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 Links to an external site. 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 Links to an external site. 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 Links to an external site. 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:
- CastleBranch Account ($106)
- Central Service Technical Manual 9th edition with Central Service Training Course Workbook ($190)
- Notebook, highlighters, pens, and pencils ($25)
- Immunizations Links to an external site. and personal health insurance (cost varies)
- Malpractice and liability insurance ($15.72)
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.
| 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 |
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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!
| 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 |
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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!