Roles, Responsibilities & Departmental Foundations

This course, Roles, Responsibilities & Departmental Foundations, is the first course in the 12-course Learning Pathway of the Sterile Processing Technician Certificate Program. It introduces students to the operational structure, workflow, safety requirements, and professional standards of the Sterile Processing Department (SPD). Students will learn the foundational skills necessary to work safely and effectively in sterile processing environments.

Unit 1 — SPD Structure & Workflow

• Department layout and functional zones (decontamination → preparation → sterilization → storage)

• Workflow principles and segregation of clean and dirty areas

Unit 2 — Policies, Procedures & IFU Compliance

• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

• Manufacturer Instructions for Use (IFUs)

• Recall procedures and documentation

Unit 3 — Occupational Safety in SPD

• Ergonomics and workplace safety

• Hazard communication and chemical exposure

• Bloodborne pathogens, sharps safety, and waste handling

Unit 4 — Regulatory Standards & Compliance

• OSHA, FDA, CDC, EPA standards

• Quarantine of implants and recall management

Unit 5 — Professionalism & Ethics

• Loaner instrumentation processes

• Professional dress code and conduct

• Ethics, teamwork, and human relations in healthcare

Clock Hours: 15 theory hours, 5 lab hours (Total: 20 hours)
Prerequisite: None — this is the entry course in the Learning Pathway.
Outcome: Students will understand SPD structure, safety protocols, and professional standards necessary for sterile processing practice.