Sterile Processing Skills Certificate
Schoolcraft College
Key Information
Campus location
Livonia, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
2 semesters
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
USD 131 / per credit *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Sep 2024
* resident; USD 188 per credit hour - non-resident; USD 265 per credit hour - out-of-state and international
Introduction
The goal of the Sterile Processing skills certificate is to facilitate a quality training program that will produce Certified Registered Central Service Technicians (CRCST). The program will combine classroom and lab instruction in the areas of decontamination, disinfection, sterilization, packaging, and distribution of healthcare facility supplies and equipment. The CRCST is an integral part of a multidisciplinary healthcare environment that works as a division of Surgical Services. Students will demonstrate knowledge of surgical instrumentation, supplies, and equipment as well as safe handling and environmental controls. All students will acquire safety training measures for physical, chemical, and biological hazards prior to entering a clinical experience. The clinical portion of the program will expand upon introduced concepts and prepare students for entry-level positions in the field of sterile processing.
Program-supportive and sterile processing courses can be completed in two semesters as shown in the sample schedule below, however, students may complete program-supportive courses prior to taking the sterile processing courses. A competency practicum demonstration will be required with successful completion prior to students entering the clinical internship. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the CRCST certification exam offered through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA), as the Sterile Processing program includes the required 400 clinical hours.
Students who satisfactorily complete the program requirements with a minimum of a 3.0 grade in each class will qualify for a certificate of program completion.
Curriculum
Sample Schedule of Courses
First Year
Fall Semester
- BIOL 101 - General Biology Credits: 4
- SURG 101 - Sterile Processing Credits: 3
- SURG 110 - Sterile Processing Clinical 1 Credits: 2
Select one: Credits 2-4
- HIT 100 - Introduction to Medical Terminology Credits: 2
- HIT 104 - Medical Terminology Credits: 4
Total Credits: 11-13
Winter Semester
- BIOL 243 - Microbiology Credits: 4
- SURG 120 - Sterile Processing Clinical 2 Credits: 2 (First Seven Weeks)
- SURG 130 - Sterile Processing Clinical 3 Credits: 2 (Second Eight Weeks)
Total Credits: 8
Program Total: 19-21 Credits
Not all courses are offered each semester. Students should work with an academic advisor to develop a schedule that will work for them. Students planning to transfer should check the transfer institution’s requirements/guides or discuss their options with an academic advisor. The number of credits may vary depending on the course selection.