2027 Rankings · Verified November 2026
Best Sterile Processing Technician Programs With Externships
Which Sterile Processing Programs Include an Externship or Clinical Hours?
Indian River State College (Fort Pierce, FL) ranks first, with 410 clinical hours. 164 sterile processing programs at 161 schools in 32 states fit this ranking, each checked on the school's own site in November 2026. 52 are non-credit courses and 112 are credit certificates, diplomas or degrees. 164 include clinical hours, and 43 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 $257 to $23,000, with a median of $2,354. 12 programs include the certification exam fee or a voucher.
- programs
- 164
- schools
- 161
- include clinical hours
- 164
- states
- 32
- 400+ clinical hours
- 43
- median length
- 26 wk
- median published cost (74 priced)
- $2,354
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 | Contra Costa Medical Career College, Antioch: Sterile Processing TechnicianCertificate · 28 weeks · 400 clinical hours | 87 | |
| Lowest published cost | Durham Technical Community College, Durham: Central Sterile Processing (PHM-3002A)Non-credit course · 19 weeks · 30 clinical hours | 64 | $257.25 |
| Fastest | Massachusetts Bay Community College, Wellesley Hills: Central Processing Technology (CPT) CertificateCertificate · 6 weeks · 100 clinical hours | 60 | |
| Best online or hybrid | Central Coast College, Salinas: Sterile Processing TechnicianCertificate · 32 weeks · 400 clinical hours | 83 |
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 Sterile Processing Technician Programs With Externships, Ranked
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
Community College of Baltimore County: Central Service Technician, Continuing Education Workforce CertificateCentral Service Technician, Continuing Education Workforce Certificate
400 hrclinical hours statedBest for covering the CRCST's 400 hands-on hours inside the program near Essex
Community College of Baltimore County (Essex, MD) runs this on campus non-credit course. The school publishes a price of $2,063 for the program. Clinical: Optional Central Service Technician Clinical I-IV (AHL 046-049), 100 hours each, 400 hours in total; not required to complete the program.
- Hours
- 72instruction
- Clinical
- 400hours, meets 400
- Cost
- $2,063published total
Includes- Clinicals
- Exam voucher
Prepares forAdmission details for the Community College of Baltimore County course · How Community College of Baltimore County ranks in Maryland
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 forQueensborough Community College course on the school's site · New York ranking: Queensborough Community College
Montgomery County Community College: Sterile Processing Technician (BICEC 1614)Sterile Processing Technician (BICEC 1614)
400 hrclinical hours statedBest for covering the CRCST's 400 hands-on hours inside the program near Pottstown
Montgomery County Community College (Pottstown, PA) runs this on campus non-credit course. The school publishes a price of $2,650 for the program. Clinical: 400-hour externship at Pottstown Hospital after the lecture component, scheduled by the instructor.
- Hours
- 432instruction
- Clinical
- 400hours, meets 400
- Cost
- $2,650published total
Includes- Clinicals
Prepares forOfficial page for the Montgomery County Community College course · Montgomery County Community College among Pennsylvania programs
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 forApply or ask about the Rowan College at Burlington County course · How Rowan College at Burlington County ranks in New Jersey
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 forBergen Community College's own page for this course · New Jersey ranking: Bergen Community College
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 forAdmission details for the Yakima Valley College certificate · Yakima Valley College among Washington programs
More of the Best Sterile Processing Technician Programs With Externships: Ranks 11 to 25
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.
Lowest-Cost With Externships 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.
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 course on the school's site · Durham Technical Community College among North Carolina programs
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 · How Guilford Technical Community College ranks in North Carolina
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 · North Carolina ranking: Wilson Community College
Piedmont Community College: Central Sterile ProcessingCentral Sterile Processing
$353published total, 2026-27Best for a low-cost course near Roxboro
Piedmont Community College (Roxboro, NC, public) runs this hybrid non-credit course (January 19 to April 19, 2027). The school publishes a price of $353 for the program (2026-27). Clinical: 27 hours at an assigned clinical site during one week between weeks 8 and 13.
