Sterile Processing Technician Training

Sterile Processing Technician

With an increased focus on patient safety in healthcare, sterile processing technicians are in high demand. As one of these technicians, you’ll decontaminate, inspect, assemble, package and sterilize reusable surgical instruments or devices in a healthcare facility, so that they can be redistributed and reused safely on additional patients. This work is usually centralized in a special department of the medical facility. 

Sterile Processing is a great way to begin in the field before entering a career in Surgical Technology.

  • Average entry-level wage range:  $16 – $20 per hour  

Explore Healthcare Careers: Join Us at OCC's Open House

Join us for a health sciences open house on Thursday, March 20, 2025, and learn how OCC can help you turn your passion for healthcare into a rewarding career. Reserve your spot today.

Funding Available to Qualified Candidates

We have partnered with Oakland County Michigan Works! to offer this training to qualified candidates. Attend an information session to learn more.

Program Information

Cohort 15:  May 5 - July 7, 2025 (Monday & Wednesday, 4-8 p.m., plus clinical rotations)
Applications Accepted:  March 12 - April 11, 2025

Cohort 16:  July 15 - September 16, 2025 (Tuesday & Thursday, 4-8 p.m., plus clinical rotations)
Applications Accepted:  April 14 - June 13, 2025

What to Expect

  • Focus:  The Sterile Processing Technician training program is designed to give entry-level and incumbent healthcare workers the experience, knowledge and skills necessary to become certified as a Sterile Processing Technician. 
  • Certification: Following completion of this program, individuals will have the classroom knowledge required to sit for the Certification Board of Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) Exam. 
  • Clinicals:  Assigned to a metro-Detroit hospital site and conducting 96 hours of onsite clinical experience. (Completed outside of regularly scheduled classroom days.) 
  • Employer Partners:  Corewell Health, DMC, Henry Ford Health, McLaren, St. Joseph Mercy, and Straith Hospital (Southfield).
  • Resources:  We understand that you may encounter unexpected challenges. We do our best to help you succeed during the training. We have compiled a resource list with OCC and community-based accommodatoins, career services, clothing resources, food assistance, technology, and more.

Application Requirements

  • Background check - Individuals must successfully pass a background check.
  • Note:  Individuals may not have a misdemeanor within 5 years or a felony conviction within 10 years of the end date of the training program.
  • Drug screen - A rapid urine 5-panel drug screen with negative results are required. 
  • Note:  This test screens for marijuana, opiates, cocaine, amphetamines, and phencyclidine. An at-home test is not sufficient.
  • Basic math & reading test - requirement for Michigan Works application process
  • Tuberculosis clearance (TB Test)
  • Immunizations:  2 MMR, 3 Varicella, 3 Hepatitis B, Tdap, seasonal Influenza, and up-to-date COVID-19
  • Attend an information session
  • Complete the application process - apply for Michigan Works funding or pay out of pocket
  • Submit all completed documentation (background check, drug screen, TB test results, immunization records) in one email to healthcaretraining@oaklandcc.edu

Paperwork will ONLY be accepted no earlier than 90 days before the program start date.

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If you're interested in a short-term training program, please complete the form below. An OCC representative will be in contact with you soon. 

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