WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO EARN YOUR CERTIFIED REGISTERED CENTRAL SERVICE TECHNICIAN (CRCST) CERTIFICATION?
Passing your Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam proves to employers that you understand the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as a Sterile Processing Technician. This certification helps you to stand out in a fast-growing field.
Why Earn Your Certification
Earning your certification proves to employers that you are knowledgeable in all aspects of your field. Here are some key reasons why you should earn your certification:
- Competitive advantage – Show hiring managers that you have the knowledge and skills to succeed
- Skills confidence – Apply for jobs anywhere within the UPMC network with confidence that you are trained with industry-preferred skills that will ensure you are day-one ready
CERTIFIED REGISTERED CENTRAL SERVICE TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION OUTCOMES
This certification ensures individuals can:
- Use medical terminology and understand disease processes as well as the anatomy and physiology needed to ensure safety for future patients
- Communicate effectively and professionally and provide excellent customer service
- Follow compliance standards such as HIPAA, OSHA, ANSI, and AAMI
- Identify workflow processes for cleaning, decontaminating, preparing, packaging and sterilization of equipment and instruments
- Differentiate quality control and assurance methods as well as understand the importance of central service process documentation
- Describe the importance of manufacturer’s instructions for use (IFU), infection control and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) throughout central service areas and their impact on personnel and patient safety
Overview of the Issuing Authority
The Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (formerly IAHCSMM), is the premier association for Sterile Processing professionals worldwide for more than 60 years. HSPA has served more than 40,000 members and certification holders throughout the world.
CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible for full certification, students must have already completed 400 hours of experience in a sterile processing department or within six months of passing the exam. This is broken up into the following areas of experience:
- Decontamination (120 hours)
- Preparing & Packaging Instruments (120 hours)
- Sterilization & Disinfection (96 hours)
- Storage & Distribution (24 hours)
- Quality Assurance Processes (24 hours)
- Equipment (16 hours)
Students residing in Pennsylvania are required to become certified within a state-mandated period of time after employment. This is not a barrier to enrollment for students but should be reviewed with your Training Specialist at the time of enrollment.
Select the right training program for your goals
Sterile Processing Technician
Through our online Sterile Processing Technician training program, you will learn how to prepare, sterilize, install, and clean laboratory or healthcare equipment.
Meet Your Training Specialist!
Your Training Specialist is here to help you understand the program and payment options and succeed! Get in touch with us to learn more about the program, and how to achieve your career goals!