- Clinical
- 27hours
- Cost
- $353published total, 2026-27
Includes- Clinicals
Prepares forPiedmont Community College's own page for this course · Piedmont Community College among North Carolina programs
Northcentral Technical College: Sterile Processing Technician CertificateSterile Processing Technician Certificate
$692published total, 2026-27Best for a low-cost certificate near Wausau
Northcentral Technical College (Wausau, WI, public) runs this on campus certificate. The school publishes a price of $692 for the program (2026-27). Clinical: Lecture and lab experiences.
- Credits
- 3
- Clinical
- Yesincluded
- Cost
- $692published total, 2026-27
Includes- Clinicals
Admission details for the Northcentral Technical College certificate · How Northcentral Technical College ranks in Wisconsin
Nebraska Methodist College: Sterile Processing Technician Certificate ProgramSterile Processing Technician Certificate Program
$795published total, 2026-27Best for a low-cost course near Omaha
Nebraska Methodist College (Omaha, NE, private nonprofit) runs this hybrid non-credit course (Eight weeks (FAQ says six weeks)). The school publishes a price of $795 for the program (2026-27). Clinical: Hands-on clinicals one afternoon a week at Methodist Hospital.
- Weeks
- 8Eight weeks (FAQ says six weeks)
- Clinical
- Yesincluded
- Cost
- $795published total, 2026-27
Includes- Clinicals
Prepares forNebraska Methodist College course on the school's site · Nebraska ranking: Nebraska Methodist College
Des Moines Area Community College: Sterile Processing Supply TechSterile Processing Supply Tech
$899published totalBest for a low-cost course near Ankeny
Des Moines Area Community College (Ankeny, IA, public) runs this non-credit course. The school publishes a price of $899 for the program. Clinical: 20 hours of clinical experience.
- Hours
- 60instruction
- Clinical
- 20hours
- Cost
- $899published total
Includes- Clinicals
Official page for the Des Moines Area Community College course · Des Moines Area Community College among Iowa programs
Del Mar College: Sterile Processing TechnicianSterile Processing Technician
$900published totalBest for a low-cost course near Corpus Christi
Del Mar College (Corpus Christi, TX, public) runs this hybrid non-credit course. The school publishes a price of $900 for the program. Clinical: Clinical rotations at local hospital sites.
- Hours
- 80instruction
- Clinical
- Yesincluded
- Cost
- $900published total
Includes- Clinicals
Prepares forApply or ask about the Del Mar College course · How Del Mar College ranks in Texas
Externship Programs With the Highest Overall Score
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
Contra Costa Medical Career College: Sterile Processing TechnicianSterile Processing Technician
87score of 100Best for covering the CRCST's 400 hands-on hours near Antioch
Contra Costa Medical Career College (Antioch, CA, private for-profit) runs this certificate (28 weeks). Clinical: 400-hour clinical externship. The school reported 104 sterile processing awards for 2022-23 (IPEDS).
- Weeks
- 2828 weeks
- Hours
- 744instruction
- Clinical
- 400hours, meets 400
Includes- Clinicals
Prepares forOfficial page for the Contra Costa Medical Career College certificate · How Contra Costa Medical Career College ranks in California
Community College of Baltimore County: Central Service Technician, Continuing Education Workforce CertificateCentral Service Technician, Continuing Education Workforce Certificate
86score of 100Best for the CRCST's 400 hours with the exam fee paid near Essex
Community College of Baltimore County (Essex, MD) runs this on campus non-credit course. The school publishes a price of $2,063 for the program. Clinical: Optional Central Service Technician Clinical I-IV (AHL 046-049), 100 hours each, 400 hours in total; not required to complete the program.
- Hours
- 72instruction
- Clinical
- 400hours, meets 400
- Cost
- $2,063published total
Includes- Clinicals
- Exam voucher
Prepares forApply or ask about the Community College of Baltimore County course · Maryland ranking: Community College of Baltimore County
Central Coast College: Sterile Processing TechnicianSterile Processing Technician
83score of 100Best for covering the CRCST's 400 hands-on hours near Salinas
Central Coast College (Salinas, CA, private for-profit) runs this hybrid certificate (32 weeks). Clinical: 400-hour clinical externship.
