Sterile Processing Technician, SC
Note: This degree/certificate leads to professional licensure. Licensing requirements vary by state/territory and relocating could impact whether you will meet eligibility requirements for licensure. Please visit our Professional Licensure Programs page for full details on State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement.
Program Description
The Sterile Processing Technician Skills Certificate program prepares students to become a certified registered surgical sterilization or central service technician. A surgical sterilization or central service technician ensures that all surgical instruments and some medical equipment used in the healthcare facility are cleaned and/or sterilized. Responsibilities includes assembling instrument trays for the Operating Room, placing instrument trays in the sterilizers, monitoring and recording the use of the sterilizers/autoclaves. Duties may also include ordering of supplies and distribution of supplies throughout the healthcare facility.
This program takes place in the classroom, skills laboratory, and various clinical agencies. This course meets the requirements to be eligible to take the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification exam.
This program is not eligible for financial aid. However, it may be eligible for scholarship funding if the student is awarded scholarships.
Sterile Processing Technician Career Map
Recommended Course Schedule
| 1st semester | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| SRGT 110 | Introduction to Sterile Processing | 1 |
| SRGT 111 | Sterile Processing | 4 |
| SRGT 112 | Sterile Processing Clinical | 4 |
| Semester Total | 9 | |
| Total Units | 9 | |
Pre-Registration Requirements
Students must initiate a background check (good for 1 year; cost: $49.50) and show proof of receipt, complete a drug screen (good for 1 year; cost: $55) and have documentation of required immunizations and current major medical insurance and have a Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR card prior to enrolling in the Sterile Processing Technician Program. Students will not be allowed to enroll in the Sterile Processing Technician Program classes until all requirements are met (see Steps to Apply at https://www.tmcc.edu/surgical-technology/sterile-processing).
Program Requirements
Skills Certificates can consist of a single course or a short set of courses that provide training for entry-level positions or career advancement. These short-term certificates may also prepare students to take state, national and/or industry-recognized certifications or licensing exams.
Skills certificates are awarded upon completion of coursework and marked on a student's transcripts at the end of the semester. Students cannot declare a skills certificate as one's major. Skills Certificates are not eligible for Financial Aid.
To earn a skills certificate, students must:
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
- Have no financial or library obligation to the college.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS | ||
| SRGT 110 | Introduction to Sterile Processing | 1 |
| SRGT 111 | Sterile Processing | 4 |
| SRGT 112 | Sterile Processing Clinical | 4 |
| Total Units | 9 | |
Program Outcomes
Students completing the certificate will:
PSLO1: Demonstrate knowledge of common elements required for CRCST certification.
PSLO2: Demonstrate competence with all skills required for CRCST certification.
PSLO3: Demonstrate compliance with standards of practice for Sterile Processing Technicians.
