Articles

HCC Coleman College to offer free sterile processing technician training

By Andi Atkinson

Feb 26, 2024

Up to 40 Houston-area residents can earn a Sterile Processing certificate for free at Houston Community College (HCC) – Coleman College for Health Sciences thanks to a Texas higher education grant.

The Texas Reskilling and Upskilling Through Education Grant Program awarded HCC Coleman College nearly $250,000 in February 2024. The grant will cover all student costs, including uniforms and certification-related materials and exams.

Sterile processing is the process of cleaning, inspecting, disinfection and sterilization of medical devices used during surgical procedures. Technicians typically work across most healthcare institutions earning a mean wage of $41,500 in Texas, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Jeff Gricar, Ed.D., dean of health sciences for HCC Coleman College, applied for the grant to help more Houstonians fast-track into the healthcare field.

“The grant focuses on education and training programs that students can complete in under six months,” said Gricar. “In our program, our students need just one semester followed by a 400-hour clinical. Our graduates can be working and earning good wages in a short time."

To apply or learn more about the program, visit hccs.edu/Surgical-Tech. For questions, call 713-718-7362 or email melissa.bruton@hccs.edu.