Program Description
This program is designed for students wanting to complete a Certificate in Sterile Processing and enter the workforce. A sterile processing technician is an integral member of the surgical team who cleans, sterilizes, and assembles surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies for use in operating rooms and other medical and surgical facilities. Students will receive instruction in sterilization, infection control, decontamination, and surgical instrumentation processing, distribution, and record-keeping. This program develops the knowledge and skills for an entry-level job as a Sterile Processing Technician. This certificate is part of an apprenticeship program partnership with Centura Health and has a selective admission process.
Learn more about this program.
What You Will Learn
The curriculum aligns with IAHCSMM standards for the CRCST exam. Upon completion of this program you will be proficient in the following areas:
1. Cleaning, decontamination and disinfection of surgical instruments
2. Preparation and packaging of sterile surgical instruments
3. The sterilization process for surgical instruments and equipment
4. Types of patient care equipment used in surgery
5. Sterile storage and inventory management in the Sterile Processing Department
6. Documentation and record maintenance for the Sterile Processing Department
7. Working as a member of the Sterile Processing Department team
My Academic Plan: Full-Time
Courses are displayed in a full-time sequence providing flexibility for the working professional. Follow the pathway below to complete your certificate. This pathway may be accelerated by applying transfer credit, credit for prior learning, and/or completing one or more additional courses each semester. For more information please see your Academic Advisor.
Fall Semester 1
| SPI 1000 | Sterile Instrument Processing | 4 |
| SPI 1001 | Sterile Instrument Lab Skills | 4 |
| SPI 1081 | Internship: Sterile Processing | 9 |
| SPI 2079 | Seminar: Sterile Processing | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 18 |