- Weeks
- 3232 weeks
- Hours
- 830instruction
- Clinical
- 400hours, meets 400
Includes- Clinicals
Prepares forCentral Coast College's own page for this certificate · Central Coast College among California programs
High Desert Medical College-Bakersfield: Sterile Processing TechnicianSterile Processing Technician
83score of 100Best for covering the CRCST's 400 hands-on hours near Bakersfield
High Desert Medical College-Bakersfield (Bakersfield, CA) runs this hybrid certificate (32 weeks). Clinical: 400-hour clinical externship. Evening classes are offered.
- Weeks
- 3232 weeks
- Hours
- 830instruction
- Clinical
- 400hours, meets 400
Includes- Clinicals
Prepares forAdmission details for the High Desert Medical College-Bakersfield certificate · How High Desert Medical College-Bakersfield ranks in California
High Desert Medical College-Lancaster: Sterile Processing TechnicianSterile Processing Technician
83score of 100Best for covering the CRCST's 400 hands-on hours near Lancaster
High Desert Medical College-Lancaster (Lancaster, CA) runs this hybrid certificate (32 weeks). Clinical: 400-hour clinical externship. Evening classes are offered.
- Weeks
- 3232 weeks
- Hours
- 830instruction
- Clinical
- 400hours, meets 400
Includes- Clinicals
Prepares forHigh Desert Medical College-Lancaster certificate on the school's site · California ranking: High Desert Medical College-Lancaster
High Desert Medical College-Temecula: Sterile Processing TechnicianSterile Processing Technician
83score of 100Best for covering the CRCST's 400 hands-on hours near Temecula
High Desert Medical College-Temecula (Temecula, CA) runs this hybrid certificate (32 weeks). Clinical: 400-hour clinical externship. Evening classes are offered.
- Weeks
- 3232 weeks
- Hours
- 830instruction
- Clinical
- 400hours, meets 400
Includes- Clinicals
Prepares forOfficial page for the High Desert Medical College-Temecula certificate · High Desert Medical College-Temecula among California programs
Integrity College of Health: Sterile Processing TechnicianSterile Processing Technician
83score of 100Best for covering the CRCST's 400 hands-on hours near Pasadena
Integrity College of Health (Pasadena, CA, private for-profit) runs this hybrid certificate (32 weeks). Clinical: 400-hour clinical externship.
- Weeks
- 3232 weeks
- Hours
- 830instruction
- Clinical
- 400hours, meets 400
Includes- Clinicals
Prepares forApply or ask about the Integrity College of Health certificate · How Integrity College of Health ranks in California
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. |
How to Get 400 Hours for Sterile Processing Technician Certification
HSPA (the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association, formerly IAHCSMM) grants full CRCST certification only after you show 400 hours of hands-on work in a sterile processing department. The hours can be paid or volunteer, and they have to cover five areas: 120 in decontamination, 120 in preparing and packaging instruments, 120 in sterilization and disinfection, 24 in storage and distribution and 16 in quality assurance.
Someone senior who watched you work signs off: a lead technician, supervisor, manager or hospital-based educator. A fellow technician or a private instructor can’t, and you can never document your own hours. That rule is why a campus lab, however good, doesn’t replace time in a real department.
There are three ways to get the hours:
- A program with a 400-hour externship. The school arranges the hospital and you finish with everything HSPA asks for. 43 programs in this set do this.
- A program with a shorter clinical. You get between 20 and 240 hours of department time and find the rest yourself.
- Coursework first, hours on the job. You pass the exam, hold provisional CRCST and log the 400 hours at work within six months.
Of the 164 programs here that include some clinical time, 71 state the number of hours on their own pages, and the median among those is 400. The ranking sorts by that stated number, so a program that promises “clinical rotations” without a count sits lower even if its placement is long. The CRCST certification guide covers the exam itself. This page is about getting the hours.
