Sterile Processing

Sterile Processing Program

Sterile Processing students at MCC practice identifying, handling, and caring for surgical instruments. Photo: MCC

What Does MCC’s Sterile Processing Technician Program Include?

Midwestern Career College’s Sterile Processing Technician program combines hybrid online instruction with hands-on laboratory training to prepare students for entry-level roles in sterile processing departments and healthcare facilities. Students develop practical skills in instrument cleaning, decontamination, sterilization, inspection, packaging, infection control, and the preparation of surgical instruments and medical equipment.

How Long Is MCC’s Sterile Processing Technician Program?

MCC’s Sterile Processing Technician program is designed to be completed in 40 weeks. The curriculum combines online lectures with hands-on laboratory experiences, allowing students to develop the technical knowledge and practical competencies required for sterile processing and infection prevention in healthcare environments.

Does MCC’s Sterile Processing Program Prepare Students for Certification?

Yes. Midwestern Career College’s Sterile Processing Technician program prepares graduates to pursue national certification through the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD). The curriculum covers sterilization procedures, infection prevention, surgical instrumentation, equipment handling, and other foundational competencies relevant to the certification examination. Certification remains subject to CBSPD eligibility and examination requirements.

CONTACT THE PROGRAM

Is a Sterile Processing Program Right for You?

Take the Midwestern Career College Sterile Processing Readiness Quiz
Identify goals, personal strengths and important facts about your potential career path so you can make an informed decision about your future. It takes just a few minutes!

Get Your Career Training Readiness Score Now!

Program Information

Campus:	Study format:	Start date:
Evergreen Park, IL	Hybrid	10/26/2026
Chicago, IL Main Campus	Hybrid	Spring 2027

Program Length: 40 Instructional Weeks/2 Terms

What Does a Sterile Processing Technician Do?

Sterile Processing Technicians are responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, assembling, and distributing surgical instruments and medical equipment used in patient care. Their role is essential for infection control and operating room safety.

These technicians follow rigorous protocols to ensure that all instruments are properly decontaminated, inspected for defects, and wrapped for safe use in medical procedures. They also maintain sterilization records, monitor supply inventory, and deliver prepared instrument trays to hospital departments.

Key responsibilities include:

Monitoring and operating autoclaves and other sterilization equipment
Sterilizing, preparing, and organizing equipment into instrument trays for surgical and medical use
Delivering sterile equipment to surgical teams, exam rooms, and procedure areas
Documenting sterilization cycles, equipment maintenance, and supply usage

Program Objectives

MCC’s Sterile Processing Technician program presents advanced concepts and principles for developing the skills and competencies required for infection prevention and control in sterile processing departments within healthcare facilities.

The program covers essential knowledge in cleaning, disinfecting, decontamination, sterilization, standard precautions, and universal precautions. It also introduces students to hemostasis, packaging, distribution, storage, and inventory control of sterile goods, surgical instruments, trays, and equipment.

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be eligible to sit for the national certification exam offered by the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD).

Sterile Processing in Practice: Instrument Handling and Sterilization

Sterile processing technicians are responsible for preparing, handling, and sterilizing surgical instruments used in clinical environments. This short clip shows MCC students practicing core techniques in instrument handling and sterilization—skills that directly support patient safety and surgical readiness.

Career Outlook

Sterile Processing Technician is designated a “Bright Outlook” career by My Next Move, a resource provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.

According to projections from O*NET Online, employment in this field is expected to grow 7% between 2025 and 2035, making it a stable, in-demand career path in the healthcare industry.

Projected Job Growth for Sterile Processing Technicians (2025–2035)

All Occupations

~3%

Sterile Processing

7%

Source: O*NET Online (31-9093.00) – U.S. Department of Labor data, 2025–2035.

Disclosures

Available Campuses for the Sterile Processing Program

This program is available at the following MCC campuses. Campus offerings vary by term. Click a location to view it on Google Maps.

More on sterile processing

Sterile Processing
- Become a Sterile Processing Technician
- About the Sterile Processing Career

Midwestern Career College shares student stories, program highlights, campus updates, career content, and college news across our official social media channels. Explore our latest content and follow MCC on the platforms you use most.

Official MCC channels: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

REQUEST INFORMATION