Key Points
- Training can be completed in 4–12 months
- New York requires completing an approved education program
- You must meet NYSED’s rules on supervised clinical experience
- CRCST certification is the standard credential
- Salary in NY: $52,860/year (BLS)
What Does a Sterile Processing Technician Do?
A sterile processing technician, also known as a central service technician, prevents infection by cleaning, sterilizing, packaging, and maintaining surgical instruments and medical equipment. They support operating rooms, clinics, and hospitals by ensuring instruments are safe for patient use.
Duties include:
- Decontaminating and sterilizing instruments
- Assembling instrument sets
- Operating sterilization equipment
- Managing inventory and storage
- Documenting sterilization cycles
- Supporting surgical and medical teams
Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements
New York programs require a high school diploma or GED. Some programs may also request immunization records, drug screening, or a background check before you begin clinical experience.
Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and comfort working in clinical environments are valuable since your work directly supports patient safety.
Looking for sterile processing training in New York? Here are accredited programs near you:
Step 2: Complete a New York–Approved Sterile Processing Program
According to NYSED, students must complete a program that covers:
- Sterile processing procedures
- Decontamination and sterilization
- Microbiology and infection control
- Medical terminology
- Storage and distribution of sterile goods
- Safety and quality assurance
Programs include both classroom instruction and supervised lab work. Some New York schools offer online learning for the didactic portion, but clinical training must be completed in an approved facility.
Step 3: Complete Required Clinical Hours
New York requires supervised clinical experience as part of sterile processing training. NYSED outlines:
- Clinical experience must be supervised by licensed or certified healthcare professionals
- Students must demonstrate related skills and knowledge before entering clinical rotations
- At least 108 hours of clinical work is commonly required in New York programs
These hours ensure you gain hands-on experience in decontamination, sterilization, packaging, and instrument management.
Step 4: Prepare for Certification (CRCST)
While New York does not mandate certification for all employers, most healthcare facilities prefer or require it. The primary credential is:
CRCST — Certified Registered Central Service Technician
Issued by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).
The CRCST requires:
- Completing an approved education program
- Completing hands-on experience (before or after the exam)
- Passing the CRCST exam
The certification validates your knowledge of sterile processing standards, regulations, and infection control procedures.
Step 5: Apply for Jobs in New York
After completing your program and earning (or pursuing) certification, you can begin applying for sterile processing technician roles across New York.
Use MyNextMove's local job listings to find openings in New York.
Positions may be listed as:
- Sterile Processing Technician
- Central Service Technician
- Instrument Technician
- SPD Technician
Most roles are found in hospitals, surgical centers, and specialized outpatient facilities.
Sterile Processing Technician Salary in New York
Sterile processing technicians in New York earn about $52,860 per year ($25.41 per hour), based on BLS data for medical equipment preparers.
Higher earnings are common in major hospital systems, night shifts, and roles requiring advanced skills.
