Sterile Processing Technician
2019-20 Sterile Processing Technician (PDF)
Certificate of Completion
Courses for this Certificate
About the Program
The Sterile Processing Technician three-term certificate program prepares students for work in entry-level positions in hospitals and other surgical settings. The sterile processing technician plays a vital role in maintaining the cleanliness, functionality, and inventory of health care instrumentation and equipment. They ensure that patients avoid infections through sterilizing instrumentation and equipment used in hospital procedures.
Students will be introduced to microbiology and have an understanding of infection control, the principles and practices of sterile processing and decontamination procedures, and the ability to maintain inventory control in a healthcare setting. Successful completion of the program prepares students for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam.
The U.S. Department of Education requires disclosure of specific information about career and technical certificate programs to prospective students. Data includes Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes, graduation rates, tuition and fees, typical costs for books and supplies, job placement rates for students completing the programs, and median loan debt incurred by students completing the programs. For more information visit www.roguecc.edu/GainfulEmployment.
Program Learning Outcomes
The curriculum in RCC courses is derived from a set of identified learning outcomes that are relevant to the discipline. Program learning outcomes for the Sterile Processing Technician program are:
Demonstrate basic technical skills in managing the process for surgical instrumentation sterilization, inventory control and supply chain management, and information technology as it relates to the sterile processing environment.
Demonstrate professional behaviors of caring, accountability, responsibility, respect for the quality care of patients, acceptable attitude and attire, and organization and time management skills.
Work independently in a team of central sterile processing technicians who are collaborating to maintain sterilization and storage.
Utilize critical thinking skills as a basis for clinical judgment and anticipatory decision making when managing all tasks related to sterile processing.
Effectively apply verbal, nonverbal, and written communication principles and skills in the workplace.
Maintain industry standards of quality control and safety principles in the workplace.
Uphold legal and ethical standards and adhere to principles of patient confidentiality within the health care community environment as defined by HIPAA.
Entry Requirements
This is a competitive-entry, cohort-based program because of limited clinical space as well as the delicate balance of job opportunities in this field. Enrollment is limited.
Students are required to complete the Placement Process to determine skill level and readiness in math, reading, and writing. As part of their training program, students must begin with the courses within their skill level as determined through the Placement Process. In addition, students may also be required to enroll in classes that would increase their employability and success.
Cohort students must meet certain minimum academic requirements (BT113 or WR115 or designated placement test score, CS120 or documented proficiency, and MTH60 or MTH63 or designated placement test score) before starting the program. Students must complete specific health and immunization requirements and a background check prior to starting the program, and a drug screen prior to starting practicum experience. This screening process has an associated fee. Please visit www.roguecc.edu/alliedhealth/spt for program application details.
Advanced Standing
Coursework from accredited colleges and universities will be accepted in accordance with college policies and the program coordinator’s recommendation. In order to ensure coursework is current, program courses over seven years old must be reviewed and approved by the appropriate program coordinator before being accepted toward core requirements. College Now credit earned in conjunction with local high schools will be accepted in accordance with the current agreement.
Graduation Requirements
These requirements apply only to students admitted to the program during the current academic year. Students contemplating admission in a later year may have different requirements and must obtain the graduation guide or catalog for that year. Students must complete all courses on this graduation guide with a grade of “C” or better to continue in and complete the program and receive their certificates. If certain required courses are graded only on a pass/no pass basis, a grade of “P” for these courses indicate a student earned the equivalent of a “C” or better grade.
1 American Heart Association (AHA) Certification must remain current for the duration of the program.
2 Students who have completed either BI121 and BI122 or BI231, BI232, and BI233 (the entire sequence of either series) with an equivalent “C” or better grade do not need to take BI100SB.
3 Additional prerequisites may apply.
For more information regarding the program and selection process, contact the Allied Health Occupations Department:
Grants Pass or Medford: 541-245-7845
Toll free in Oregon: 800-460-6766, Ext. 7845
email: alliedhealth@roguecc.edu
Web address: www.roguecc.edu/Alliedhealth/spt
TTY: Oregon Telecom Relay Service, 711
