from catalog courses with numbers like Reynolds’ CSP 191. The workforce or continuing education side offers non-credit courses priced as one fee per section. This set holds 98 credit certificates, 43 non-credit courses, 4 diplomas and 1 associate degree.
The difference is more than paperwork:
| Program | Type | Length | Clinical hours | Published price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| McHenry County College, IL | Non-credit | Course, then internship | 400 | $1,999, textbooks and CRCST exam fee included |
| Delaware County Community College, PA | Non-credit | 60 class hours, Jan 27 to May 19, 2027 | 400 | $1,295, books included, voucher extra |
| Bergen Community College, NJ | Non-credit | About 10 weeks of theory | 400, unpaid | $2,950, books, certification fees and scrubs extra |
| Yakima Valley College, WA | Credit, 19 credits | Two quarters | 400 | $3,074.45, including the $140 exam fee |
| Fletcher Technical Community College, LA | Credit, 21 credits | Two semesters | 400 | About $4,202.66 tuition and fees |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College, VA | Credit, 20 credits | One year | 400 | $187.60 per credit in-state |
Non-credit courses start more often and finish faster. Bergen opens sections in January and February 2027, with evening and day options. Credit certificates usually start once a year: Schoolcraft, Yakima Valley, SOWELA and Fletcher all list fall starts only. In exchange, credit carries a transcript, counts toward later degrees and can open federal aid, covered below.
Filter All 146 Community Colleges Programs
Filter by credential, format, clinical hours, exam fee included, certification, schedule and state; tick up to three programs to compare them side by side.
146 programs
- CertificateCRCST prep
Pre-Allied Health Sterile Processing at Aiken Technical College: Cost, Length and Clinical Hours
Aiken Technical College school profile and campuses · Graniteville, SC
- Weeks
- 401 year full time
- Clinical
- 400hours, meets 400
- Cost
- $8,000published total, 2026-27
- Clinicals
- Certificate
Sterile Instrument Processing Certificate at Aims Community College: Schedule, Cost and What It Includes
Aims Community College school facts and programs · Greeley, CO
- Credits
- 17
- Clinical
- Yesincluded
- Cost
- $2,702published total
- Clinicals
- CertificateCRCST prep
- Non-credit courseCRCST prep
Central Sterile Processing Technician at Anne Arundel Community College: Tuition, Hours and Certification
Anne Arundel Community College school facts and programs · Arnold, MD
- Hours
- 84instruction
- Clinical
- Yesincluded
- Cost
- $2,050published total
- Clinicals
- Certificate
Sterile Processing Certificate at Anoka Technical College: Tuition, Hours and Certification
Anoka Technical College school facts and programs · Anoka, MN
- Credits
- 28
- Clinical
- Yesincluded
- Cost
- $6,442published total, 2026-27
- Clinicals
- Certificate
Central Sterile Supply Processing Technician Advanced TCC (CS91) at Atlanta Technical College: Length, Clinicals and Exam Prep
Atlanta Technical College school profile and campuses · Atlanta, GA
- Credits
- 20
- Clinical
- 400hours, meets 400
- Cost
- $4,098published total, 2026-27
- Clinicals
- CertificateCRCST prep
Central Sterile Processing Technology at Atlantic Technical College: Admission, Cost and Length
Atlantic Technical College school facts and programs · Coconut Creek, FL
- Weeks
- 26About 6 months full-time
- Hours
- 650instruction
- Clinical
- Yesincluded
- Cost
- $2,236published total
- Clinicals
- CertificateCRCST prep
Central Sterile Supply Processing Tech Basic, Technical Certificate of Credit at Augusta Technical College: Tuition, Hours and Certification
Augusta Technical College school facts and programs · Augusta, GA
- Credits
- 16
- Clinical
- Yesincluded
- Clinicals
- Certificate
Sterile Processing Career and Technical Certificate (CTC) at Baton Rouge Community College: Schedule, Cost and What It Includes
Baton Rouge Community College school facts and programs · Baton Rouge, LA
- Weeks
- 16One semester
- Hours
- 180instruction
- Clinical
- Yesincluded
- Clinicals
- Non-credit course
Central Sterile Preparation Technician-Hybrid at Beaufort County Community College: Cost, Length and Clinical Hours
Beaufort County Community College school profile and campuses · Washington, NC
- Hours
- 240instruction
- Cost
- $205.25published total, 2026-27
- Non-credit courseCRCST prep
Central Sterile Processing Technician (HH-008) at Bergen Community College: Admission, Cost and Length
Bergen Community College school profile and campuses · Paramus, NJ
- Weeks
- 10
- Hours
- 460instruction
- Clinical
- 400hours, meets 400
- Cost
- $2,950published course fee, 2026-27
- Clinicals
- Diploma
Sterile Processing Technician, Technical Diploma at Blackhawk Technical College: Admission, Cost and Length
Blackhawk Technical College school profile and campuses · Janesville, WI
- Clinical
- Yesincluded
- Cost
- $1,387published total
- Clinicals
- Certificate
