Sterile Processing Technician (SP)

Sterile Processing Technicians work in the Sterile Processing area of hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities to provide sterile instruments and supplies for their patients. They assemble, adjust and check non-sterile equipment, and other sterile supplies needed for surgery and other departments. Students will learn about microbes and germs and how they cause infections, along with proper dress code, aseptic technique, how to handle clean, disinfect, sterilize and distribute medical supplies. The SPT also manages inventory, orders supplies, inspects, maintains, delivers and retrieves equipment and instruments for surgery, emergency room and other patient care units. Students will gain hands-on experience in a sterile processing department during the clinical portion of the program. The certificate program will provide the knowledge and clinical training necessary to work in this busy environment. After nine months, students will be ready to work and be a trained Central Supply Processing Technician.

This program prepares graduates for eligibility for the National Certifying Examination given by the National Institute for the Certification of Health Sterile Processing and Distribution Personnel.

Career Opportunities: As a trained Sterile Processing Technician, you can work in a variety of medical settings including: Hospitals, surgi-centers, physician offices, operating rooms, and long term care facilities.

Course See Note  Course Title Credits   BIO108 1 The Body in Health and Disease 3   CPS100   Fundamentals of Computer Concepts (OL) 3   OFT116   Medical Terminology 3   SPT101   Sterile Processing 1 4   ALH156   Interpersonal Skills for Health Professions 1   BUS100   Introduction to Business 3   PHI120   Medical Ethics 3   SPT102   Sterile Processing 2 4   SPT103   Sterile Processing 3: Externship 5

Notes  1 BIO103 and BIO104 may be substituted for BIO108

Program Information  • Entrance into any Sterile Processing course requires a grade of "C" (73%) or better in all prerequisite courses. For graduation from the Sterile Processing program a grade of "C" (73%) or better is required for all Sterile Processing (SP) and Health Support (HLS) courses.

Admissions Information  • Candidates for the Sterile Processing Technology Program must complete the following requirements:  • Applicants must be Math and English proficient prior to acceptance into the program.  • An overall high school grade average of "C" or better are required for admission to this program.  • Submit evidence of graduation from high school or Equivalency (GED).  • Obtain official transcripts from all colleges previously attended.  • Submit evidence of physical and emotional health sufficient to meet program competencies and technical standards as indicated by a physician's recommendation(s).  • Be CPR (Healthcare Provider) certified.  • Admission to this program occurs only in the fall semester.