Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

IHP’s Sterile Processing program provides knowledge and hands-on experience to work as a Sterile Processing Technician. Upon successful completion of our program, you may work and obtain your provisional certification through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).

Once you are employed and work in a sterile processing department, you can work towards completing the 400 hours required for full certification* through HSPA.

*”The CRCST certification program is designed to recognize entry-level and existing technicians who have demonstrated the experience, knowledge, and skills necessary to provide competent services as an SPD technician. CRCSTs are integral members of the healthcare team who are responsible for decontaminating, inspecting, assembling, disassembling, packaging, and sterilizing reusable surgical instruments or devices in a healthcare facility. While the CRCST program is based on US practice and standards, it is in harmony with international ISO standards and open to all candidates in the US and abroad who meet the eligibility requirements.” – Healthcare Sterile Processing Association

Time

One term, 42 hours of online and hands-on training in a hospital setting.

Tuition

$1,498, excluding book. Tuition is due at the time of registration, or students may set up a 3-month payment plan with the Portland Community College Student Account Services. For information about the payment plan, please visit the PCC payment plan webpage.

Things to keep in mind before applying

• Make sure you have included all requested materials before submitting your application. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.
• You must be age 18 when class begins.
• Submitting a registration form does not signify or guarantee that you will be registered or accepted into the Sterile Processing program.
• This program includes or requires educational experiences that take place in clinical/field environments. The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Public Health Division requires students in clinical/field environments to comply with vaccination requirements [pdf], including COVID-19 vaccination. Students are also required to pass a criminal background check and drug screenings. If you have any questions, please contact EntryHealthcareapps@pcc.edu [opens in new window].
• View the class schedule. Required text: AHA BLS for Healthcare Providers Manual (c 2020) available at PCC Sylvania Campus bookstore, 971-722-4910, or order direct from shopcpr.heart.org (e-book cost: $15, product number: 20-3102, ISBN: 978-1-61669-799-0; printed book cost: $17.50, product number: 20-1102, ISBN: 978-1-61669-768-6).