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Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician
Award:
Certificate
Total Credits for Award:
17.00
Description:
The Sterile Processing Technician program focuses on the knowledge and skills needed to prepare surgical instruments and devices. The program gives you a solid foundation in how to clean, inspect, test, sterilize, store, and deliver devices needed for surgery in a healthcare facility. Through hands on experience, you will learn the essentials of quality assurance in sterile processing to ensure on-time and safe delivery of surgical instrumentation. You will acquire the skills necessary to become an integral part of a surgical team. This program will prepare you to take the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam, as well as the CIS (certified Instrument Specialist) and the CER (Certified endoscope reprocessor) certification exams through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).
This is a stand-alone certificate that provides specialized skills and knowledge designed to prepare students for immediate employment in the field.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: FIRST SEMESTER:
|
COURSE #
|
TITLE
|
CREDITS
|
GOAL AREA(S)
|
|
HCCC 1020
|
Communication in Healthcare
|
1
|
|
|
HCCC 1100
|
Medical Terminology
|
1
|
|
|
STER 1000
|
Infection Control for Sterile Processing
|
2
|
|
|
STER 1100
|
Fundamentals of Sterile Processing
|
5
|
|
|
STER 1110
|
Inventory Management
|
1
|
|
|
STER 1120
|
Endoscope Reprocessing
|
4
|
|
|
STER 1130
|
Sterile Processing Internship
|
3 |
|
|
|
TOTAL CREDITS:
|
17.00
|
|
This is a stand-alone certificate that provides specialized skills and knowledge designed to prepare students for immediate employment in the field.
The Sterile Processing and Distribution Program requires:
- Grades of “C” (2.0) or above in the STER theory courses and in HCCC 1100;
- Pass (P) grades in HCCC 1020 and the STER clinical internship course; and
- Passing of a criminal background check prior to internship placement.
- The College cannot guarantee placement in internships for students who do not have a clear criminal background check.
For more information about the background study process and disqualifying crimes, contact the Minnesota Department of Human Services, at 651-296-3802.
Students who plan to pursue this award may take the two required HCCC courses in a prior term, but must complete all of the Sterile Processing and Distribution (STER) courses during the same semester. It is strongly recommended that students take all courses—HCCC and STER—in the same semester to ensure a more cohesive learning experience.
All students pursuing this award should work closely with their advisor to ensure proper selection of required program courses, if applicable program electives, required Minnesota Transfer Curriculum courses, and MnTC electives. You are expected to meet with your advisor on a regular basis to ensure courses are taken in an order that will lead to efficient and successful completion of the required coursework.