Program Overview

Sterile Processing Technician Online Course

The Sterile Processing Technician online course is designed to prepare students to function as a sterile processing professional in multiple healthcare settings. Sterile Processing technicians perform and participate in decontamination, cleaning, assembling, packaging, scanning, sterilization, storage, and distribution of reusable surgical instrumentation and equipment.

Quick Facts

• Tuition: $1,999
• The course includes six months of access, all eBooks, workbooks, and related course material.
• Payment plans are available, offering 3-, 6-, and 10-month options.

Program Description

The purpose of this program is to prepare students to clearly and thoroughly understand their roles and responsibilities. Working in a sterile processing area requires specific knowledge and skills, including an understanding of the following key areas and topics:

• Instrumentation: Knowledge of surgical instruments and specialty devices
• Processing of Surgical Instrumentation: Decontamination, packaging, and sterilization of surgical instrumentation
• Processing of Moveable Patient Equipment: Processing, cleaning, testing, assembly, and distribution of movable patient care equipment
• Storage and Inventory: Storage, handling, and distribution of sterile surgical instrumentation and devices, as well as inventory control and cost recovery systems
• Medical Terminology: Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology, and microbiology
• Prevention Processes: Infection prevention, decontamination, and disinfection processes

Objectives

After completing this program, students will be able to:

• Describe various functions of SPD
• Identify the health and safety regulations, standards, and guidelines that apply to the processing of medical devices and instrumentation
• Define anatomy and physiology, explain how they are related, and understand how anatomy and physiology relate to the work performed in the sterile processing department
• Understand the basic factors in disease transmission
• Describe the body's defenses against infection and the factors that affect the body's susceptibility to disease
• Distinguish between regulated medical waste and non-infectious waste
• Explain bloodborne pathogens and the safety precautions necessary in SPD
• Outline the standards required for a quality decontamination process
• Understand the appropriate dress code and the role of personal protective equipment (PPE) as it relates to OSHA regulations and employee safety and health
• Describe functions performed during chemical disinfection
• Describe the procedures that must be followed and the precautions that must be observed during the preparation and use of the variety of disinfecting agents used in the decontamination process
• Identify the processes needed to effectively disassemble, clean, disinfect, inspect, reassemble, test, store, and distribute movable patient care equipment
• Understand the organization of instrument sets and the preparation of basins and textile packs

About the Online Course

• Mobile-Ready
• National Certification Opportunity
• All Textbooks and Materials
• 24/7 Learner Support
• Certificate of Completion
• Clinical Externship Opportunity

Education Requirements

Students must be 18 years old with a GED, high school diploma, or equivalent.