Central Sterile Processing Workforce Career Certificate

Course Description

This five-month Central Sterile Processing Certificate is designed to introduce the primary responsibilities of a central sterile technician. The course includes practical applications of learned concepts and procedures. Topics include preparation, storage, distribution of instruments, supplies and equipment, quality assurance and inventory management. Upon completion, students should be able to apply the principles of sterilization/disinfection in the workplace, as well as the principles of distribution of instruments/supplies/equipment. Refer to course description for further details.

Program Learning Outcomes

Central Sterile Processing students will:

• Be knowledgeable regarding basic educational foundations required for Central Service Technicians, to include but not limited to, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, decontamination of medical/surgical instrumentation and equipment, preparation and packaging of medical/surgical devices, sterilization, and storage of sterile devices.
• Identify various surgical instruments, chemicals, processing equipment, packaging materials, and wrapping techniques used in the healthcare industry.
• Explain time and quality production standards based upon national averages in the healthcare Central Service industry.
• Understand a range of manufacturer’s instructions for use (IFU) for a range of surgical devices and how to determine the most appropriate selection of processing parameters when multiple manufacturer devices are incorporated into hospital specific or physician specific instrument sets.
• Identify various agencies that govern Central Service operations including AORN, APIC, CDC, OSHA, ANSI, AAMI, EPA, ISO, and NIOSH.
• Develop basic skills required by Central Services Technicians through clinical observation and experiences.

Employment Opportunities

Upon completion of this course, individuals should be able to apply for positions in both hospital and ambulatory surgical centers.

Instructional Format

Face-to-face instruction will include lecture, discussion, and lab.

Contact

Tiffany Hanes, RN
Email: hanestr@surry.edu
Phone: (336) 386-3366