Sterile Processing Technician Program at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College: Tuition, Hours and Certification
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College school profile and campuses · Martinsburg, WV
- Weeks
- 174 months
- Hours
- 80instruction
- Non-credit courseCRCST prep
Central Sterile Processing Program at Borough of Manhattan Community College: Cost, Length and Clinical Hours
Borough of Manhattan Community College (CUNY) school facts and programs · New York, NY
- Weeks
- 10
- Clinical
- Yesincluded
- Cost
- $1,995published total
- Clinicals
- Certificate
Central Processing Certificate at Bunker Hill Community College: Admission, Cost and Length
Bunker Hill Community College school profile and campuses · Boston, MA
- Weeks
- 32Two semesters, part-time
- Credits
- 19
- Clinical
- Yesincluded
- Cost
- $289per credit, Spring 2027
- Clinicals
- Certificate
- Certificate
Central Sterile Supply Processing Tech (Advanced) Certificate (CK91) at Chattahoochee Technical College: Tuition, Hours and Certification
Chattahoochee Technical College school facts and programs · Marietta, GA
- Credits
- 9
- Clinical
- Yesincluded
- Cost
- $107per credit, 2026-27
- Clinicals
- Certificate
Central Sterile Supply Processing Tech (Basic) Certificate (CJ91) at Chattahoochee Technical College: Cost, Length and Clinical Hours
Chattahoochee Technical College school facts and programs · Marietta, GA
- Credits
- 13
- Clinical
- Yesincluded
- Cost
- $107per credit, 2026-27
- Clinicals
- Non-credit courseCRCST prep
Sterile Processing Technician Certificate Program at Chesapeake College: Schedule, Cost and What It Includes
Chesapeake College school profile and campuses · Wye Mills, MD
- Weeks
- 133 months
- Clinical
- Yesincluded
- Cost
- $2,095published total
- Clinicals
- Diploma
Sterile Processing Technician, Technical Diploma at Chippewa Valley Technical College: Tuition, Hours and Certification
Chippewa Valley Technical College school facts and programs · Eau Claire, WI
- Weeks
- 40Less than one year
- Credits
- 6
- Clinical
- Yesincluded
- Cost
- $1,316published total, 2026-27
- Clinicals
No programs match these filters.
Program facts come from each school's own pages, reviewed November 2026. Cost is the price the school publishes for the whole program (a total or a single course fee); per-credit rates show as rates. Published prices often leave out the exam fee, books and background checks. Clinical hours, the exam fee and the textbook show as included only where the program's page says so; certification tags show the exams the page names.
In-District, In-State and Out-of-State Prices
Public colleges price by where you live, and the gap can be several times the resident figure. Check which rate applies to you before you compare programs across a state or county line.
| College | Resident price | Non-resident price |
|---|---|---|
| Atlantic Technical College, FL | $2,236 listed total, in-state | $7,696 listed total, out-of-state |
| Atlanta Technical College, GA | $107 per credit; estimated program cost $4,098 | $214 per credit |
| Bunker Hill Community College, MA | $289 per credit; $301 under NEBHE | $495 per credit |
| Lively Technical College, FL | $1,898 for the 650-hour program | $11.71 per clock hour |
| Lindsey Hopkins Technical College, FL | $2.56 per clock hour | $10.25 per clock hour |
| Frederick Community College, MD | Up to $1,850 in Frederick County | Adds $5 per course for other Maryland residents, $10 outside Maryland |
Some colleges draw the resident line generously. Georgia Northwestern Technical College charges Alabama and Tennessee residents the Georgia rate of $107 per credit, and other out-of-state students pay twice that. Aiken Technical College quotes its estimated $8,000 tuition for residents of Aiken County in South Carolina and Richmond and Columbia counties across the line in Georgia.
Per-credit rates are rates, not program prices. Bunker Hill also adds a $53 per-credit High-Cost Fee to certain programs, so ask for the full fee schedule for the term you start. The course cost calculator helps you add up a rate, fees, books and the exam.
Paying for It: Federal Aid and College Funding
Federal student aid follows the credential type. Studentaid.gov lists, among its basic rules, that you must be enrolled or accepted as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program. That is why non-credit courses usually fall outside it: Kishwaukee College says federal and state financial aid don’t apply to its $1,300 course, and Frederick Community College says its workforce certificate isn’t eligible for federal aid.
Credit doesn’t guarantee aid either. Northcentral Technical College’s credit certificate ($692, including $120 in books and supplies) says financial aid doesn’t apply. Collins Career Technical Center in Ohio says financial aid is available for its $5,250 program. Confirm eligibility with the college’s financial aid office and file the FAFSA if the program qualifies.