Why Indian River and SOWELA Lead This Ranking
Indian River State College’s Central Service Technology certificate in Fort Pierce, Florida states the most clinical time of any program in the set. Its STS 0013L Central Sterile Processing Clinical runs 410 hours inside a 650-hour, six-month certificate that starts in Summer B.
SOWELA Technical Community College’s Sterile Processing Technology certificate in Lake Charles follows with 405 contact hours in its STPR 2106 practicum, at clinical sites across Southwest Louisiana, inside a 20-credit Certificate of Technical Studies that starts in the fall.
Below those two, the top programs all state exactly 400 hours, and ties go to the lower published cost. That is why Delaware County Community College’s course in Pennsylvania ranks third: Wednesday evening classes from January 27 to May 19, 2027, then a 400-hour placement, for $1,295 with books and course materials included.
| Program | Clinical hours and site | When the hours happen | Published cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian River State College, Central Service Technology | 410 hours (STS 0013L) | Inside a 6-month certificate | |
| SOWELA Technical Community College, Sterile Processing Technology | 405 contact hours at Southwest Louisiana sites | Practicum inside the 20-credit certificate | |
| Delaware County Community College | 400 hours | After 60 hours of classroom and lab | $1,295, voucher extra |
| McHenry County College, Sterile Processing Technician Training | 400 hours, preceptor-set schedule | After you pass the CRCST exam | $1,999, includes the HSPA exam fee |
| Community College of Baltimore County, Central Service Technician | Four optional 100-hour clinical classes | Optional; not needed to finish | $2,063, plus $752 for the clinicals |
| Queensborough Community College hybrid class | 400 hours with Northwell Health for eligible students | After online classes and March labs | $2,295 |
| Montgomery County Community College, Sterile Processing | 400 hours at Pottstown Hospital | After the lectures, scheduled by the instructor | $2,650 |
| Rowan College at Burlington County, Central Services Technician | 400 hours, typically 7:30 am to 3:30 pm weekdays | After the March 1 to July 9 classes | $2,750, includes textbook and one exam attempt |
| Bergen Community College, Sterile Processing Technician | 400 unpaid hours at a medical or surgical center | After about 10 weeks of theory | $2,950 |
| Yakima Valley College SPT Certificate | 400 hours | Inside two quarters, 19 credits | $3,074.45, includes the $140 exam fee |
A blank cost cell means the school lists only per-credit rates.
Filter All 164 With Externships 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.
164 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
- Non-credit course
Certified Sterile Processing Technician (CSPDT) at Alamo Colleges District: Length, Clinicals and Exam Prep
Alamo Colleges District (Alamo Technical Institute) school profile and campuses · San Antonio, TX
- Weeks
- 225 months
- Hours
- 264instruction
- Clinical
- 112hours
- Cost
- $3,855published total
- Clinicals
- Exam voucher
- CertificateCRCST prep
Sterile Processing Technician at American Institute of Medical Sciences &Amp; Education: Schedule, Cost and What It Includes
American Institute of Medical Sciences & Education (AIMS Education) school facts and programs · Piscataway, NJ
- Weeks
- 4310 months
- Credits
- 26
- Clinical
- 400hours, meets 400
- Clinicals
- 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
- Non-credit course
Sterile Processing (Certified Sterile Processing Technician) at Austin Community College: Cost, Length and Clinical Hours
Austin Community College sterile processing profile · Austin, TX
- Weeks
- 133 months, about 9 hours per week
- Clinical
- Yesincluded
- Cost
- $1,140published total, 2026-27
- 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 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
- CertificateCRCST prep
Sterile Processing Technician Certificate at Berkeley College: Admission, Cost and Length
Berkeley College school facts and programs · Woodland Park, NJ
- Weeks
- 30
- Credits
- 27
- Clinical
- Yesincluded
- Cost
- $17,900published total, 2026-27
- Clinicals
- Exam voucher
- Textbook
- Certificate
