Sterile Processing Technician Certificate Program (Campus)

The Sterile Processing Technician Certificate Program at Milay Institute of Science & Technology is a 10-week / 120-hour training program designed to prepare students for critical roles in decontaminating, assembling, sterilizing, storing, and distributing surgical instruments and medical devices.

Students follow a structured 12-course Learning Pathway that combines classroom instruction, technical training, and hands-on laboratory practice. Instruction emphasizes the complete sterilization process cycle, covering infection prevention, cleaning and decontamination, steam and low-temperature sterilization, sterile storage and distribution, quality assurance, and professional development.

Upon completing the 10-week program, students are eligible to sit for a national certification exam such as the CBSPDT or CRCST. Once the student successfully passes the certification exam, they qualify for the optional 6-week Accelerated Clinical Experience (ACE Program), which consists of 240 hours of supervised clinical training in a partnering healthcare facility.

During the ACE Program, students apply their skills in a real-world sterile processing environment. Upon completion, participating healthcare providers have the option to hire students directly, creating a seamless pathway from education to employment.

Program Curriculum Outline & Clock Hours

Job Outlook & Salary Average

Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of sterile processing technicians (medical equipment preparers) is projected to grow 5–6% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. Growth is driven by the increasing volume of surgical procedures, stricter infection prevention measures, and the ongoing need for properly trained sterile processing staff.

Salary Average – San Francisco Bay Area

– San Francisco–Oakland–Hayward, CA: $63,000 – $78,000 annually

– San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA: $65,000 – $80,000 annually

– Entry-Level: $27 – $31/hour

– Experienced: $33 – $38/hour

ACE Program — Accelerated Clinical Experience

The Accelerated Clinical Experience (ACE) Program is a 6-week, 240-hour externship conducted in a partnering hospital, surgery center, or healthcare facility.

Under the supervision of certified sterile processing professionals, students gain practical, real-world experience in:

– Decontamination and cleaning procedures

– Instrument assembly and packaging

– Steam and low-temperature sterilization processes

– Sterile storage and case cart distribution

– Quality assurance and documentation compliance

– Professional teamwork in surgical support services

This clinical practicum ensures students transition from the classroom to the workplace with confidence and hands-on expertise. Upon completion, many healthcare providers extend direct job offers to ACE graduates, accelerating entry into the workforce.

Disclaimer: ACE Program / Externship (Optional, Post-Graduation)

The Accelerated Clinical Experience (ACE Program)—also referred to as an externship—is not part of the Sterile Processing Technician Certificate curriculum, is not required to graduate, and is offered only as optional, post-graduation practical training subject to site availability.

Eligibility (minimum):

– Successful completion of the instructional program, and

– Passing a recognized national certification exam (e.g., CBSPD or HSPA), and

– Meeting all host-facility onboarding requirements (e.g., background check, drug screen if required, immunizations, TB/fit testing, HIPAA/OSHA training).

No employment guarantee: Participation in ACE does not guarantee employment. Hiring decisions are made solely by the healthcare facility and may consider:

– Demonstrated skills competency and adherence to sterile processing standards

– Teamwork and ability to work effectively with staff and surgical teams

– Professionalism, etiquette, and workplace conduct

– Attendance, reliability, and accountability during the placement

Additional notes: Placement availability, schedules, and site requirements are determined by the host facility. ACE is not included in program tuition; additional costs and documentation may be required, such as background check, immunizations, CPR to name a few payable to third parties. (not to Milay Institute) Students must represent themselves and the Milay Institute of Science & Technology with the highest level of professionalism throughout any clinical experience.