Support Surgical Teams as a Central Sterile Technician
Are you interested in a hands-on health care role that helps keep patients safe? STLCC’s central sterile processing (CSP) short-term career training, offered in partnership with BJC HealthCare, trains you to clean, sterilize and prepare surgical instruments and medical equipment used in hospitals and clinics. This program is designed for current BJC employees or those selected for an open sterile processing position.
By completing the program, you’ll gain the skills to start a career as a central sterile technician and earn the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) credential, giving you a strong foundation for work in hospitals, clinics and surgical centers.
What is Central Sterile Processing at St. Louis Community College?
At STLCC, the CSP program teaches you the hands-on skills needed to manage instruments and equipment used in hospitals and clinics, giving you real-world experience in a critical health care role.
Through the program, you’ll learn how to:
- Clean, decontaminate and disinfect surgical instruments and equipment
- Prepare and package instruments for surgical procedures
- Test and sterilize instruments to meet safety standards
- Store, transport and manage inventory of sterile equipment
- Care for and distribute patient care instruments to support surgical teams
This training prepares you to earn the CRCST credential supported by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association.
What Can You do as a Central Sterile Processing Technician?
After completing the program, you’ll work full-time with BJC HealthCare for one year as a central sterile processing technician. You’ll apply your skills, support patient care and gain hands-on experience in a real health care setting. This role gives you the chance to connect with health care professionals and opens doors for future career growth.
Central Sterile Processing Short-Term Training
- Location: Forest Park
- Duration: 12 weeks; 100 hybrid classroom + 400 on-the-job training hours
- Class schedule: Friday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- Format: Hybrid
- Student cost: Employer funded. Requires a one-year employment commitment to BJC HealthCare.
- Award: Certificate of completion
- Industry credentials: Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST)
- How to apply: Please see instructions on the next tab.
How to Apply
This program is exclusively for BJC HealthCare employees.
Good News – BJC is Hiring!
To be considered, apply for any open Sterile Processing position with BJC HealthCare. No prior central sterile processing technician experience is needed for entry-level positions. BJC provides on-the-job training for qualified applicants. Check the status of your application in your BJC Careers Portal.
Get Certified with STLCC
Those selected for employment may be considered for an upcoming training with STLCC to earn the Certified Registered Central Service Technician credential. BJC central service managers select new and existing employees to participate.
Upcoming Classes
New CSPT classes begin every February and August. You can apply with BJC at any time to start your journey. Upon employment, you may tell your manager if you're interested in the training program.
How Do I Know if I’ve Been Selected?
All communication comes directly from BJC HealthCare. BJC HealthCare will schedule qualified applicants to interview, then guide candidates through the selection process. Updates will be communicated via phone and email or monitor the status of your application in your BJC Careers Portal.
Admission Requirements
This program is for new and existing BJC HealthCare employees. To complete the CSPT short-term training program, you must be:
- 18 years old.
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- A BJC employee in good standing.
- Selected by a BJC Sterile Processing Manager to participate.
Apply for any open sterile processing position with BJC HealthCare to be considered. No prior experience is necessary.
Request More Information
Why You Should Choose STLCC's Central Sterile Processing Program
Gain Real-World Experience
Experience a blend of hybrid classes, skill labs and online coursework. Receive hands-on
instruction that allows you to apply your knowledge in a real clinical environment.
Short-Term Training
STLCC’s short-term training programs are designed to quickly equip students with the skills needed for immediate employment. These programs focus on practical, hands-on learning to ensure students are job-ready upon completion.
Earn as You Learn
Through this program, you'll have the opportunity to earn while you learn through
paid on-the-job training with BJC HealthCare. Balancing work and study, you'll build
confidence and expertise, all while earning a paycheck.
Achieve Industry Credentials
Upon completing the program, you'll earn the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) credentials. This certification not only highlights your skills but also opens doors to advanced roles in the health care field.