Sterile Processing Technology (Short Term Certificate) at Bevill State Community College: Tuition, Hours and Certification
Bevill State Community College school facts and programs · Sumiton, AL
- Credits
- 22
- Clinical
- Yesincluded
- 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
- 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
- Non-credit courseCRCST prep
Sterile Processing Technician at Broome-Tioga BOCES: Cost, Length and Clinical Hours
Broome-Tioga BOCES school profile and campuses · Johnson City, NY
- Hours
- 123instruction
- Clinical
- 30hours
- Cost
- $1,810published total, 2026-27
- Clinicals
- Textbook
- 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
- Non-credit course
Sterile Processing Technician Program at Capital Region BOCES: Admission, Cost and Length
Capital Region BOCES school facts and programs · Albany, NY
- Weeks
- 30Part-time, September to March (7 months)
- Hours
- 270instruction
- Clinical
- Yesincluded
- Cost
- $3,940published total, 2026-27
- Clinicals
- CertificateCRCST prep
Sterile Processing Technician at Central Coast College: Admission, Cost and Length
Central Coast College school profile and campuses · Salinas, CA
- Weeks
- 3232 weeks
- Hours
- 830instruction
- Clinical
- 400hours, meets 400
- 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.
Full 400-Hour Externships vs Partial Clinicals
Plenty of programs advertise clinical hours that cover only part of the 400. These courses are real training, but they leave you short for full CRCST.
| Program | Clinical time | Exam it targets | Published cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines Area Community College | 20 hours in a 60-contact-hour course | $899 | |
| Piedmont Community College | 27 hours during one week between weeks 8 and 13 | CSPDT | $353 |
| Durham Technical Community College | 30 hours, one day a week at an offsite hospital | CSPDT | $257.25 |
| Iowa Western Community College | 30 hours at CHI Mercy Council Bluffs, April 23 to May 13 | $925 | |
| Wilson Community College | 100 hours in a healthcare setting | CRCST | $348 in fees |
| Alamo Technical Institute | 112 supervised hours | CSPDT | $3,855, exam voucher included |
| Fortis College, Houston | 180 unpaid hours during office hours | CRCST | $18,063 tuition |
| SVSTI | 240 hours over six weeks | CSPDT | $5,250 |
A blank exam cell means the course page names no exam.
Low prices and short clinicals go together. Durham Tech’s $257.25 is the lowest published cost among programs with clinical time, and its 30 hours give you a feel for a department rather than a route to full CRCST. Notice how many of these courses aim at CBSPD’s CSPDT. That credential doesn’t need 400 department hours: CBSPD accepts completion of a sterile processing training course with a grade of 70 or higher as one eligibility route, and the exam fee is $135. The CSPDT certification guide explains the other routes.
Some placements are optional or conditional. CCBC sells its four 100-hour clinical classes separately for $752. Queensborough’s 400 hours with Northwell Health are for eligible students. Central Sterilization Solutions in California includes an internship placement only at its $2,399 Premium level, against $1,599 for the Base level. And LaGuardia Community College says you secure the facility yourself for the 400-hour internship, with possible support.
Watch for hours that won’t count at all. Guilford Technical Community College says its clinical or simulation portion does not count toward the 400 hours for full CRCST, even though its $328 course makes you eligible for the exam and provisional status.
When the Clinical Placement Happens: Before or After the Exam
Programs run the hours and the exam in one of two orders, and the order changes what you hold when you finish.
Hours first, exam second. Delaware Technical Community College has you complete the program and its 400 internship hours, then take the CRCST exam, with the exam fee inside its $3,595 price. Atlanta Technical College’s Advanced TCC schedules both practicum courses in the second term and requires the 400 hours before you can sit for the exam. Bergen and Chesapeake College also put the clinical hours before the CRCST exam. Pass, and you can apply for full certification straight away.
