Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician

Program Details

Program Overview
Course Type: Web-Enhanced*
Duration: 5 months
Program Hours/CEUs: 160 hours (16.0 CEUs)
Tuition: $2,234
Program Dates: March 30 to July 22, 2026
Program Schedule: Mondays and Wednesdays,
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Application Deadline: March 16, 2026
Certification: Students who successfully complete the program will receive a Certificate of Completion and be eligible to apply for certification through the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution, Inc. (CBSPD)

*This is an in-person course that uses an online platform (D2L) for assignments or supplemental materials. Reliable access to the internet and a computer is required.

Applications are Currently Closed

To apply for this program, download the information packet and follow the application steps listed on the "How to Apply" page.

Download Information Packet

Sterile Processing and Distribution Technicians or Medical Equipment Preparers are integral members of the healthcare team responsible for sterilizing, organizing, and distributing medical equipment, instruments, supplies, and products used in patient care and treatment.

Our Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician course will prepare you for entry-level positions in the hospital and clinic’s sterile processing and distribution departments. You will learn the theory and practical application of medical terminology, human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, infection control processes, laboratory knowledge, and skills in instrumentation, supplies, and processing techniques. This course meets for 80 hours of in-person instruction. Students may be eligible to complete an off-site externship of 80 hours, Monday to Friday AM to PM.

Upon successful completion, graduates will receive a certificate of completion and become eligible to apply for certification through the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution, Inc. (CBSPD)

Course Objectives

  • Recognize/demonstrate the use of sterilization process monitors, including temperature and frequency of appropriate chemical indicators and bacterial spore tests for all sterilizers.
  • Explain the processes and steps of decontamination.
  • List the assembly and packaging systems and discuss their advantages and disadvantages.
  • Explain the processes and steps of sterilization.
  • Correlate the importance of quality control.
  • Identify factors affecting “shelf life” and sterility maintenance.
  • Correlate the means of preventing safety hazards.
  • Acknowledge the agencies involved with the development of standards and their application to sterile processing.
  • Identify basic surgical instrumentation, their anatomy, as well as care and handling of.
  • Recognize basic principles of infection control/microbiology.
  • Interpret and apply medical terminology and anatomical terms as they relate to equipment and supplies issued by central service personnel.
  • Develop a basic understanding of the structure and function of the body systems.
  • Identify professional standards and ethical considerations that guide sterile processing practices

 


Course Codes

  • SRGT 1091 Special Topics in Surgical/OR Technician: 80 contact hours (8.0 CEUs)
  • SRGT 1060 Clinical – Surgical Technology/Technologist: 80 contact hours (8.0 CEUs)

 

Attendance Policy

The Sterile Processing Technician program requires 85% attendance to successfully complete. Attendance will be taken at each meeting.

Tuition and Financial Assistance

$2,234 (includes textbook, certification exam, and drug test)

  • Dark grey scrubs
  • Document tracker and background check
  • AHA BLS Certification course
Payment Options
Payment Plan

$2234 + $30 one-time payment plan fee


Payment Plan Schedule

  • Due at Registration: $477 (includes $30 fee)
  • 1st Month after Registration: $447
  • 2nd Month after Registration: $447
  • 3rd Month after Registration: $447
  • 4th Month after Registration: $447


Cash payments cannot be used to set up payment plans; payment plans are set up online through the payment portal. Checking and routing information is preferred. Credit and debit card payments are accepted but additional fees apply.

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DYD Scholarship For Bell County Residents: Covers 100% of the tuition and BLS fee for eligible students. Students must attend Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) courses along with WCE courses. Contact 254.298.8626 for more information.
Workforce Solutions Students may qualify for the Education and Training Grant through Workforce Solutions of Central Texas. For more information: https://workforcesolutionsctx.com/training-and-education/
VA Education Benefits Students may use GI Bill, Chapter 35, or Hazlewood benefits to pay for the tuition. Chapter 35 students must enroll in a payment plan and pay the initial payment. Contact 254.298.8311 or va@templecollege.edu for more information.
Tuition Waiver The Texas State College Tuition Waiver program exempts or waives payment of tuition and fees at state-supported colleges or universities for foster youth currently or formerly in the conservatorship of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and for those adopted from DFPS.

If you qualify for this program and are interested in attending Temple College, contact Misty Reid at 254-298-8335 or misty.reid@templecollege.edu.

Student Handbook

Read Student Handbook

FAQs

We will accept positive titer test (blood test) results in lieu of vaccines. Reach out to your healthcare provider or clinic to request for a titer test order.
Please contact the IT Help Desk team at 254-298-8450 or helpdesk@templecollege.edu.
You can reset your password here: https://passwordreset.microsoftonline.com/.
No, Pell Grants and federal student aid cannot be used to pay for our continuing education programs. We strongly encourage students to complete their FAFSA, and apply for the Texas Public Educational Grant (TPEG).

The Texas Public Educational Grant (TPEG) is a state-funded program designed to assist Texas residents with financial need in covering the costs of higher education at public colleges and universities in Texas. Students must demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA. If approved, TPEG will cover 50% of the tuition for eligible WCE programs.

Eligible Programs

  • Certified Clinical Medical Assistant
  • Certified Nurse Aide
  • Community Health Worker
  • CompTIA A+ Computer Technician
  • CompTIA ITF+ IT Fundamentals
  • EKG Technician
  • Medical Coding
  • Non-Certified Radiologic Technician
  • Patient Care Technician
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Phlebotomy Technician
  • Project Management for Information Technology
  • SHRM Certification Prep
  • Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are nationally recognized to record satisfactory completion of certain approved occupationally related programs. Generally one CEU is awarded for each 10 contact hours of instruction included in a specified continuing education program or activity. Successful completion is grade and attendance-based. Eighty percent attendance is required for most classes, but some require 100 percent attendance. Individuals who register for and successfully complete our courses are awarded CEUs.
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