Sterile Processing Technician Certificate
Total Program Credits: 12-14
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 Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HCSPA): https://myhspa.org/certification/get-certified/crcst-application.html
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; and
- placement exam scores must not be more than two years old.
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.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Sterile Processing Technician Certificate, the graduate will be able to:
- demonstrate knowledge of sterile processing technician skills by successfully accomplishing controlled learning activities;
- obtain and use knowledge in providing quality services to a diverse population;
- apply acquired skills and knowledge of instrumentation within the clinical setting;
- practice appropriate surgical asepsis and sterile technique in diverse patient care settings;
- function as a competent health care team member to deliver excellence in safe patient care;
- demonstrate the development and consistent application of ethical behaviors;
- practice accountability, competence, and character demonstrative of a professional sterile processing technician; and
- practice ownership of learning, maintain responsibility and self-discipline to appraise, and incorporate lifelong learning.
(Fall 2021)
Placement Measures
Program Map for Students
| AHL 101 ◊ Essentials of Medical Terminology | Core Course | 1 |
| OR | | |
| AHL 120 ◊ Comprehensive Medical Terminology | Core Course | 3 |
| | | |
| SPT 100 # Sterile Processing Basics | Core Course | 2 |
| SPT 110 # Introduction to Medical Devices | Core Course | 2 |
| SPT 120 # Principles of Sterile Processing Practice | Core Course | 2 |
| SPT 130 # Perioperative Services Lab | Core Course | 1 |
| Total Semester Credits: | 8-10 |
Meet with your Academic Advisor to create an academic plan.
Explore stackable certificate(s)/degree(s) |
| SPT 140 # Sterile Processing Technician Seminar | Core Course | 2 |
| SPT 150 # Experiential Learning | Core Course | 2 |
| Total Semester Credits: | 4 |
Meet with your Academic Advisor to finalize your academic plan for graduation and register for stackable certificate/degree (option).
Submit graduation petition by deadline (check for the specific date in catalog or syllabus.) |
Note: all coursework must be completed with a grade of "C" or higher.
See SPT course descriptions.
Instructional Area Coordinator: Kendra Phipps, Ext. 3921
KEY
(AAS/CERT) |
| General Education |
Communications, Fine Arts, Humanities, Life Science, Mathematics, Physical Science, Social and Behavioral Science (see individual degree requirements). |
| Core Course |
Course(s) listed in a semester the student is required to take. |
| Program Elective |
Course(s) that faculty recommend and are listed in the ‘Program Electives’ section (if any) for this program. |
If intending to transfer, choose courses accepted by your transfer institution. |
| General Elective |
Course(s) chosen by the student, if needed, above and beyond core courses and program electives (if any), to complete the Program Total Credits. |
| ◊ symbol |
This course is articulated. (course transfers to 3 or more Illinois State schools, as an elective or equal course-to-course) |
| # symbol |
This course has a prerequisite. (course(s) student takes prior to taking this course) |