Exam first, hours second. McHenry County College has you pass the CRCST exam, then complete a 400-hour internship on a preceptor-set schedule. Premiere Career College lets students take the HSPA provisional exam after the classroom portion, then completes CST104, 400 clock hours in a hospital central service department, within its $12,000 total. Fortis College and Fortis Institute in Houston have students sit the provisional CRCST exam in the final quarter.
Testing first starts a clock. Provisional CRCST gives you six months after passing to submit 400 hours, with a one-time two-month extension if you are working or volunteering in a sterile processing department and your supervisor requests it before your status expires. Miss it and the provisional credential is forfeited. If you test before your placement begins, check that the placement’s dates fit inside that window.
Plan Around Hospital Shifts, Not Class Times
The class schedule is the flexible part of most programs. The placement follows the department’s shifts.
- Rowan College at Burlington County teaches in the evening, but the placement typically runs 7:30 am to 3:30 pm, Monday to Friday, subject to hospital availability.
- Bergen Community College lists three shift patterns for its placement: 7 am to 3 pm, 3 to 11 pm, or 11 pm to 7 am. If you work days, that is the rare placement you might fit around a job.
- Collins Career Technical Center in Ohio runs a January-to-June program with a 400-hour practicum from March to June, 6:30 am to 2:30 pm, for $5,250 tuition.
- Aiken Technical College in South Carolina spreads its 400 hours across the spring and summer semesters, two days a week.
- AIMS Education in New Jersey places every student through its internship department for a mandatory 400 hours during weekday business hours. AIMS reports a 73% job placement rate for its 15 graduates from July 2024 to June 2025.
- Fletcher Technical Community College in Louisiana starts hospital rotations under a preceptor in late October and continues them through the spring semester.
Delaware Tech is the most flexible on the class side, with day, evening and Saturday sections, though it notes that internship hours and locations may differ from the course schedule. More options are in the evening and weekend programs ranking.
Unpaid Externships and the Costs That Come With Them
Expect to work your placement unpaid. Bergen, Fortis College and Pikes Peak State College, whose 400-hour SPI 1081 internship runs at sites in Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Canon City, Woodland Park or Denver, all say so. HSPA counts paid and volunteer hours alike, so the hours are worth the same either way.
Before a hospital lets you in, it will screen you. Those costs are sometimes in the price and sometimes on top of it.
| Program | Clinical requirements in the published price | Extra costs listed |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware Tech | Background check, drug screening, supplies and placement | |
| Iowa Western Community College | Background check and drug screening in the $925 | |
| Premiere Career College | $100 background check and $600 medical fees in the $12,000 | |
| Wilson Community College | $120 background check and drug test, $16 malpractice insurance | Textbooks |
| Piedmont Community College | $124 background check and drug screen | $165 textbook, $135 exam |
| Yakima Valley College | $120 background check, $18 malpractice, $100 scrubs and shoes | |
| Kilgore College | Certification exam | $20 drug test, $30 background check, books |
| Fletcher Technical Community College | Physical, labs, CPR, drug screen, uniforms |
Seattle Central College’s I-BEST certificate quotes a rough $1,500 per quarter that includes vaccinations and certification, and J Sargeant Reynolds Community College lists about $225 for the background check and drug screening on top of tuition. The course cost guide breaks these extras down further.
What to Do if Your Program’s Clinical Hours Fall Short
A short clinical isn’t a dead end. You have three ways to close the gap.
Test for provisional CRCST and log the rest at work. Take a job or volunteer role in a sterile processing department, pass the exam, and submit the 400 hours within six months. Make sure your supervisor, lead technician or a hospital-based educator sees your work in all five areas, since only they can sign. The CRCST hours planner tracks your hours against HSPA’s five categories so you can see which area is behind.
Use hours you have already worked. Full CRCST accepts 400 hours completed within the five years before you apply. If you already work in a department, your hours may be enough without a placement. J Sargeant Reynolds Community College’s certificate offers competency-based credit for documented sterile processing work, in a certificate whose CSP 191 clinical runs 400 hours.
Switch to CSPDT. If you can’t get into a department at all, completing a training course with a grade of 70 or higher makes you eligible for CBSPD’s exam. Check which credential employers in your state accept first: the state requirements guide lists the states that set rules in law.
