Sterile Processing & Distribution Program

This program is designed to train students for careers in Central Supply Services in healthcare organizations, hospitals or laboratories. The Sterile Processing and Distribution Program prepares students to develop skills necessary to properly disinfect, prepare, process, store, and issue both sterile and non-sterile medical/surgical supplies and equipment for direct patient care and clinical use.

To qualify for this program, students will need to submit:

  • High School Transcripts/GED or Diploma
  • Complete a Reading Comprehension Test and/or Submit College Transcripts
  • Complete College Health Forms

Summer 2026 Cohort:

August 2026 Cohort
August 3rd – October 19th, 2026
Monday (in person) from 4 PM – 6 PM
Thursday (virtually) from 5 PM – 9 PM

Class Location
Trocaire College: 360 Choate Ave, Buffalo, NY 14220

Mandatory Blackboard Orientation
August 3rd @ 4pm held at Trocaire College.

Clinical Experience
October 5th – October 16th, 2026
(2 eight-hour days from 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM) at a local Kaleida or Catholic Health Hospital
*DAYS AND TIMES ARE TENTATIVE AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Hybrid Explained if offered = Classes are specifically scheduled for Examinations or Laboratories during class time or in person (listed in the syllabus). Otherwise, students will use Trocaire’s Online Learning Management System for instruction and completion of online classwork for the course.

*Students can obtain loaner computers from Trocaire after enrollment in the class

Surgical Technology Students scrubbing in

Students will receive the following services and course materials at no additional cost:

  • Textbook
  • Full Funding Available for Qualified Applicants
  • The cost of the program will be $2000
  • Work Readiness Training Available

Application found below

Sterile Processing and Distribution Program Application

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name*
Mailing Address*
Race (Required by the U.S. Department of Education Title VI Civil Rights Act, 1964)*
Military Status
Max. file size: 20 MB.
I hereby certify that the information contained in the Sterile Processing Application I submit to Trocaire College is true and complete to the best of my knowledge, I understand that material omissions or falsification of this application in any detail may result in my disqualification from consideration or dismissal from Trocaire Sterile Processing Program.*
Max. file size: 20 MB.
If you have copies of your high school transcripts/GED or diploma, please attach a copy.
Max. file size: 20 MB.
If you have copies of your College Transcripts, or have previously taken the reading comprehension test, please attach a copy.

What do Sterile Processing Technicians do?

Operate and maintain steam autoclaves, keeping records of loads completed, items in loads, and maintenance procedures performed.

Clean instruments to prepare them for sterilization. Record sterilizer test results.

Organize and assemble routine or specialty surgical instrument trays or other sterilized supplies, filling special requests as needed.

Examine equipment to detect leaks, worn or loose parts, or other indications of disrepair.

Career Outlook

The employment rate for Sterile Processors is projected to grow 10 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average. 1

Sterile Processing Technicians in Western New York earn an average annual wage of $45,320, or $21.79/hour. Starting salaries can be $37,253, or $17.91/hour. 2

Employment Path Possibilities

Experience could also lead to careers in fields such as:

  1. Medical Equipment Preparers: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ↩︎
  2. Medical Equipment Preparers: Local Wages ↩︎