Central Service/Sterile Processing Certificate
Graduates of this program are educated and trained in Central Service/ Sterile Processing (CS/SP) technology, under the guidelines of Healthcare Sterile Processing Association and the local Healthcare Advisory Committee.
The structured curriculum consists of basic sciences, infection control, sterilization, human relations, necessary job skills, and clinical internships in area healthcare facilities. There is an emphasis on care and preparation of surgical instruments. Classroom instruction and clinical internship prepare the student to assume the role of a CS/SP technician in a variety of health care delivery settings.
Students are required to carry personal health/medical insurance throughout their clinical rotations. Quarterly-based insurance for students may be purchased; further information is available through the Advising and Counseling Office.
No student will be allowed at clinical sites without proof of insurance.
Physical Activity Requirements
This occupation requires the ability to lift 50 lbs. and work on your feet for up to eight hours. Students must be able to meet these physical requirements in order to be assigned to a clinical rotation and meet employment demands.
Employability Requirements
High school diploma or equivalent. Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association Certification Exam, which is honored nationally and internationally. Must meet facility eligibility requirements, including a criminal background check, in order to apply for employment. Persons with some types of criminal convictions may not be eligible for hire.
Program Length
This program is a combination of on-line, classroom, laboratory and clinical experience, approximately three quarters long, depending on the time students need to satisfactorily complete all graduation requirements.
Admission Dates
Fall and spring quarters
Program Outcomes
Identify effective methods of infection control as it relates to personal hygiene, patient care equipment, and surgical asepsis.
Identify surgical instrumentation.
Apply proper use of personal protective equipment.
Assemble instrument sets to industry standards.
Apply proper wrapping techniques for surgical instrumentation.
Apply the principles and practices of decontamination as it relates to surgical instrumentation.
Apply the principles and practices of sterilization to ensure quality control.
Apply industry standards for biological monitoring and record keeping.
Completion Requirements
Prerequisite(s)
Successful completion of ENGF 091 or equivalent. Basic computer skills recommended.
In order to participate in the clinical aspect of the program, students must receive a “No Record On File” report from a criminal background check (there are some exceptions; contact instructor for details). A non-refundable fee is charged to each student for the background check. Students must have current immunizations or laboratory verification of immune status. This could include, but may not be limited to, Hepatitis B series, Tdap, 2-Step Tuberculosis Test, Measles/Mumps/Rubella, Varicella, and seasonal flu shot as required by contracts with clinical facilities. Proof of immunity is required by the last week of the first quarter in order to participate in the clinical portion of the program.
Students must provide a transcript showing high school graduation or completion of a high school equivalency diploma. Must complete the American Heart Association’s BLS for health care provider CPR Course prior to the last week of the first quarter (not included in the program).
Program Course List
| CSSP 101 | Intro Central Service/ Sterile Processing | 4 |
| CSSP 105 | Sterile Processing Theory | 4 |
| CSSP 125 | Surgical Instrumentation | 6 |
| CSSP 126 | Principles & Methods of Cleaning & Disinfecting | 6 |
| CSSP 129 | Principles & Practices of Sterilization | 6 |
| CSSP 132 | Materiel Management/Central Service Applications | 3 |
| CSSP 213 | Clinical Internship I | 6 |
| CSSP 215 | Clinical Internship II | 6 |
| COLL 102 | College Success for All | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 44 |