The Sterile Processing Technician program 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.

The purpose of this program is to prepare students to clearly and thoroughly understand his or her 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 & physiology, and microbiology
• Prevention Processes: Infection prevention, decontamination, and disinfection processes

Program Objectives

After completing this program, learners 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 instruments sets and the preparation of basins and textile packs

Certification Opportunities

After completing this program, learners will have the opportunity to take the leading national/industry-recognized certification exam(s) essential to entry-level employment in this fast-growing field.

Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST)

Ready to Work (RTW) Job and Externship Placement Services

If you enroll and successfully complete this program you will have guaranteed access to our Ready to Work (RTW) Job and Externship Placement Services at no additional cost. Ready to Work (RTW) provides comprehensive career support services including: resume building, employer outreach, and individualized placement guidance.

Our RTW Job Placement Recruiters actively work with employers to place students in local employment opportunities on a daily basis.