Sterile Processing Technician Certificate

Pathway:

Sterile Processing Technician

Certificate Type:

Basic

Curriculum Code:

SPT.SPT.CERT (C417G)

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

Semester One: Fall
Course	Category	Credits
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
Next Steps	Meet with your Academic Advisor to create an academic plan. Explore stackable certificate(s)/degree(s)

Semester Two: Spring
Course	Category	Credits
SPT 140 # Sterile Processing Technician Seminar	Core Course	2
SPT 150 # Experiential Learning	Core Course	2
	Total Semester Credits:	4
Next Steps	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)