Support Surgical Teams as a Central Sterile Technician
STLCC’s central sterile processing (CSP) short-term career training, offered in partnership with BJC HealthCare, prepares 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 individuals selected for an open sterile processing position. Through focused training, you’ll develop the skills needed to support surgical teams, maintain safety standards and manage essential medical equipment.
After completing the program, you’ll be prepared to begin work as a central sterile technician and pursue the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) credential. This training provides a strong foundation for opportunities in hospitals, clinics, surgical centers and other health care settings.
What is Central Sterile Processing at St. Louis Community College?
The CSP program at STLCC prepares you for a critical role in health care by teaching you how to clean, sterilize, organize and manage surgical instruments and equipment. You’ll learn the processes that help ensure medical teams have safe, properly prepared instruments for patient care.
Through the program, you’ll develop skills in areas such as:
- Cleaning, decontaminating and disinfecting surgical instruments and equipment.
- Preparing and packaging instruments for surgical procedures.
- Testing and sterilizing equipment to meet safety standards.
- Managing inventory, storage and transportation of sterile supplies.
- Supporting surgical teams by maintaining and distributing patient care instruments.
This training prepares you to pursue the CRCST credential supported by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association and begin a career in hospitals, clinics and other health care settings.
What Can You do as a Central Sterile Processing Technician?
After completing the CSP program at STLCC, you’ll begin your career with a one-year full-time position as a central sterile processing technician with BJC HealthCare. In this role, you’ll apply your training in a real health care environment while supporting patient safety and surgical teams behind the scenes.
Central sterile processing technicians play an important role in preparing medical instruments and equipment for procedures. You’ll use your knowledge of cleaning, sterilization, inventory management and safety standards to ensure health care providers have the supplies they need to deliver quality care.
This experience allows you to build confidence, strengthen your technical skills and work alongside health care professionals. It also provides a foundation for continued growth in sterile processing, health care operations and related careers.
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.
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.