HCDC 0001 - Sterile Processing Technician
Course Description
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. Through this course, you’ll learn all the necessary steps required to perform the duties and tasks of an SPT.
You will explore the details and expectations within the concepts of the role and gain proficiency in understanding the step-by-step requirements of the sterilization process, like sterilization techniques, inventory management and infection control.
Medical Terminology Skills Gained
Our online sterile processing course also covers essential topics such as medical terminology, including vital systems like the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems, as well as the lymphatic and immune systems, respiratory systems, digestive systems, urinary systems and nervous systems. Students with prior knowledge of medical terminology can optionally test out by achieving a minimum score of 80%, replacing course content if desired. It is important to understand that this course feature only applies to the online Medical Terminology course.
Certification Preparation and Exam Voucher
This certified sterile processing technician course prepares you for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification offered by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA). This course includes an exam voucher, which is prepaid access to sit for the CRCST certification exam upon eligibility. The course also includes an opportunity to participate in a clinical experience.
Disclaimer: To qualify for the clinical experience application process, you must successfully complete this online sterile processing technician certification course and ensure your account balances are current (at a minimum). It is important to note that ed2go cannot guarantee placement at any clinical site, and you must take full responsibility for fulfilling your clinical requirements. However, our affiliated partnerships can increase the likelihood of finding a site that matches your needs. You can begin researching the steps of the application process two weeks before completing courses.
Funding Disclaimer: For Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funded students, please consult with your funding source representative before taking advantage of this course’s test-out feature. Different funding programs may have specific requirements and/or restrictions. If you attempt the test-out feature(s) in the Medical Terminology course without getting approval, your funding benefits may be jeopardized.
Benefits and Learning Outcomes
- 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