Program Overview

Introduction to the Sterile Processing Technician Certificate Program

The Sterile Processing Technician program provides students with the knowledge and professional skills necessary to deliver support to all patient care areas within a healthcare facility. Students learn sterile processing procedures and techniques for maintaining medical instruments and devices that must be decontaminated, processed, sterilized, and distributed in hospitals and surgical centers.

Program Overview

The program meets the requirements of the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA), formerly the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM). As a result, graduates of the Sterile Processing Technician program are eligible to sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) examination.

Benefits of the Program

• A strong foundation in both the theory and techniques of decontamination as it relates to sterile processing
• Hands-on learning in on-site medical laboratories that simulate the surgical/sterile processing environment
• Opportunities to practice communication and interpersonal skills needed for developing a rapport with colleagues and patients
• Valuable, practical experience gained through the completion of a practicum at an off-campus healthcare facility under the supervision of instructors and professional practitioners

Course Requirements

Major Core Courses

• HEA2200 Medical Terminology (3 Credits): Provides a solid foundation and understanding of the medical language used by healthcare professionals.
• HEA2203 Ethical and Legal Aspects of Health Services (3 Credits): An introduction to the principles of law as applied to the healthcare field.
• SPT1110 Fundamentals of Surgical Processing (4 Credits): Introduces the important role of the Central Service Department.
• SPT2100 Surgical Instrumentation (4 Credits): Examines the basic categories of surgical instruments.
  • Prerequisite or Corequisite: SPT1110
• SPT2150 Surgical Processing Clinical Practicum (8 Credits): Offers supervised practical work experience in a sterile processing environment.
  • Prerequisites: SPT2100
  • Corequisite: SPT2151
• SPT2151 Surgical Processing Clinical Seminar (2 Credits): Focuses on integrating the skills learned throughout the program with the work experience.
  • Corequisite: SPT2150

Liberal Arts and Sciences Core Courses

• SCI2228 Microbiology (3 Credits): The morphology and function of microorganisms are studied.

Graduation Requirements

• 27 semester credit hours are required for graduation.

Additional Program Information

Students enrolled in the Sterile Processing Technician program must provide authorization for a criminal background check prior to participating in clinical rotations. Prior to participating in clinical rotations, students must satisfy all clinical clearance requirements, which include, but are not limited to, a physical assessment by a licensed medical professional; meeting immunization requirements; and drug screenings.

Program Costs and Professional Licensure

Information about program costs and professional licensure requirements is available upon request. Students are encouraged to review the program's requirements and costs before enrollment.