Any student wishing to pursue an associate degree can apply all 19-21 credits from the Sterile Processing Skills Certificate toward an Associate in General Studies (AGS) degree. Depending on the desired career path, discuss other options for an associate degree with an academic advisor. As another option, all except the Sterile Processing clinical courses lead into the Surgical Technology AAS. All program-required courses must have been completed with a grade of 3.0 or better.
The goal of the Sterile Processing curriculum is to facilitate a quality training program that will produce Certified Registered Central Service Technicians (CRCST). The curriculum will combine classroom and lab instruction in the areas of decontamination, disinfection, sterilization, packaging, and distribution for healthcare facility supplies and equipment. The CRCST is an integral part of a multidisciplinary healthcare environment that works as a division of Surgical Services. Students will demonstrate knowledge of surgical instrumentation, supplies, and equipment as well as safe handling and environmental controls. All students will acquire safety training measures for physical, chemical, and biological hazards prior to entering a clinical experience. The clinical portion of the program will expand upon introduced concepts and prepare students for entry-level positions in the field of sterile processing.
A competency practicum demonstration will be required with successful completion prior to students entering the clinical internship. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the CRCST certification exam offered through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA), as the Sterile Processing program includes the required 400 clinical hours.
Not all courses are offered each semester. Students should work with an academic advisor to develop a schedule that will work for them. Students planning to transfer should check the transfer institution’s requirements/guides or discuss their options with an academic advisor. Number of credits may vary depending on the course selection.
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