Learning Resources

Instrumental Education: Advancing the Future of Sterile Processing

Sterile processing is an ever-evolving field that requires professionals to continually expand their knowledge and adapt to new technologies and best practices. As surgical instrumentation and healthcare technology advance, sterile processing technicians must stay informed on the latest innovations to ensure patient safety and maintain the highest industry standards. Ongoing education and professional development are critical to meeting the growing demands of the field, and staying ahead means embracing new methodologies, tools, and networking opportunities.

Instrumental Education is committed to providing high-quality resources, networking opportunities, and professional development for sterile processing professionals. Our mission is to drive the industry forward by fostering innovation, developing new courses, and integrating cutting-edge technology. Through collaboration with industry experts, we aim to ensure that sterile processing professionals have access to the best education, tools, and networking opportunities to advance their careers and uphold the highest standards in patient safety.

 

Certification Bodies & Official Resources

Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) – www.myhspa.org

• Provides certification, training, webinars, and continuing education units (CEUs).

• Offers certifications such as CRCST, CIS, CER, CHL.

• Annual conferences and networking opportunities.

Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) – www.cbspd.net

• Certification exams for sterile processing professionals at multiple levels.

• Study materials and continuing education opportunities.

Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) – www.aami.org

• Publishes sterilization and decontamination standards.

• Offers training programs, courses, and industry reports.

The Joint Commission (TJC) – www.jointcommission.org

• Provides hospital accreditation and compliance guidelines for sterile processing.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Infection Control Guidelines

• www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol

 

Continuing Education & CEUs

• HSPA Online CEU Courses – HSPA Learning

• CBSPD Continuing Education – CBSPD CEU List

• IAHCSMM/HSPA Webinar Archives – HSPA Webinars

• Beyond Clean University (Free & Paid CEUs) – www.beyondclean.net

• Sterile Processing University – www.spdceus.com

• Pfiedler Education (AORN-affiliated, Free CEUs) – www.pfiedler.com

• STERIS University (Free CEUs on Sterilization and Decontamination) – university.steris.com

• 3M Healthcare Academy (Sterile Processing CEUs) – www.3m.com

 

Podcasts & Educational Media

• Beyond Clean Podcast – www.beyondclean.net/podcast

  • The leading podcast on sterile processing trends, innovations, and expert interviews.

• Process This! (HSPA Podcast) – HSPA Podcast

  • Official HSPA podcast discussing industry updates, best practices, and professional development.

• The Sterile Guy Podcast – The Sterile Guy

  • Covers instrument reprocessing, career tips, and industry challenges.

• Sterilization Station Podcast

  • A podcast focused on sterilization techniques, industry best practices, and discussions with experts in the field.

 

YouTube Channels & Video Resources

• Healthcare Sterile Processing Association YouTube Channel – HSPA YouTube

  • Features training videos, industry updates, and professional development content.

• Steve from Boston Career Institute – Sterile Processing Videos

  • Sterile Processing Technician Training

  • Educational videos covering certification preparation, practical skills, and industry best practices.

 

Additional Resources & Networking

LinkedIn Groups:

• "Sterile Processing & Distribution Professionals"

• "Beyond Clean Discussion Forum"

• "HSPA – CRCST Professionals"

Facebook Groups:

• "Sterile Processing Technicians"

• "Sterile Processing Professionals Worldwide"

Reddit Community:

• r/SterileProcessing – A community for sharing knowledge, job opportunities, and industry updates.