Sterile Processing Technician Program

Sterile Processing Technician

800 clock hours / 31 Weeks (SOC: 31-9093.00 | CIP: 51.0910)

The Sterile Processing Technician Diploma Program consists of 800 clock hours of training, including classroom theory, skills laboratory instruction, and 400 hours of clinical externship in an approved facility.

Classroom instruction is primarily delivered through both synchronous learning, with a limited number of courses delivered asynchronously, while hands-on skills training is completed in the on-campus skills laboratory.

The program is designed to provide students with the foundational knowledge and skills needed for entry-level employment as a Sterile Processing Technician or Central Service Technician in a healthcare setting. The program prepares students to clean, package, sterilize, disinfect, and decontaminate medical instruments, ensuring they are safe, sterile, and ready for use.

Students also gain a comprehensive understanding of healthcare services, including familiarity with surgical instruments and medical tools, as well as procedures for storing, distributing, and tracking sterilization records, monitoring systems, ordering supplies, and managing inventory.

After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of medical terminology, including human anatomy and physiology

2. Apply knowledge of local, state, and federal healthcare laws, including proper documentation and reporting requirements

3. Decontaminate, process, assemble, store, and distribute medical devices and supplies

4. Inspect and clean surgical instruments and equipment prior to sterilization

5. Sterilize equipment and ensure adequate surgical supplies are available

6. Load and operate sterilization equipment, such as autoclaves

7. Maintain records related to sterilization monitoring, orders, charges, and inventory

8. Report equipment defects or malfunctions to appropriate healthcare staff

9. Ensure sterile supplies are within expiration dates and safe for use

10. Maintain a sterile environment

11. Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior consistent with standards of practice

12. Perform duties of a Sterile Processing Technician/Central Service Technician

SPT 101: MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY, ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY AND MICROBIOLOGY

(Lecture: 40 Hours | Lab: 40 Hours) | Prerequisite(s): None

This course provides students with a basic understanding of medical terminology, including word building components such as prefixes, suffixes, root words, spelling, definitions, and pronunciation, with emphasis on terminology used in the field of sonography. Students will also study the structure and function of the human body systems, including related specialties, disease processes (pathogenesis), and diagnostic and treatment procedures.

The course also serves as an introduction to microbiology and its impact on human health. Topics include the study of microorganisms, their structure and physiology, biochemical characteristics, infectious diseases, and their practical applications in healthcare.

SPT 102: SPT REGULATIONS, INFECTION CONTROL AND DECONTAMINATION

(Lecture: 40 Hours | Lab: 40 Hours) | Prerequisite(s): None

This course provides students with a basic understanding of medical terminology, including word building components such as prefixes, suffixes, root words, spelling, definitions, and pronunciation, with emphasis on terminology used in the field of sonography. Students will also study the structure and function of the human body systems, related specialties, disease processes (pathogenesis), diagnostic and treatment procedures, and infection control.

SPT 103: DISINFECTION AND INSTRUMENTATION

(Lecture: 40 Hours | Lab: 40 Hours) | Prerequisite(s): None

This course provides comprehensive training in disinfection techniques and instrumentation management for individuals pursuing a career in sterile processing. Students will gain an understanding of the principles and practices of disinfection, with an emphasis on its role in preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Topics include types of disinfectants, their modes of action, and factors that affect their effectiveness.

Students will also learn the fundamentals of medical instrument and equipment management in a sterile processing environment, including instrument identification, inspection, assembly, packaging, and preparation for sterilization.

SPT 104: STERILIZATION

(Lecture: 40 Hours | Lab: 40 Hours) | Prerequisite(s): None

This course provides a comprehensive overview of sterilization techniques, methods, and best practices for sterile processing professionals. Students will explore the principles of sterilization, including microbial control, sterilization methods, and validation processes. Emphasis is placed on the characteristics of different sterilization agents and their applications in healthcare settings.

Students will also learn sterilization cycle development, monitoring, and documentation to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and guidelines.

SPT 105: RECORD KEEPING AND QUALITY ASSURANCE

(Lecture: 20 Hours | Lab: 20 Hours) | Prerequisite(s): None

This course covers records creation and monitoring, ordering and allocation of medical supplies and instruments, and maintaining records related to sterilization. Students will learn to report equipment defects or issues to appropriate medical office staff, take physical inventory of equipment and supplies, and complete requisition forms, equipment logs, and stock order requests.

Topics include Protected Health Information (PHI) and an overview of computer applications and data entry. The course also introduces Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), work simplification, special handling procedures, and Six Sigma concepts in quality assurance. Additional topics include total quality management, safety and risk management, inventory management, informati

CD 100: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND HUMAN RELATIONS

(Lecture: 20 Hours | Lab: None) | Prerequisite(s): None | Delivered fully online in an asynchronous format

This course provides students with the knowledge and skills needed for personal and professional success, with an emphasis on self-awareness, goal setting, stress management, time management, and financial responsibility. Students will explore their values, strengths, and motivations, and learn how to set both short- and long-term goals. The course also covers strategies for managing stress and anxiety, improving emotional intelligence, and strengthening workplace effectiveness.

Additional topics include prioritization, overcoming procrastination, and developing financial literacy through budgeting and responsible borrowing. By the end of the course, students will create an individualized action plan that integrates these skills to support ongoing professional growth and effective interpersonal relationships.

CD 110: CAREER DEVELOPMENT

(Lecture: 20 Hours | Lab: None) | Prerequisite(s): None | Delivered fully online in an asynchronous format

This course is designed to prepare students for successful entry into the workforce by focusing on career readiness and job search strategies. Students will learn how to develop a professional brand through resumes, cover letters, and networking, as well as practice effective interviewing skills. The course also emphasizes strategies for securing employment, succeeding in the workplace, and supporting long-term career advancement.

SPT 106: EXTERNSHIP

(Lecture: None | Lab: None | Externship: 200 Hours) | Prerequisite(s): SPT101, SPT102, SPT103, SPT104, SPT105, CD100, CD110

After completing classroom lecture and lab hours, students will participate in a clinical externship where they apply the knowledge and skills gained in a real healthcare facility. Under appropriate supervision, students will perform sterile processing duties within the ethical and legal framework of the profession.

The externship provides hands-on experience in cleaning, disinfecting, assembling, sterilizing, and distributing medical instruments and supplies, as well as exposure to workflow processes, safety procedures, and quality control standards. This experience helps students develop professional competence, confidence, and readiness for entry-level employment in sterile processing.