Sterile Processing Technology

Offered in partnership with Centura Health at Avista Hospital

A sterile processing technician is an integral member of the surgical team who cleans, sterilizes, and assembles surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies for use in operating rooms and other medical and surgical facilities. Students will receive instruction in sterilization, infection control, decontamination, and surgical instrumentation processing, distribution and record-keeping.

Information Session Required for Registration

Learn more about our Sterile Processing Program by attending our information session the second Wednesday of the month from 6 - 7 pm on WebEx.

What You Will Learn

The curriculum aligns with IAHCSMM standards for the CRCST exam. Upon completion of this program students will be proficient in the following areas:

1. Cleaning, decontamination and disinfection of surgical instruments
2. Preparation and packaging of sterile surgical instruments
3. The sterilization process for surgical instruments and equipment
4. Types of patient care equipment used in surgery
5. Sterile storage and inventory management in the Sterile Processing Department
6. Documentation and record maintenance for the Sterile Processing Department
7. Working as a member of the Sterile Processing Department team

Apprenticeship Opportunities

Work at Centura Health or UCHealth during the week, and take your classes on the weekend. When you successfully complete this FRCC apprenticeship, you'll be well-prepared to take the national exam to become a certified sterile processing technician. You'll also have:

• A nationally recognized certification
• A diploma from FRCC
• Continued employment with Centura Health or
  UCHealth (North, Metro, South)

FRCC's apprenticeship in sterile processing aligns with the standards of the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM).

Professional Licensure Disclosure

Students enrolling or continuing at Front Range Community College (FRCC) have a right to certain information that the college must provide. As a student applying for or attending the Sterile Processing Technician (SPI) Program, you have the right to know it meets the certification criteria for Colorado. The degree/certificate may count toward licensing or certification in states other than Colorado. If you are planning to seek work outside of Colorado, it is strongly recommended that you contact that State's certifying or licensing entity for guidance before you begin this program. Information on the national exam and state requirements is available on the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM) site.

This program meets the applicable state prerequisites for licensure or certification in Colorado as listed below:

• The Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD)
• The International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM)

FRCC has not determined if the Sterile Processing Program (SPI) Program meets applicable state prerequisites for licensure or certification in states other than Colorado. These states include Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming and U.S. Territories: American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.