Sterile Processing Technician Certificate
Curriculum SRT.SPT.CERT (C417G)
Prepares the student to work in the Sterile Processing Department (also known as the Central Supply or Central Processing Distribution Department). Sterile Processing Technicians (also known as Medical Equipment Preparers or Instrument Technicians) provide support to patient care services within a healthcare facility. Responsibilities include: cleaning, decontaminating, inspecting, assembling, packaging, sterilizing, storing and distributing medical devices needed to provide patient care, especially for patients undergoing surgical procedures.
The program includes theory, lab and experiential learning components. Students receive supervised clinical experience at several cooperating area healthcare facilities.
Employment opportunities exist in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, surgical centers and birth centers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the need for Sterile Processing Technicians will increase by approximately 14.5% between now and 2024.
Graduates qualify to apply to the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management for eligibility to sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) examination.
Program Prerequisites:
-
High School Diploma or GED;
- must score at the college level or better on the Reading and Writing placement exam or course equivalency;
- placement exam scores must not be more than two years old;
- completion of prerequisite courses must not be more than five years old
- all prerequisite coursework must be completed with a grade of "C" or higher:
- AHL 120◊, Comprehensive Medical Terminology (3 credits);
- BIS 222◊, Principles of Microbiology (4 credits); and
- a criminal history records check with no disqualifying convictions is required prior to start of program.
Sterile Processing Technician courses must be taken in sequence and all program requirements must be completed with a grade of "C" or higher.
Students must complete all health and clinical requirements (includes American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers certification, drug screening, and any additional information required by clinical site) prior to registration for SPT 140 and the requirements must be maintained through SPT 150.
| SPT 100 # Sterile Processing Basics | | 2 credits |
| SPT 110 # Introduction to Medical Devices | | 2 credits |
| SPT 120 # Principles of Sterile Processing Practice | | 2 credits |
| SPT 130 # Perioperative Services Lab | | 1 credit |
| Total Semester Credits: | 7 |
| SPT 140 # Sterile Processing Technician Seminar | | 2 credits |
| SPT 150 # Experiential Learning | | 2 credits |
| Total Semester Credits: | 4 |
Total Credit Hours: 11
Note: all coursework must be completed with a grade of "C" or higher.
See SPT course descriptions.
Coordinator: TBA, Ext. 3921