Sterile Processing Technician (Voucher Included)
Sterile Processing Technicians (SPT), also known as Central Service Technicians or Certified Sterilization Technicians, play a critical role in preventing infection by sterilizing, cleaning, processing, assembling, storing, and distributing medical supplies— and now is an excellent time to train for your sterile processing technician certification.
With the support of an instructor, you will learn all the necessary steps required to perform the duties and tasks of an SPT. Our online sterile...
Sterile Processing Technician (Voucher Included)
Details + Objectives
Course code: GES1028
What you will learn
- Define the sterile processor role, responsibilities, professional skill set, and communication expectations (including accurate use of medical terminology and anatomy) required in the central processing and surgical services departments
- Identify sterile processing regulations and standards provided by regulatory agencies and professional associations to ensure workplace safety, infection prevention, and proper support for the ancillary departments
- Discuss basic procedures and best practices for each phase of sterile processing, including decontamination, inspection, preparation, and sterilization of medical instruments and supplies
- Review sterile storage considerations, guidelines, concerns, and common quality assurance procedures in the sterile processing department
- Understand the importance of following procedures to care for loaner instruments and manage inventory while using information management systems
- Describe how to adhere to compliance when handling documentation and maintaining records
- Explain the importance of effective communication, human relations, and personal development and how improving these skills can impact the career of a sterile processing technician
How you will benefit
- You will have full comprehension and understanding of all tasks related to the role and responsibilities of an SPT
- Assistance from our Clinical Experience Team and access to our Clinical Experience Guide
- You will be prepared to sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification offered through Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA). A voucher is available upon eligibility
How the course is taught
- Self-paced, online course
- 12 Months to complete
- Open enrollment, begin anytime
- 190 course hours
Instructors & Support
Janice Brownlee
Janice "Jan" Brownlee has been a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) for 43 years and has worked in all sizes of hospitals, including surgery centers. Jan worked in a sterile processing department in the instrument room and sterile supply areas. While working in the operating room, she scrubbed all services, with cardiothoracic, vascular, and orthopedics being her favorites.
Jan also had the opportunity to work for a private group of cardiothoracic surgeons and expand her knowledge and skills even more. Working as a surgical first assistant was the highlight of her career. She has continued her career path by teaching surgical technology and sterile processing at a local community college and enjoys watching her students learn and grow.
Naydeen Pollak
Naydeen Pollak has been a Certified Surgical Technologist for 37 years, working in hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and clinics. When not in surgery, she assisted the sterile processing department and various areas of the sterile supply chain while working at the hospitals.
During her career, Naydeen has had the opportunity to work for several private groups of surgeons as a surgical first assistant in surgery and their clinics, expanding her knowledge and skills. She has continued her career by becoming an educator, locally teaching surgical technology at a university and sterile processing at a community college on campus. She is thankful for opportunities to share her knowledge and experiences with students to help them on their journey of learning.
Medical Terminology Instructors
Our medical terminology course section is taught by multiple experienced instructors. See here for a full list of these instructors.
Instructor Interaction: The instructor looks forward to interacting with learners in the online moderated discussion area to share their expertise and answer any questions you may have on the course content.
Requirements
Prerequisites:
In order to sit for the national certification exam, candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent; it is recommended that you have this before enrolling in this program.
Certification Requirements:
Full CRCST Certification
- Provide 400 hours of hands-on experience during the previous five years, preceding the application.
Provisional CRCST Certification
- Provide 400 hours of hands-on experience within six months of passing the certification exam.
Requirements:
Hardware Requirements:
- This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook (with some ability for storage).
Software Requirements:
- PC: Windows 8 or later.
- Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
- Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
- Microsoft Word Online (optional)
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.
Other:
- Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.
Instructional Material Requirements:
The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment.
The following digital textbook for the Medical Terminology course is accessed via links in the course lessons:
- Comprehensive Medical Terminology for Health Professions, 1st Edition (eBook)
The following will be shipped to you approximately 7-10 business days after enrollment in Sterile Processing Technician:
- Sterile Processing Book Set, 9th Edition, comprised of the Sterile Processing Technical Manual, 9th Edition, and the Sterile Processing Workbook, 9th Edition, by HSPA (formerly IAHCSMM)
The following digital textbook for the Sterile Processing Technician course is accessed via links in the course lessons:
- Surgical Instrumentation (eBook)
The following materials will be shipped to you once the Release Agreement has been signed and returned:
- Surgical Instrumentation Kit (includes 10 items, intended for practice purposes only)