Sterile Processing Technicians (central service technicians) play a vital role in the health and well-being of patients. These technicians help to prevent infections in health care setting by sterilizing, cleaning, processing, assembling, storing, and distributing medical supplies. Learn to provide effective infection control practices, quality control, and an introduction to the strict regulatory compliance and standards that affect the Central Sterile Processing department. Gain the foundational knowledge in aseptic technique, sterilization techniques, infection control requirements, and a basic knowledge of medical/surgical procedure and terminology.
Certification Opportunities
Provisional CRCST Certification: This class prepares qualified students to sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam. Once you pass the international certification exam governed by Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA), you will receive a provisional certification. To obtain full certification, 400 hours of on-site training is required. The College is unable to directly help with this hands-on training. We recommend that you look into where you might be able to earn these hours before enrolling.
Learning Outcomes:
- Role of the sterile processing technician (central service technician) and Central Service terminology
- Understand how to sterilize, clean, process, assemble, store, and distribute medical supplies
- Knowledge of basic microbiology, human anatomy, and physiology
- Ability to describe methods of sterilization
- Evaluate infection control, decontamination, and terminal sterilization
- Describe safety and legal aspects involved in the care of patients in a surgical environment
- Identify and describe common surgical instruments
- Importance of quality control and monitoring work areas as it relates to Central Service operations
- Basic rules for medical center communications including the role of information technology and telecommunications
Workforce Development Program Scholarships
The Community College of Philadelphia Foundation and its donors are pleased to offer scholarships to students enrolling in select Workforce Development courses. To submit your scholarship application, follow the steps in this Workforce Development Program Scholarship Application Guide.
Questions?
Thinking about enrolling but need additional information or assistance with registering?
Contact us with your questions here.
Course Dates and Times
| Date and Times | Location | Course Cost/Fees |
|---|---|---|
| TBD | $1,995 (Tuition: $1,695; Textbook: $300) | |
| TBD | I | $1,995 (Tuition: $1,695; Textbook: $300) |