Key Points

• High school diploma or GED required
• Training programs take a few months to under a year
• CRCST certification through HSPA
• 400 hands-on hours for full certification
• Texas salary: $46,100 per year
• Online and in-person training options available statewide

What is a Sterile Processing Technician?

A sterile processing technician (also called a sterile processing tech) cleans, sterilizes, organizes, and distributes medical instruments. The work supports infection prevention and plays a key role in patient safety.

Step 1: Meet the Requirements

To begin sterile processing technician training in Texas, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED. Employers often require immunizations, a background check, and the physical ability to handle instruments and equipment.

Texas does not issue a state license for sterile processing technicians.
Most Texas hospitals prefer candidates with CRCST certification, especially in surgical centers and high-volume facilities.

If you're planning your next step, Dreambound can help you compare sterile processing technician programs available across Texas.

• Sterile Processing Technician classes in Austin
• Sterile Processing Technician classes in Dallas/Fort Worth
• Sterile Processing Technician classes in El Paso
• Sterile Processing Technician classes in McAllen
• Sterile Processing Technician classes in San Antonio

Step 2: Complete a Sterile Processing Technician Training Program

Training programs in Texas prepare you for clinical work in sterile processing departments. Courses teach essential skills through structured modules, including:

Core Skills You’ll Learn

• Instrument cleaning and decontamination
• Sterilization techniques
• Surgical instrument identification
• Infection prevention procedures
• Quality assurance
• Equipment handling and safety

Sample Curriculum Topics

• Microbiology and infection control
• Surgical instrumentation
• High-level disinfection
• Steam sterilization and monitoring
• Inventory management
• Quality control
• Regulations and compliance standards

Training can be completed in a few months, and many schools offer flexible online and hybrid formats. Online sterile processing technician training is available in Texas for students who need schedule flexibility.

Course design and expectations are guided by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA), the national organization that administers CRCST certification.

Step 3: Complete Your 400 Hours of Hands-On Clinical Experience

HSPA requires 400 hands-on hours to earn full CRCST certification. These hours must include:

• Decontamination: 120 hours
• Preparing & Packaging Instruments: 120 hours
• Sterilization & High-Level Disinfection: 120 hours
• Storage & Distribution: 24 hours
• Quality Assurance Processes: 16 hours

These hours help you learn how sterile processing departments operate in real healthcare settings.

Texas hospitals follow national sterile processing standards set by HSPA.
Dallas and Houston have some of the highest sterile processing employment levels in the state.

If you're ready to begin training and complete your clinical hours, compare programs through Dreambound.

Step 4: Get Certified (CRCST)

The Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) credential is offered through HSPA. You can earn certification through one of two pathways:

CRCST Pathways

• Full CRCST: Complete 400 hours before taking the exam
• Provisional CRCST: Pass the exam first, then complete 400 hours within six months

CRCST Exam Details

• 150 multiple-choice questions
• 3-hour testing window
• Computer-based exam through Prometric
• Covers sterilization, decontamination, instrumentation, and distribution

HSPA provides a detailed CRCST candidate handbook and exam guide to help you prepare.

Step 5: Start Applying for Sterile Processing Technician Jobs in Texas

With training and CRCST certification completed, you can begin applying for jobs in hospitals, surgery centers, and outpatient facilities.