NICC Launches New Sterile Processing Technician Program to Prepare Graduates for High-Demand Healthcare Careers

We're here to cover the moments that matter. Help us keep showing up. CALMAR, Iowa — Northeast Iowa Community College has launched a new Sterile Processing Technician Career Pathway Certificate program designed to prepare students for careers in the health care field. The 14-week program is designed to accommodate busy schedules, with one in-person lab day and the remainder of the course delivered through live online instruction at scheduled class times. Classes begin Oct. 20, 2026. No-cost tuition is available through grant funding for those who qualify. Sterile processing technicians play a critical role in surgical care. They decontaminate, clean, assemble, sterilize, store and distribute medical devices and surgical instruments used in hospitals, clinics, surgical centers and dental offices. Upon completion of the course, students will be prepared to pursue the Certified Registered Central Service Technician designation. To earn the national credential, candidates must pass the CRCST certification exam and complete the required hands-on experience in a sterile processing department. Meeting critical workforce needsDriven by an increasing volume of surgical procedures, strict infection-control standards and an aging population, regional health care providers continue to face demand for certified sterile processing professionals. "Our mission has always been to provide high-quality education that leads directly to meaningful employment," said NICC Health Program Developer Kelly Deeney. "By expanding our accessible health care pathways to include sterile processing, we're opening doors to rewarding careers and directly supporting the local health care workforce our community relies on." A fast track to career advancementThe Sterile Processing Technician CPC may be an option for working professionals, including certified nursing assistants, medical assistants, dental assistants and nursing students, who want to expand their skills and career opportunities. For those interested in advancing into surgical care, the program also provides a pathway to Surgical Technician training through NICC's academic partnership with Kirkwood Community College. Course and registration details Program: Sterile Processing Technician CPC Course No.: 107477 Start date: Oct. 20, 2026 Format: Hybrid, with online lectures and coursework and a one-day lab in Manchester Location: Online and Manchester lab Cost: $2,399. No-cost tuition is available through grant funding for those who qualify. For more information, including eligibility requirements and registration, visit nicc.edu/sterileprocessing or call 563-562-3263, ext. 1399. Know what's happening, without having to look for it. Sign up for our free newsletter.