Sterile Processing Technology
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Sterile processing technologists play a critical role in healthcare. Earn your sterile processing technology certificate in one semester to begin your journey to a new and rewarding career.
Why Study Sterile Processing Technology at Front Range Community College?
As a sterile processing technologist, you play an important role in surgical settings. You'll be responsible for collecting, cleaning and sterilizing vital surgical instruments, serving as the first line of defense in patient infection control. Through FRCC's Sterile Processing program, you'll gain the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to ensure patient safety and uphold the highest standards in healthcare environments.
At FRCC, we offer two pathways for people interested in Sterile Processing.
- Traditional Student Pathway. This is how most of our students completed the Sterile processing program. In this pathway, you complete all coursework in one semester, gain the required 400 hours of hands-on experience through an unpaid internship, then prepare to sit for your certification exam to become a Certified Sterile Processing Technician.
- Apprenticeship Pathway. Sterile Processing apprentices are hired as employees by one of our partner employers, working full time in the Sterile Processing department during the week and taking classes on the weekend. Apprenticeship spots are highly competitive and limited, and employers typically hire 2-3 months ahead of the program. Prospective apprentices are highly encouraged to complete the admission requirements in the Traditional Student Pathway to ensure they qualify to register for classes, and to leave options most open to train in this pathway. Plus, employers most commonly recruit apprentices from the cohort of students already enrolled in the program.
At the end of the program, you’ll be well prepared to take the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA), formerly IAHCSMM.
Certificate Details
Sterile Processing Technology
Program Location: Westminster
Total Credits: 18 credits (1 semester)
Learn to clean, sterilize, and assemble surgical instruments, equipment and supplies. Study important concepts:
- Sterilization
- Infection control
- Decontamination
- Surgical instrumentation processing
- Storage and inventory management
- Documentation and record maintenance
You'll be prepared to take the Certified Registered Central Service Technician exam through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).
View Program DetailsSee Admissions RequirementsCareers & Outcomes
The certificate program in sterile processing technology can open doors for a career as a sterile processor.
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)
The Sterile Processing program does not prepare students to practice in these states: Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee.
Graduates who wish to practice as a sterile processing technician can practice in these states: This qualifies radiologic technologists to practice in: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Washington D.C., American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Marshall Islands, Northern Marianas, Palau, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands.
A Fulfilling Career
See how Emily Martin changed careers and found a full-time job as a sterile processor with the help of FRCC.