Sterile Processing Program Requirements

Apply to become a student at FRCC. 

Complete the interest form to receive the informative Sterile Processing Program email. This email will include the following:

• Student Information PowerPoint – An overview of the program, expectations, cost and key details.
• Program Outline – A breakdown of courses and the sequence you’ll follow throughout the program.
• Sterile Processing Packet – This packet will guide you through everything needed to complete your application for Part A.
• Application Link – You’ll use this link when it’s time to submit your official application (Part A).
• SPI Student Handbook – A detailed resource about policies and procedures. (You do not need to sign or return the last pages at this time.)"

An interest form MUST be completed to be eligible to apply to the program.

Next, you will receive the Informative Sterile Processing Program email. This email includes important information packets and checklists.

Read these carefully and begin gathering the required documents.

To prepare your application, use the Sterile Processing Packet. 

1. • Questions regarding the application requirements can be directed to the Clinic Coordinator, Tonja Akers
   • Questions regarding the program details can be directed to the Sterile Processing
     Program Director, Saundra Block.

Inside the Sterile Processing Packet, you'll find the application link. When the application period opens, you upload your completed application and required documents through that link.

Upcoming Application Periods:

• Fall 2026: 3/26/26 to 4/17/26
• Spring 2027: 9/26/26 to 10/19/26

Once your application is submitted, your documentation will be reviewed. You will receive an email from our Clinical Coordinator, Tonja Akers that will:

• • Confirm your documentation
  • Include links for you to complete your next steps, including a background check and drug test

Please Note: Some applicants may need to provide additional documentation before moving to the next step.

The next step in the application process is to complete a background check and drug test. 

IMPORTANT: Do not complete this step on your own. 

To complete your background check and drug test, you will need to use the link provided by our Clinical Coordinator once she approves Part A of your application. You will need to complete a background check and drug test using this link.

• There is a fee of $74.99 + $2.99 service fee for the background check and drug screen
  package at the cost of the applicant
• After applicants have cleared the background check and drug screen, they will receive a
  confirmation email from the Clinic Coordinator that their application is complete.
• Retain a copy of all documentation for your records. You will be notified of your
  placement status via the email(s) given in the interest form, no later than 30 business
  days after the application deadline.
• Please Note: Incomplete applications will not be processed. Additional materials provided after the posted deadline will not be accepted.

Once all the steps above are completed you will receive a “welcome” email from the program director. This email will give instructions on next steps as well as how to register for the program.

The Welcome to SPI- Your Seat Has Been Reserved! email will include: 

• Additional program details
• A copy of the SPI student Handbook
• A link to the "Future SPI Student" Quizlet course
• Orientation date and information
• Instructions to register for SPI courses

IMPORTANT: You are not guaranteed a seat until you receive the welcome email stating your spot has been reserved.

If you would like to schedule an advising appointment, you can book online through Navigate or by calling Wolf Central at any campus. 

• Boulder County Campus: 303-678-3722
• Larimer Campus: 970-204-8332
• Westminster Campus: 303-404-5300 

This is a two-semester program which includes the following:

Semester One:

• SPI 1000: Sterile Instrument Processing, 4 credits 
• SPI 1001: Sterile Instrument Lab Skills, 4 credits

Semester Two:

• SPI 1081: Internship: Sterile Processing, 9 credits 
• SPI 2079: Seminar: Sterile Processing, 1 credit 

Program Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must pass background check and drug screen with FRCC ($73 cost from Castle Branch)
• Must have BLS for providers CPR Certification from the American Heart Association
• Must show proof of immunizations prior to registration 

Required Immunizations

• Varicella (Chicken Pox) x 2
• MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) x 2
• Hepatitis B (3 series vaccination; first two must be completed and the third must be scheduled by time the program begins)
• Tetanus (Tdap; Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis; must be repeated if current one is older than 10 years)
• Seasonal Flu Shot (Influenza; done between October 1 and March 31)
• COVID-19 vaccine series
• Two step Negative TB Test Results done in last year or Blood test-Quantiferon Gold (This step will be completed during orientation week once accepted into the program)

During the first semester, classes are on held on Thursdays at the Larimer Campus in Fort Collins from and Sundays at St. Anthony’s North Hospital in Westminster, CO. Attendance at both locations each week is required the first semester.

These are hybrid classes: in-person classes all day combined with assignments to be completed online 

• Upon completion of the program with a 70% or higher, you will earn your Sterile Processing Certificate from Front Range Community College. 
• You will then sit for your Certification Exam through HSPA to become a CRCST.