Diploma in Sterile Processing

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Program Description

The Sterile Processing diploma program prepares graduates to work in medical facilities that prepare surgical instruments, supplies and equipment necessary for healthcare. This program includes a broad introduction to health sciences, as well as medical terminology, communication, and computers. The program curriculum includes instruction in decontamination processes, preparation, packaging, sterilization and sterile storage of surgical instrumentation and supplies. Students who successfully complete the diploma program are prepared for entry-level employment in a sterile processing position.

Graduates of the Diploma in Sterile Processing program are eligible to register for the Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) Certification exam OR the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) Provisional Certification exam. Please note that in order to obtain the Full CRCST Certification, 400 hours of hands-on experience are required within six months of passing the certification exam. Herzing University curriculum does not provide these 400 hours.

Certification is currently a requirement for employment in Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student should be able to:

1. Communicate effectively and professionally with all members of a diverse sterile processing and surgical team.

2. Apply logical and critical thinking skills as it relates to sterile processing job duties.

3. Demonstrate safe handling of surgical instrumentation, equipment and supplies used in surgical patient care.

4. Identify surgical instrumentation, supplies, and equipment used in surgical patient care.

5. Use appropriate medical terminology related to the role of sterile processor.

6. Apply computer skills required in sterile processing.

7. Describe the cycle of sterilization as it relates to sterile processing.

8. Demonstrate proficiency with aseptic technique as it relates to sterile processing.

Program Content

A minimum of 24.00 semester credit hours is required for graduation.

Required Courses

All Courses, 22.00 semester credit hours are required.

EN 111 - Information Literacy Semester Credit Hours: 3.00
HC 101 - Medical Terminology Semester Credit Hours: 1.00
PS 101 - Psychology Semester Credit Hours: 3.00
SC 144 - Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology Semester Credit Hours: 4.00
SC 166 - Microbiology Semester Credit Hours: 3.00
ST 115 - Introduction to Surgical Services Semester Credit Hours: 2.00
ST 120 - Sterile Processing Semester Credit Hours: 3.00
ST 125 - Surgical Instrumentation Semester Credit Hours: 2.00
ST 135 - O.R. Theory and Fundamentals Semester Credit Hours: 1.00

Special Surgical Technology and General Education Grading Requirements

All Surgical Technology (courses with an ST prefix) must be completed with a grade of “C” (76%) or better for a student to be continued in the Sterile Processing program.

The following general education course must be completed with a grade of “C” (70%) or better for a student to be continued in the Sterile Processing program:

• SC 144 Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

Personal and Professional Development Courses

2.00 semester credit hours are required.

PD 121 - Professional Development I Semester Credit Hours: 1.00
PD 202 - Professional Development II Semester Credit Hours: 1.00