Non-credit students have other routes, often run by the college itself:
- Wake Technical Community College says Propel scholarships can cover registration and fees on its $200 section.
- Beaufort County Community College lists its $205.25 hybrid course as free for eligible students.
- Des Moines Area Community College offers training, books and supplies at no cost to qualified applicants for its $899 course.
- Virginia Western Community College cuts its $3,198 tuition to $1,066 with FastForward tuition assistance.
- Community College of Rhode Island lists its 15-week course as free for accepted students, including books and the CRCST exam fee.
- Chesapeake College in Maryland points students to the EARN Maryland grant for its $2,095 course.
Separate College Admission From Program Admission
Getting into a community college and getting into its sterile processing program are often two steps. Open admission to the college doesn’t mean an open seat in a program with limited clinical sites.
- Application windows. Southwestern College in California takes Fall 2027 applications only from April 5 to May 7, 2027. Des Moines Area Community College reopens applications in Fall 2027 for its Spring 2028 class.
- Prerequisites. Chesapeake College requires a Medical Terminology course ($135) before its program. Frederick Community College runs a two-course series that starts with Foundations for Healthcare Careers.
- Testing and fees. Atlantic Technical College charges a $15 basic skills test fee; Southern Regional Technical College lists $384 in admissions fees on top of $2,354 tuition.
- Clearances. Wilson Community College’s fees include a $120 background check and drug test, and Piedmont Community College’s $353 includes a $124 background check and drug screen.
Program admission can also sit inside another program. Eastern Florida State College’s sterile processing certificate is open only to students admitted to its Surgical Services associate degree.
Credits That Stack Toward Surgical Technology or a Degree
The main reason to choose a credit certificate is what it leads to. Several public colleges place sterile processing on a ladder:
- Greenville Technical College in South Carolina awards its certificate in the first semester of Phase II of its Surgical Technology associate degree, with 60 clinical hours in a local hospital. It conferred 17 sterile processing awards in 2022-23.
- Pensacola State College sets its 30-credit certificate inside its Surgical Services associate degree.
- Georgia’s technical colleges offer a basic and an advanced certificate. Georgia Northwestern’s basic certificate is 13 credits; Atlanta Technical College’s advanced certificate is 20 credits with 400 practicum hours, and Southern Regional Technical College’s 22-credit advanced certificate adds an endoscope reprocessing practicum.
- Lorain County Community College in Ohio offers a short-term technical certificate and a one-year technical certificate.
If surgical technology is your long-term goal, compare the two jobs in the sterile processing vs surgical technologist guide before you pick a certificate.
Public College Prices vs Private Career Schools
Public colleges cluster at the low end. The 146 programs in this set have a median published price of $1,960, and the highest is $8,633 at Onondaga-Cortland-Madison BOCES in New York. Across all 212 programs on this site, including private career schools, the median is $2,095 and the highest price reaches $23,000. Herzing University-Madison, a private nonprofit, bills its online diploma at $530 per credit.
A low public price often covers less. Nine North Carolina courses are priced from $180 to $353, and none of them includes the certification exam; only three list clinical hours, from 27 to 100. Some public programs cost more than the median because they include the extras: Yakima Valley’s $3,074.45 covers the exam fee, books, background check, scrubs and malpractice coverage. The course cost guide lists what each kind of price includes, and the most affordable programs ranking sorts every program by price.
Which College Program Fits Your Situation
You already work in a hospital. A short non-credit course is enough, because HSPA counts paid work in a sterile processing department toward the 400 hours. North Carolina’s courses start at $180 (see the North Carolina list), and Vance-Granville Community College includes the book bundle in its $322.60.
You have no healthcare experience. Pick a program that places you for all 400 hours. Delaware County Community College ($1,295) and McHenry County College ($1,999) are the lowest published prices in the top ten that do.
You work days. Look at evening programs, then check when the clinical runs. Rowan College at Burlington County teaches Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 6 to 8 pm, but its clinical typically runs 7:30 am to 3:30 pm on weekdays. Bergen’s internship offers 3 to 11 pm and overnight shifts.
You want college credit to build on. Choose a credit certificate such as Pikes Peak’s 18 credits, Southern University at Shreveport’s 27 credits or a Georgia advanced certificate.
Getting Certified After a College Program
Most programs in this set prepare you for one of two exams. CRCST from HSPA needs 400 hands-on hours in a sterile processing department: 120 in decontamination, 120 in preparing and packaging, 120 in sterilization and disinfection, 24 in storage and distribution and 16 in quality assurance. You can pass the exam first and hold provisional status, then log the hours within six months. The exam has 150 questions, takes up to three hours and costs $140.
