Program Overview

Program Overview

The Sterile Processing Technician program prepares students to perform the essential functions of sterile processing in accordance with Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) standards. Sterile Processing Technicians play a critical role in patient safety by ensuring the proper decontamination, inspection, assembly, packaging, sterilization, storage, and distribution of reusable surgical instruments, medical devices, and equipment used in healthcare settings.

Program Description

This program provides students with a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the Sterile Processing Department (SPD) and aligns with HSPA competencies and recommended practices. Instruction emphasizes compliance with regulatory standards, quality assurance, and infection prevention protocols required in modern healthcare environments.

Key Instructional Areas

• Surgical Instrumentation: Identification, function, and handling of surgical instruments and specialty devices
  • Decontamination and Sterilization Processes: Cleaning, inspection, assembly, packaging, and sterilization of surgical instrumentation in accordance with HSPA guidelines
• Movable Patient Care Equipment: Cleaning, testing, assembly, distribution, and documentation of patient care equipment
  • Storage and Inventory Management: Proper storage, handling, distribution, inventory control, and tracking systems
• Medical Terminology and Microbiology: Anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and microbiology as they relate to sterile processing
• Infection Prevention and Safety: Decontamination, disinfection, standard precautions, and OSHA-compliant safety practices

Program Objectives

Upon successful completion of the program, learners will be able to apply HSPA standards, safety regulations, and infection prevention practices; explain relevant anatomy, physiology, and disease transmission; and demonstrate proper handling of medical waste, bloodborne pathogen precautions, and PPE use in compliance with OSHA standards. Graduates will also be able to perform quality decontamination, disinfection, and sterilization processes, and competently disassemble, inspect, assemble, store, and distribute surgical instruments and movable patient care equipment in accordance with industry standards.

Externship Opportunity

Eligible students will have the opportunity to complete a 400-hour externship with a hospital sterile processing environment, providing hands-on, supervised experience. This externship allows students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings and supports eligibility for certification and employment readiness.

Externship Requirements

• Physical Exam Form must be completed by a physician and returned to the program upon successful completion of the program.
• Updated immunization data/titers: MMR, Varicella, Tdap, TB Screening, Hep B, COVID card (Yes/No); Flu vaccine (current).

Certification Opportunities

Upon completion of the program and required hands-on experience, learners will be eligible to sit for the nationally recognized Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) certification exam: Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST). This certification is a key step in advancing a career as a Sterile Processing Technician.