Program Details Central Service Technician Certificate

Here is a general overview of what your classes will look like following each quarter. Please contact your advisor for more information regarding the courses. To learn which materials are needed for your courses, click this bookstore link and enter the course information.

General Overview

When can I start? Fall (September) or Winter (January)

How long is the program? 2 quarters (6 months) with 35 total credits

When do classes meet? on-campus, early mornings to early afternoons

Central Service Technicians make sure that surgical equipment is safe. You will learn national and international standards for decontamination and sterilization by studying microbiology, medical terminology, human anatomy, basic surgical instrument identification, inventory control, distribution, purchasing, and healthcare trends. The program includes an internship at a local hospital so you can take the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) exam to be a Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST).

You can learn more about the CST program in our $25 class CCP 045 Bridge to Allied Health and Human Services.

What does a central service technician do?

What is the average salary?

$48,200 annually in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area. Most central service technicians in King County earn at least $33,870. Some jobs may be listed as "sterile processing technician."

Who can I contact with questions?

New students, please visit our Zoom lobby (Links to an external site.) to talk with someone by video chat, or e-mail our advising department.
For current students, please visit RTC's advising page (Links to an external site and look for the faculty counselor assigned to Central Service Technician.

Overall Materials Needed:

Note: Students must complete all courses with a 2.0 or higher to graduate.

Quarter 1 Classes

Description: You learn everything that a Central Service Technician needs to know about surgical instruments: safety, cleaning, decontamination, disinfection, sterilization, packaging, and storing. You also study legal regulations and standards, quality assurance, and effective communication with hospital staff and patients.

Quarter 1 Course Information
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
CST 100	Central Service Technician Fundamentals	YES	8
CST 102	Healthcare Provider First Aid/CPR, AED, and Bloodborne Pathogens	YES	2
CST 103	Central Service Standard Practices of Sterilization	YES	3
CST 104	Central Service Technician Basic Sciences	YES	3
CST 105	Central Service Technician Skills Laboratory	YES	3
Tuition Estimated Total: $2,518

Quarter 2 Classes

Description: You will apply your knowledge and skills in a hospital, completing 400 hours of experience required by for HSPA certification (the exam costs $125).

Note: You need to pass all Quarter 1 classes with a grade of 2.0 or higher before you can enroll in Quarter 2.

It's time to apply for graduation!

Quarter 2 Course Information
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
CST 191	Central Service Clinical Practicum I	NO	6
CST 192	Central Service Clinical Practicum II	NO	10
Tuition Estimated Total: $2,099 including clinical placement fees

Grand Total Estimate: $5,071 plus the cost of immunizations and health insurance

Not quite the path you want to take? Let's go back to the Program Map!

Back to Program Map