Sterile Processing Technology

Next Morning Class: 7/31/2018
Next Evening Class: 4/09/2018

Certificate Program / 40.0 Quarter Credit Hours
Day: 29 weeks / Evening: 32 weeks / 712 Clock Hours
(including 400 hours of Clinical Externship)

The Sterile Processing program is based on the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM) training requirements and complies with its policies and procedures in preparing students for the certification exam mandated in the State of New Jersey by Department of Health and Senior Services in order to enter the profession. The program prepares graduates to work as a skilled Registered Central Service Technicians in hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers and endoscopy colonoscopy clinics. Essential functions of a Registered Central Service Technicians are; to sterilize, package, test and operate medical equipment and surgical instruments, stock and maintain equipment processing rooms, prepare surgical carts with surgical supplies and instrument trays as well as prepare and maintain records and logs associated with medical instruments and equipment.

Objectives of the program:

• Teaching courses in terminology, anatomy, physiology, law, ethics, federal & state regulations and standards, cleaning, decontamination, sterilization, packaging, storage, inventory management, safety and ambulatory surgery practices.
• Providing clinical activities within on-campus work-simulated training laboratories that includes knowledge and proper use of decontamination and sterilization equipment, proper chemical disinfection, flash sterilization, high and low-temperature sterilization of basic and complex surgical instrumentation, communication and human relation skills.
• Providing students with off campus clinical externship experience that includes a supervised hands-on training (requiring competencies logs and evaluations) at the clinical sites (hospitals and surgical centers).

At the completion of the program the diligent student will be:

• Proficient in performing entry-level Sterile Technician tasks and responsibilities.
• Awarded a Certificate of Completion.
• Establish eligibility to test for the Registered Certified Central Processing Technician’s credentialing exam administered by The International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM).
• Able to seek an entry-level employment in facilities such as hospitals and outpatient surgical centers, dental clinics and endoscopy/colonoscopy suites.

Additional Admission Requirements:

Applicants must meet the minimum requirements set forth by Medical Career Institute published under the “Admissions” tab.

No additional requirements.

** The School Director or ProgramlDirector make the final determination of acceptance or rejection into program.

Laboratory and Clinical Requirements

Prior to entering (on-campus and/or off-campus) laboratory skills area, students are required to provide a complete Physical Examination including but not limited to current immunizations including Hepatitis B and 2 part PPD vaccinations, (necessary forms will be provided). Students are also required to wear white sneakers, nurse’s shoes or (closed toe) professional shoes / white socks or stockings. The above laboratory and clinical necessities are the responsibility of the student and may vary according to different site’s requirements. Medical Career Institute carries no responsibility for these requirements and/or charges. Prior to assignment to a designated clinical externship site students will be required to have cleared Background Check, Negative Drugs Screenings Test, valid Healthcare Provider CPR & AED Certification and Student’s Comprehensive General Liability Insurance Policy which protects the student in the event of a liability lawsuit. Upon successful completion of clinical externship, student will be given competencies evaluation based on procedures performed as deemed relevant to the Sterile Processing Technology Program offered by the site. Additionally, all students will be evaluated on their professionalism including appearance, punctuality, ability to assume responsibility and dependability, ability to communicate with staff and patients as well as following instructions and accepting constructive criticism.

Credentialing Exams

Upon satisfactory completion of Sterile Processing Technology Program graduates are eligible to sit for the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (certificate exam to become a Registered Central Service Technicians (www.iahcsmm.org). This credential is mandated in the State of New Jersey by Department of Health and Senior Services in order to enter the profession. However, registration or credentialing requirements for taking and passing examinations are not controlled by Medical Career Institute but by the agencies and are subject to change by the agency without notice to Medical Career Institute. Therefore, Medical Career Institute cannot guarantee that graduates will be eligible to sit for certification examination, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment. Medical Career Institute carries no responsibility for these requirements and eligibilities.

Employment

Many of Sterile Processing Technicians are employed in hospital’s Central Sterile Processing Departments and Ambulatory Care Centers. They may also be utilized in clinics, surgery centers, and offices of ophthalmologists, physicians or dentists. Their broad educational background, plus specialized focus, allows Sterile Processing Technicians to function well in a number of diverse areas of their field as well as cross-train to Surgical Technology Program. Employment possibilities in addition to Central Sterile Processing Departments may include material management, product development, research or sales. Essential functions of a Sterile Processing Technician are; to sterilize, package, test and operate medical equipment and surgical instruments, stock and maintain equipment processing rooms, prepare surgical carts with surgical supplies and instrument trays as well as prepare and maintain records and logs associated with instruments and equipment.

For expected salary please refer to web site: www.salary.com.

Working Conditions

Sterile Processing Technicians work in well lit, cool and controlled environment. They may be on their feet for long periods of time and may have to lift and push equipment and supplies. They may at times be exposed to communicable diseases, unpleasant sights, odors and gases, heat and steam, biohazard materials and chemicals. It is vital their attention be focused on the tasks at hand. Most technicians work a regular 40-hour / week: although they may be “part-time”, work nights, weekends and holidays on a rotating basis depending on the facility.