Sterile Processing Technician - Program Details

If you have good verbal communication skills and an interest in health care, you could be a good fit for the sterile processing technician program at Mt. Hood Community College.

Sterile Processing

This course teaches you how to ensure that medical tools are sterile and safe. It also prepares you for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam. It follows the rules set by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).

Program Outcomes

After completing this program you'll be able to:

• Define common medical terminology relevant to the role of the Central Service/Sterile Processing Technician.
• Demonstrate basic knowledge of microbiology relevant to the role of the Central Service/Sterile Processing Technician in infection prevention and control.
• Demonstrate correct sterile packaging techniques for selected high and low-temperature sterilization processes.
• Describe and demonstrate procedures for decontamination, cleaning, and disinfection of patient care equipment and surgical instrumentation.
• Describe the application of principles and best practices for storing and transporting sterile items and patient care equipment.
• Describe current inventory management methods and instrument tracking systems for Central Service / Sterile Processing Departments.
• Describe the ethical responsibilities and professional behaviors required of a Central Service/Sterile Processing Technician.
• Describe monitoring of quality assurance and improvement in the Central Service/Sterile Processing Department.
• Describe the Central Service/Sterile Processing Department environment, including appropriate attire, workflow, safety hazards, and practices.
• Describe the role of the Central Service/Sterile Processing Technician in each of the five major functional areas of Central Service/Sterile Processing Departments.
• Differentiate between appropriate methods of sterilization for various instruments and supplies.
• Discuss the practical application of current regulations and standards of practice for Central Service/Sterile Processing Departments.
• Explain the primary function of each major body system.
• Identify and demonstrate principles of effective communication in the workplace.
• Identify basic surgical instrumentation.
• Identify correct processes, parameters, and monitoring for selected high-temperature and low-temperature sterilization methods.

Courses and Curriculum

This course provides instruction for entry-level positions in the central service and sterile processing departments of health care facilities. Based on the HSPA curriculum, the course is designed to help you obtain certification as a CRCST.

Explore the Course Curriculum

Your Future in Sterile Processing

As a sterile processing technician, you will clean and prepare medical tools, supplies, and equipment for use in hospitals, clinics, and other health care sites, ensuring each item is sterile and safe to use.

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