Personal Development For Sterile Processing

This course, Professional Development & Certification Exam Preparation, is the twelfth and final course in the 12-course Learning Pathway of the Sterile Processing Technician Certificate Program. Completion of all preceding courses in sequence is required before enrollment in this capstone course.

This module equips students with the tools and strategies needed to successfully transition from training to professional practice. Learners will develop job readiness skills, refine their resumes, practice interview techniques, and explore continuing education pathways. Additionally, the course provides targeted preparation for national certification examinations such as the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CBSPDT) or Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST), credentials. Students will participate in structured review sessions, complete practice exams, and learn effective test-taking strategies to enhance their chances of success.

Please refer to the Course Description for the detailed course outline and syllabus.

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Course Outline

Unit 1 — Career Development Essentials

• Review of sterile processing technician job roles and career pathways

• Resume writing techniques tailored for healthcare technical roles

• Cover letter essentials and professional branding

• Building an online professional profile (LinkedIn, industry job boards)

Unit 2 — Job Search Strategies & Interview Skills

• Effective job search methods for sterile processing professionals

• Networking in the healthcare industry

• Preparing for behavioral and technical interview questions

• Mock interview sessions with instructor feedback

Unit 3 — Continuing Education & Professional Growth

• Importance of CEUs and lifelong learning in sterile processing

• Professional association memberships (CBSPD, HSPA, IPACSS)

• Pathways to supervisory, educator, or specialized roles

• Maintaining compliance with state and national regulations

Unit 4 — Certification Exam Preparation

• Overview of CBSPDT, CRCST, and RCSSDT exam formats and eligibility

• Test blueprint and domain review

• Practice questions and timed mock exams

• Test-taking strategies for multiple-choice and scenario-based questions

Unit 5 — Transition to the Workplace

• Navigating onboarding and probationary periods

• Effective communication and teamwork in healthcare settings

• Professional ethics and patient safety as a workplace priority

• Setting short-term and long-term career goals

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Clock Hours: 10 hours theory, 5 hours review/practice exams, 5 hours career development workshops (Total: 20 hours)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Course 11 — Quality Assurance & Risk Management in Sterile Processing. Students must follow the Learning Pathway in sequential order and cannot enroll in this course until all prior courses (1–11) have been completed.

Outcome: Students will be prepared to sit for national certification exams and enter the workforce with confidence and professionalism.