Central Sterile Supply Processing Technician Advanced

The Central Sterile Supply Processing Technician Advanced Technical Certificate of Credit is designed to provide entry-level training that will prepare graduates to function in the sterile supply processing and distribution areas of healthcare facilities. The program is based on theory and clinical instruction that will apply scientific principles to the specific work area.

Theory classes with laboratory participatory classes will prepare students for clinical application of skills and knowledge in healthcare facilities. Together with practical experiences, provide students with the preparation necessary to be eligible to sit for the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM) certification exam.

Sterile processing technicians work as part of an operations team in a health care organization. They play an essential role in patient safety as well as infection control. Graduates of the program will be able to operate the sterilizing equipment such as the autoclave that sterilizes equipment, gloves, and needles. They must obey all hospital policies and are responsible for arranging the surgical equipment in the operating room. They will be able to check, assemble, and adjust all medical tools to ensure they are all functioning properly before the surgery begins. They must make sure all tools and equipment have been decontaminated and that the area is completely sterile before and after procedures. Due to hospitals’ around-the-clock schedule, being on-call is often required, as is some holiday work.

Surgical technicians will be able to proactively develop and maintain technical knowledge in many specialized areas, remaining up to date on changing practices and trends. They must be able to identify areas in which improvements can be made and then help implement those changes.

Sterile processing technicians should also possess great communication skills to work effectively with other members of the team, as well as patients. Certification from a relevant program is necessary; before full certification, they must attend lectures and have clinical training sessions for one year in a hospital setting. Many employers require some experience.