Sterile Processing Technician
Program Description
The Sterile Processing Technician program introduces students to the essential considerations for work in the central sterile processing department. This program is designed to give students the experience, knowledge and skills necessary to become certified as a Central Service Process Technician. This course will address decontaminating, inspecting, assembling, packaging and sterilizing reusable surgical instruments or devices used in a healthcare facility. In addition to receiving a Certificate of Completion from OCC, those who successfully complete the training will have the classroom knowledge required to sit for the Certification Board of Sterile Processing & Distribution Exam.
- Classroom location: Southfield Campus
- Clinical location: Surrounding hospitals
- Schedule: 2 evenings/week plus clinicals
- Duration: 14 weeks
- Format: In-person
Module Descriptions
Roles and Responsibilities
This module details important knowledge and skills required of a Sterile Processing
Technician working in a medical setting. Students will learn the history of sterile
processing areas and how the department or area should be set up. Required factors
to prevent cross-contamination will be addressed. This module will also include review
of rules and regulations, ethical practices and accountability, and policies and procedures.
Anatomy and Physiology
In this module students will gain the basic knowledge to better understand the human
body and how medical instruments and devices are used.
Microbiology
This module addresses the basic requirements for microbial life, facilitating better
control of microorganisms and infection prevention in the healthcare setting. The
knowledge of microorganisms is vital to the safety of patients and sterile processing
personnel.
General Minor Instruments
Students will learn general minor instruments and view YouTube video to reinforce
knowledge.
Infection Prevention
Students will learn infection prevention concepts, including bloodborne pathogens
as well as the impact of decontamination and cross contamination. The prevention
of infections by the use of good infection prevention practices will also be addressed.
Decontamination
This module will cover the importance of the cleaning process, why manufacturers’
instructions for use must be obtained and followed, and how to ensure that all devices
are properly cleaned to prepare them for subsequent disinfection or sterilization.
Reducing the transmission of microorganisms through use of PPE will also be covered.
Disinfection Processes
The SPT must understand the importance of specific disinfection processes and how
good practices contribute to the successful disinfection of environments and devices.
Students will address competency in the use of specific chemical disinfectants critical
to the success of a disinfection process.
Processing Patient Care Equipment
This module will cover the various types of patient care equipment, what they are
used for, and how to clean, disinfect, and inspect them to ensure patient safety.
Preparation and Packaging of Instruments
Students will learn the various types of packaging materials, how they are used, and
how to apply them correctly to the devices or instruments being packaged.
Surgical Instruments and Specialty Devices
Students will become familiar with identification, care, handling, and testing of
surgical instruments to ensure that they are in good condition and safe for use with
the patient. This information helps to ensure accuracy and completion of instrument
sets, patient safety, and surgeon satisfaction.
Sterilization
This module will cover the critical components of effective sterilization including
the sterilization of equipment, sterilization parameters, and loading and unloading
of sterilizers. Administrative, biological, and chemical monitoring of the sterilization
process will also be covered. Students will gain the knowledge to correctly and completely
perform all elements of the sterilization process to ensure effective sterilization
of devices.
Sterile Storage and Distribution
Students will learn the special environmental conditions required for areas where
sterile supplies are stored, action required when those conditions are not met, and
ways to ensure the items are not damaged and sterility is not compromised.
Clinical Rotation
The clinical rotation is a MANDATORY program component where students spend time as
part of a medical team to apply the knowledge and skills gained in the classroom to
real-life sterile processing departments in a hospital or healthcare setting. Students
will prepare, sterilize, install, and/or clean instruments or devices under the guidance
and supervision of medical staff. Students will be assigned a clinical rotation at
an area hospital and are required to complete two 8-hour shifts per week for 6 weeks
as designated.
Additional Program Content
Career Readiness
Students will be provided with resources and tools to be successful in the labor market.
Personal branding, including resume and interview skills, will be addressed with the
assistance of a career coach. Students will learn how to utilize LinkedIn as part
of their job search process.