Free College Starts Here. Do you qualify? Click here

Central Processing Technology

Certificate Program

Overview

The Central Sterile Processing Technology Certificate is designed to provide entry-level training that will prepare graduates to function in the sterile supply processing and distribution areas of healthcare facilities. The program is based on theory and clinical instruction that will apply scientific principles to the specific work area. Theory classes with laboratory participatory classes will prepare students for clinical application of skills and knowledge in healthcare facilities. Together with clinical practicum experiences, it provides students with the preparation necessary to be eligible to sit for the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM) certification exam.

Program Outcomes

At the completion of the program, the student should be able to:

  • Apply the principles and techniques of decontamination to render medical devices safe to handle without protective attire (decontamination);
  • Inspect, assemble, pack, and wrap medical devices in preparation for appropriate sterilization process and/or distribution (assembly);
  • Safely select and perform proper sterilization techniques, validate sterility assurance level monitoring, and maintain sterilization integrity during storage (sterilization and sterile storage);
  • Demonstrate professional conduct, communication, and work practices according to appropriate federal regulations, industry standards, and facility policies (professionalism and communication);
  • Integrate knowledge, skills, and dispositions acquired throughout the program to be prepared to function as a competent certified central sterile technician following guidelines established by IAHCSMM (practitioner).

Academic Division of Professional Programs

Central Processing Technology Courses
    •  
    • Code
    • Course
    • Credits
    • CPT 111
    • Central Processing
    • 5
    This course provides an overview of the Central Sterile Processing and Distribution profession and develops the fundamental concepts and principles necessary to successfully participate as an entry level Central Sterile Processing Technician. Emphasis will be placed on the profession of Central Sterile Processing, basic sciences and related subjects, infection control, aseptic technique, equipment management, sterilization, instrumentation and supplies, legal issues, inventory management, safety, quality assurance, professional development and healthcare trends. Students completing this course will be eligible to apply to take the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM) certification exam. Prerequisites: Admission into the Central Processing Program.
    • CPT 121
    • Central Processing Lab
    • 1
    This laboratory course is designed to complement and reinforce concepts covered in CPT111 (lecture) by allowing the practice and return-demonstration of the principles and procedures related to the knowledge, skills, and techniques utilized in the Central Service Department. Skills taught in this course include: general cleaning, wrapping/packaging, procedure tray/instrument assembly, linen folding. Prerequisites: CPT 111.
    • CPT 142
    • Central Processing Clinical Practicum
    • 3
    This course complements CPT111 and provides the practical hours necessary to meet the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM) requirements to sit for the certification examination. During clinical practice at area medical centers, students participate in applications of theory to actual practice. Prerequisites: CPT 111 and CPT 121.
    • HSC 140
    • Medical Terminology
    • 3
    This course provides a foundation for the understanding of medical terms, their abbreviations, basic anatomy and physiology as well as pathological conditions. It includes the study of prefixes and suffixes and root/stem words as well as medical technology terms with an emphasis on spelling, pronunciation, definitions and common usage. This course is similar to learning a foreign language and involves the memorization as well as the application of words/terms. The student will study and demonstrate proficiency in spelling, pronouncing, definition and application of medical terms.
    • HSC 149
    • Applied A&P for Health Care Professions
    • 4
    This course is an integrated study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body from the cellular level to the system level; designed for students embarking on a career/profession in the field of health care. Emphasis will be placed upon clinical applications, associated medical terminology and patient assessment. Advances in biomedical technology and patient/client treatment will be highlighted. Completion of HSC 140 prior to enrollment HSC 149 strongly recommended.
    • SUR 102
    • Microbiology for the Surgical Technologist
    • 2
    This course is a general study of common and newly emerging microorganisms and their characteristics in relation to health and control of disease. Special emphasis is placed on the concept of asepsis and the surgical environment. Focus will be on the Surgical Technologist’s role in maintaining aseptic technique with emphasis placed on safety and infection control. Prerequisites: Admission into the Surgical Technology Program. Corequisites: HSC 149 (or equivalent transfer), and PNU 111 (or equivalent), SUR 111, SUR 121.

Take the Next Step

Scroll To Top