Sterile Processing Technician

Nature of Work

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As a Central Sterile Technician, your job will be to ensure that all surgical instruments, and some medical equipment used in the healthcare facility are cleaned and/or sterilized. Assembling instrument trays for the Operating Room, placing instrument trays in the sterilizers, monitor and record the use of the sterilizers/autoclaves. You may also be required to order supplies and distribute supplies throughout the healthcare facility. Good teamwork, communication and professionalism are very useful to work successfully as a Central Sterile Technician.

Career Opportunities

The Central Sterile Technician Certificate program provides students with the necessary skills for entry-level jobs into:

• Hospitals
• Outpatient Surgery Centers
• Endoscopy Unit
• Instrument/Equipment Companies
• Offices of ophthalmologists, physicians and dentists

Program Description

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The program includes; online classwork, and clinical practice in Sterile Processing. Students will be required to complete a total of 400 hours in the clinical setting in order to receive a school certificate and full CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician) certification. Once the student has completed the required courses and clinical hours, they will be awarded a Certificate of Completion and the full certification of CRCST. Prospective students are advised that a felony conviction may preclude them from sitting for the national certification exam.

Application and Admission Requirements

This program is NOT a Limited Entry program; however, an application process is required. Additionally, students must possess a High School Diploma, High School Transcripts, or a GED equivalent; place into ENG 100 or 101; and be 18 years or older.

• Sterile Processing Technician Application
• Sterile Processing Technician Completion Checklist

Students beginning the program will be required to show proof of CPR (Basic Life Support/Health Care Provider), health insurance, a physical, and immunizations against Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR), Varicella, Hepatitis B (3 series of shots), Tuberculosis (TB), Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap), and Influenza. In addition, a drug screening and a background check must be completed 30 days prior to the start of classes. Lastly, all required documentation must be submitted by the document deadline date stated in the Central Sterile Technician Advising Sheet.

Note: Qualified applicants are expected to meet all admission criteria and matriculating students are expected to meet all progression criteria, as well as these Essential Functions of Sterile Processing Technician Students. Students with documented need for accommodation are to meet with the Disability Resources Center.

Certificate of Completion Course Requirements (9 credits)

• Sterile Processing Technician Advising Sheet
• Sterile Processing Technician Career Guide

Student's First Checklist

New students planning to register for courses at CSN must follow the steps outlined on the Open Entry Program Checklist. This checklist provides information on the registration process for new students seeking an Open-Entry Health Science Certificate of Achievement or Completion.

Find out how to Transfer Credits to CSN from other colleges.