STERILE PROCESSING TECHNICIAN
Associate of Applied Science Degree Sterile Processing Technician (SPT) Program
The Sterile Processing Technician Program will provide students with entry-level training that will prepare them to function in the sterile processing and distribution areas of healthcare facilities. The program provides students with knowledge of surgical instruments, microbiology, medical equipment, surgical terminology, storage and distribution, as well as the skills required for sterilization and decontamination. Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be eligible to take the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) examination.
Hours
Our Sterile Processing Technician Program is held both day and evening. Day classes are held Monday through Thursday between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Evening classes are held Monday through Thursday from 5:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Clinical assignments may not coincide with normal school hours or days. Classes missed due to holidays or other scheduled cancellations are made up on assigned Fridays or by extending regular class hours. This in-depth training is a combination of classroom, interactive lab, and externship.
Nature of Work
Sterile processing technicians (SPT) play a vital role in helping hospitals, surgeons and other medical professionals keep patients healthy through sterilizing medical instruments and equipment before medical procedures are performed. As a sterile processing technician, you are responsible for sterilizing instrumentation and equipment through a series of steps. Your work is vital as it helps to ensure that patients avoid infections while receiving the medical attention they need. Doctors, nurses and medical professionals use sterilized instruments and equipment every day to perform surgeries and procedures to protect or improve patient health. The sterile processing technician works under the supervision of the Central Sterile Processing and operating room personnel to facilitate a safe and effective patient procedure.
Job Outlook
According to The Atlantic, the healthcare industry is the largest employer in the US. The requirement for sterile processing techs is projected to grow 10% to 14% between 2016 and 2026. Much of this comes down to a rapidly aging Baby Boomer generation. The growth of the entire industry – and the demand for medical instrument preppers – makes this a fantastic career option.
Program Outline
| Course Number | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SPT410 | Basic Healthcare Worker | 6 |
| SPT411 | Intro to Sterile Process/Infection Control | 4 |
| SPT412 | Sterile Processing Procedures | 3.5 |
| SPT413 | Assembly and Packaging | 4 |
| SPT414 | Decontamination | 3.5 |
| SPT415 | Sterilization and Disinfection | 3.5 |
| SPT416 | Equipment, Storage and Distribution | 4 |
| SPT417 | Quality Assurance and Certification Review | 4 |
| SPT418 | Externship I | 3 |
| SPT419 | Externship II | 3 |
| SPT420 | Externship III | 3 |
| *ENG 115 | English Composition | 3 |
| *LIT 118 | Literature | 3 |
| *IDS 130 | Strategies for Success | 3 |
| *BSC 250 | Anatomy & Physiology I: Cell Structure and Function | 3 |
| *BSC 260 | Anatomy & Physiology II: Body Systems | 3 |
| *MFG 210 | Mathematics | 3 |
| *CGS 200 | Introduction to Computers | 3 |
| *SPC 240 | Speech | 3 |
| *PSY 120 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| *Gen Ed Classes- 24 Credit Hours Required | ||
| Total | 65.5 |
