Returning to this webpage, information was updated on  October 8, 2024.

The sterile processing (SP) professionals are vital in maintaining the cleanliness, functionality and inventory of health care instrumentation and equipment, including sterilizing instrumentation and equipment through a series of critical steps. When you complete this course, YOU will have a strong understanding of microbiology and infection control, the principles and practices of sterile processing and decontamination procedures.

Every surgical procedure relies on the attention to detail of the technician’s in the Sterile Processing Department.

Purpose of Course:
The course will train students to prepare instruments/packages for reprocessing, decontamination, disinfection, sterilization, and distribution. This course will also prepare the student to take the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association, (CRCST) exam.



Essential Job Functions:
*Decontaminates and sterilizes instruments

*Assembles wraps and sterilizes individual instruments

*Demonstrates knowledge of the steam, ETO, and gas sterilizers

*Performs and monitors chemical and biological testing

*Orders, restocks, labels, and maintain inventory


Physical Requirements:
ACTIVITY:
Lift and Carry up to 25 lbs.
Push and Pull up to 50lbs
Sitting 5%
Walking 20%
Standing 75%
Some stoop, kneel, crawl, climb, balance
Manual Dexterity
Shift Work
ON call
Maneuver weight of patient
Hear alarms
Reach above shoulders
Repetitive arm/hand movement
Finger Dexterity
Color Vision - Acuity Far and Near and Depth perception
Hazard Potential:
Use of Latex
Exposure to toxic chemicals
Exposure to dust/fumes/electrical shock/electromagnetic energy/gaseous substance
Exposure to high pitched Nosie


Career Pathways : CRCST( Certified Registered Central Service Technician), Surgical Technician, Team Leader, Supervisor, High Level Disinfection


Lecture and Lab:

There will be costs associated with preparing the student for clinical externship placement.

The student must have prior to enrollment and submitted to the program manager:
Comprehensive background check through the company, BioPremier 2 STEP PPD or the QuantiFERON Blood Test
Verification of two MMR and Varicella vaccinations or positive titers
TDaP within 10 years
Hepatitis B positive titer or verification of three series of vaccination or declination waiver signed

Completion of Pre-Clinical Learning Hub modules is required for the field trip and the clinical externship.
A pre clinical orientation class will be required at a cost of $49.00. The instructor will inform when to register for this class. 
Total Number of Hours: 120

Classroom and Skilled Lab 64 hours.
The theory portion will be delivered as a hybrid class including online, virtual and "in person lab" on designated Tuesday evenings at the Brashier Campus, Simpsonville, SC. Weekly testing will be offered online using Proctorio. The Student must have computer access that includes audio and web cam.

Clinical Externship 60 will be offered in two consecutive week blocks of time.

Clinical Dates are Monday through Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm.  The window of time to complete the 60 hours of the externship is May 5 to May 17, 2025.

 

The students are encouraged to sit for the HSPA exam upon completion of this course. The exam is scheduled through Healthcare Sterile Processing Association at a cost of $ 150.00

https://myhspa.org/certification/onlinecertificates/


Required Courses or Prerequisites:

1. Students must have a High School Diploma or GED.

2. Must be at least 18 years of age.

3. Hold a valid state driver's license.

a. A valid state ID will be accepted, however due to the nature of this program and the necessity for transportation to and from clinical externships, students that cannot maintain reasonable transportation to their clinical externship site will be subject to dismissal based on the attendance policy set forth.

4. Students must have a valid email address and Internet access.

5. College level Math and English a 100-level course completion; within the last 5 years or a college entrance test; SEE Greenville Technical College Testing Center for details.

ALTERNATIVELY,

ACT WorkKeys Career Readiness Assessment. Must achieve level 3 in applied math, level 4 in graphic literacy and Workplace Documents.
https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/workkeys-for-employers/assessments.html

Must be 18 years of age, have a HS diploma or equivalent, have a negative/acceptable comprehensive background check. Students must have a 1. High School Diploma or GED.
2. Must be at least 18 years of age.
3. Hold a valid state driver's license.
4. Students must have a valid email address and Internet access.
5. College level Math and English within the last 5 years or a college entrance test; see GTC Testing Center for times and dates of entrance testing
6. WORKKEYS or WIN Career Readiness Assessment 7. Clinical Externship window of time May 1 to 15, 2025 - 8:00 am to 4:30pm; 60 hours to be completed.

Fee Breakdown