CSPDT from CBSPD accepts completion of a sterile processing training course with a grade of 70 or higher, which is why many North Carolina courses target it. The exam fee is $135.
A few colleges publish their own results. Santa Fe College reports 20 of 22 graduates in its class of 2025 passed the certification exam (90.9%). Lorain County Community College reports a 94.5% CRCST pass rate for 2024-25, and Nashville State Community College reports 100% for 2023. The CRCST guide and CSPDT guide cover each route, and the CRCST hours planner maps your 400 hours.
What to Check Before You Enroll
- Count the clinical hours. Only 22 programs in this set include all 400. Durham Tech includes 30 and Piedmont 27.
- Get the right rate. Ask whether you pay in-district, in-state or out-of-state, and get the fee schedule.
- Ask what the price includes. McHenry, Rowan and Temple College include the exam; Bergen and Delaware County don’t.
- Know the start dates. Many credit certificates admit once a year in fall.
- Check state law. Some states require certification for sterile processing staff; see the state requirements guide.
To find programs near you, use the program finder or compare short courses in the sterile processing technician courses ranking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Community College Sterile Processing Programs Accredited?
No programmatic accreditor exists for sterile processing, so no college program carries a sterile processing accreditation. What matters is the certification it prepares you for: HSPA's CRCST, which needs 400 hands-on hours, or CBSPD's CSPDT, which accepts a training course passed with a grade of 70 or higher.
Which States Have the Most Public College Sterile Processing Programs?
North Carolina leads with 14 programs at public colleges, followed by Georgia with 12, Florida and Illinois with 11 each, Texas with 9 and Ohio with 8. North Carolina's are mostly short non-credit courses; Georgia's are technical college credit certificates.
How Long Does a Community College Sterile Processing Program Take?
The median among public college programs that list a length is 22 weeks. Pikes Peak State College's 18-credit certificate runs one 15-week semester including 400 clinical hours, while Schoolcraft College and Fletcher Technical Community College take two semesters and J Sargeant Reynolds Community College takes a year.
Does the College Find Your Clinical Site?
Most programs that include the 400 hours place you. Pikes Peak State College uses sites in Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Canon City, Woodland Park and Denver, and Seattle Central College assigns a hospital department. LaGuardia Community College is the exception: its course leaves securing the 400-hour site to the student, with possible support.
Is a College Sterile Processing Course Worth It if You Already Work in a Hospital?
Often a short course is enough, because HSPA counts paid work in a sterile processing department toward the 400 hours. J Sargeant Reynolds Community College also offers competency-based credit for documented sterile processing work in its 20-credit certificate.
Can a Felony Conviction Stop You From Finishing a College Program?
It can affect certification. The College of Southern Nevada warns that a felony conviction may keep you from sitting for the national certification exam, and many programs require a background check and drug screen before clinicals, such as Wilson Community College, whose $348 in fees include a $120 background check and drug test.
More Sterile Processing Rankings and Guides
- Best Sterile Processing Technician ProgramsEvery verified program, scored on hands-on hours, certification prep, cost and track record; 212 programs
- Best Online Sterile Processing Technician ProgramsOnline and hybrid programs, and how each one gets you hands-on hours; 71 programs
- Most Affordable Sterile Processing Technician ProgramsPrograms ranked by the whole-program price each school publishes; 85 programs
- Best Sterile Processing Certification ProgramsPrograms that prepare you for HSPA's CRCST or CBSPD's CSPDT exam; 149 programs
- Best Sterile Processing Technician Programs With ExternshipsPrograms with clinical hours in a hospital sterile processing department; 164 programs
- Best Accelerated Sterile Processing Technician ProgramsPrograms a school says take 16 weeks or less; 43 programs
- Best Sterile Processing Technician CoursesNon-credit workforce courses at colleges and training schools; 69 programs
- Best Evening and Weekend Sterile Processing ProgramsPrograms with evening or weekend classes for people who work; 41 programs
- Sterile Processing CertificationThe two national sterile processing certifications, HSPA's CRCST and CBSPD's CSPDT, who can sit each exam and which programs prepare you for them
- How Long Training TakesHow many weeks, instruction hours and clinical hours sterile processing programs take, by credential, from verified program pages
- Course Cost and Financial AidWhat sterile processing courses and certificates cost, from published program prices, what the price leaves out and how to pay for it
- Rankings by StateThe best programs in every state
- All Sterile Processing RankingsEvery ranking on one page
Sources
- Official program, tuition and admissions pages of each school listed, reviewed November 2026
- U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS 2022-23 completions: sterile processing awards (CIP 51.1012)
- Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA): CRCST certification
- Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD)
- HSPA: CRCST certification application and requirements
- CBSPD: CSPDT technician certification exam
- Federal Student Aid: Eligibility for Federal Student Aid
- HSPA: Who We Are