Which Sterile Processing Technician Programs With Externships Fit You
You have no healthcare experience. Choose a full 400-hour placement, because finding a department that takes an unaffiliated volunteer is the hardest part of the CRCST route. Delaware County Community College is the lowest-cost of those at $1,295, Rowan includes one exam attempt in its $2,750, and Yakima Valley’s $3,074.45 includes the $140 exam fee.
You already work in a hospital. Your department can supply the hours, so a short course such as Wilson’s or Durham Tech’s is enough to prepare you for the exam. Start logging hours across all five areas now.
You work days. Look at Bergen’s evening and overnight shifts, or plan time off for a weekday placement such as Rowan’s or Collins’s.
You want college credit. SOWELA (20 credits), Fletcher (21), Atlanta Tech (20) and Yakima Valley (19) build the 400 hours into credit certificates. Pikes Peak State College fits 18 credits and 400 hours into one semester.
You live in California. Contra Costa Medical Career College, with 104 sterile processing awards in 2022-23, High Desert Medical College’s three campuses and Central Coast College all build a 400-hour placement into 28- to 32-week certificates. See the California ranking for the rest.
A Checklist for Comparing Sterile Processing Externships
- Get the hour count in writing. 43 programs here state 400 or more. “Clinical rotations” without a number may be 27 hours or 400.
- Confirm who finds the site. AIMS places you through its internship department; LaGuardia expects you to secure the facility.
- Make sure the hours are in a real department. Guilford’s own clinical or simulation hours don’t count toward CRCST.
- Check whether the placement is optional. CCBC’s clinicals cost extra, and Queensborough’s are for eligible students.
- Match the order to your plans. Hours-first programs finish with full CRCST; exam-first programs start a six-month clock.
- Check the shift times, not just class times.
- Price what the placement needs. Bergen’s $2,950 leaves out books, certification fees and scrubs; Delaware Tech’s $3,595 includes screening and exam fees.
To find programs near you, use the program finder, or compare the best sterile processing technician programs, the most affordable programs and online and hybrid programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Clinical Hours From a Training Program Count Toward the CRCST?
Yes, when they are completed in a sterile processing department and documented by someone senior who watched you work, such as a lead technician, supervisor, manager or hospital-based educator. HSPA doesn't accept hours documented by technicians or private instructors. Guilford Technical Community College says its own clinical or simulation portion does not count toward the 400 hours.
Are Sterile Processing Externships Paid?
Plan on unpaid. Bergen Community College, Pikes Peak State College and Fortis College all describe their placements as unpaid. HSPA counts paid and volunteer hours the same way, so a paid job in a sterile processing department is the other route to the 400 hours.
Where Are Sterile Processing Programs With Clinical Hours Near Me?
Programs with clinical time are in 32 states. California has the most in this set with 19, followed by Texas with 15 and New York with 12. The program finder sorts them by location, and each state ranking lists clinical hours program by program.
How Long Does a 400-Hour Sterile Processing Externship Take?
It depends on the shift pattern. Collins Career Technical Center runs its 400-hour practicum from March to June on weekdays from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Seattle Central College's I-BEST certificate fits it into the summer quarter, and Fletcher Technical Community College spreads rotations from late October through the spring semester.
Who Can Sign Off on Your 400 CRCST Hours?
A lead technician, coordinator, supervisor, manager, director or hospital-based educator who is senior to you and physically saw you do the work. HSPA does not allow you to document your own hours.
Do You Need CPR or BLS Before a Clinical Placement?
Several programs require or include it. Southern California Regional Occupational Center requires students to be 18 or older and hold BLS certification for its placement, Durham Technical Community College adds a 4-hour BLS course, and the University of Central Missouri course includes American Heart Association Basic Life Support certification.
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 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 Community College Sterile Processing ProgramsPrograms at public community and technical colleges; 146 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 hands-on hour requirements
- CBSPD: CSPDT technician certification exam