Sterile Processing Technician Certificate Program (Hybrid)

Total Clock Hours: 120 (80 hours online theory via LMS + 40 hours on-campus skills lab)
Delivery Mode: Hybrid (distance education + in-person lab)
Externship/Internship: Optional at contracted healthcare facilities; not required to graduate
Theory Alignment: The 80-hour theory curriculum below is identical to the campus version.

Program Description

The Sterile Processing Technician (SPT) Certificate Program prepares entry-level technicians to clean, decontaminate, inspect, assemble, package, sterilize, store, and distribute surgical instruments and devices in hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and clinics. The hybrid format combines structured online instruction (LMS) with supervised, hands-on practice in the campus skills lab. Graduates are prepared to pursue nationally recognized certification exams (e.g., CBSPD, HSPA/CRCST). Certification eligibility and any clinical hour criteria are set by the certifying bodies and may change; students must verify current requirements directly with those organizations.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

1. Describe SPD roles and apply applicable regulations/standards (AAMI, AORN, OSHA, CDC, CMS, The Joint Commission).

2. Apply microbiology and infection prevention principles across the decontamination–sterilization continuum.

3. Perform transport, receiving, sorting, manual/mechanical cleaning, and disinfection per IFUs.

4. Inspect instruments using proper tools; identify common instruments and foundational specialty sets.

5. Assemble, package, and label items using pouches, wraps, and rigid containers to standard.

6. Operate and monitor sterilization modalities (steam, low-temperature) and interpret indicators (CI/BI, Bowie-Dick).

7. Maintain sterile storage and distribution systems, including lot control, inventory, and case cart processes.

8. Document accurately in tracking systems; support recalls and quality improvement activities.

9. Demonstrate safety, professional communication, and teamwork in perioperative environments.

10. Prepare for national certification via structured test review and practice exams.

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Curriculum Outline (120 Clock Hours)

A. Online Theory via LMS — 80 Hours

(10 modules × 8 hours each; identical to the campus theory sequence)

1. SPT Profession & Regulations — Scope of practice; ethics; AAMI/AORN/OSHA/CDC; accreditation & policy. (8h)

2. Microbiology & Infection Prevention — Pathogens, biofilms, standard & transmission-based precautions. (8h)

3. Decontamination Science & Workflow — Transport, receiving, sorting, manual cleaning, mechanical cleaning, ultrasonic, enzymatics, water quality. (8h)

4. High-Level Disinfection & Endoscope Reprocessing (theory) — HLD principles, AER concepts, leak testing (didactic only). (8h)

5. Instrument Identification & Anatomy — Common general surgery instruments; basic specialty overviews. (8h)

6. Inspection & Functional Testing — Magnification, borescopes, sharpness/tension tests; IFU use. (8h)

7. Assembly, Packaging & Labeling — Set assembly, count sheets, packaging systems, load configuration. (8h)

8. Sterilization Technologies & Monitoring — Steam, H₂O₂, EO (theory); parameters; BI/CI; Bowie-Dick; lot control. (8h)

9. Sterile Storage & Distribution — Event-related sterility, environmental controls, inventory, case carts, point-of-use care. (8h)

10. Quality Systems & Exam Prep — Documentation, traceability, recalls, audits, mock exams, career readiness. (8h)

B. On-Campus Skills Lab — 40 Hours

(10 sessions × 4 hours each; instructor-supervised competencies)

1. Safety, zoning, PPE, receiving/sorting; transport decontamination. (4h)

2. Manual cleaning & ultrasonic; lumen flushing; washer-disinfector cycle demos. (4h)

3. Inspection & functional testing; magnifiers/borescopes; lubrication; damage recognition. (4h)

4. Instrument ID & set assembly using count sheets and IFUs. (4h)

5. Packaging & labeling (pouches, wraps, rigid containers); folds; load tickets; lot control. (5h)

6. Steam sterilizer operation: loading, Bowie-Dick, leak test, cycle selection, unloading, cooling. (5h)

7. Low-temperature sterilization (simulated): H₂O₂/EO concepts; indicators; aeration (sim/demo). (5h)

8. Sterile storage & case carts: environmental checks, rotation, picking, distribution, transport. (5h)

9. Quality, documentation & mock tracer: tracking systems, recall drill, competencies sign-off, employability skills. (4h)

Schedule Outline: 10 weeks, with ~8 hours online theory and one on-campus skills lab day (4 hours) each week.

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Optional Externship/Internship (Not Required to Graduate)

Students may request an optional clinical placement at contracted healthcare facilities to gain real-world experience and improve employment readiness. Availability, duration, and scheduling vary by site and are not guaranteed. Participation in an externship does not guarantee employment.

Externship/Internship Eligibility: To qualify for placement at a contracted facility, a student must:

1. Complete the program with a passing grade and all required competencies/attendance;

2. Pass a nationally recognized SPT certification exam (e.g., CBSPD or HSPA/CRCST); and

3. Meet all facility onboarding requirements, typically including a background check, drug screening, required immunizations/health clearances (e.g., MMR, Varicella, Hep B, Tdap, TB, seasonal flu/COVID as applicable), and site-specific orientations.

Note: Some certification pathways recognize post-program clinical hours; requirements are set by the certifying organizations and may change. Students are responsible for confirming current criteria.

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Admissions & Technology Requirements

• Age: 18 years or older at program start.

• Education: High school diploma or GED (or equivalent).

• Identification: Government-issued photo ID.

• Technology: Computer with reliable internet and the ability to use the LMS.

• Essential Functions: Ability to meet safety standards and physical demands of the role (standing, lifting instrument trays, fine motor tasks) with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Externship Note: Meeting admissions does not guarantee externship eligibility; see Externship Eligibility above.

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Assessment & Completion Standards

• Theory: Quizzes/assignments/exams (recommended minimum passing score: 70%).

• Lab: Demonstration of all critical skills with instructor sign-off; adherence to safety and IFUs.

• Attendance/Participation: Meets institutional attendance policy for online milestones and in-person labs.

• Award: Certificate of Completion upon successful completion of 80 theory hours, 40 lab hours, and all assessments.

• Certification Prep: Program includes structured exam preparation; students schedule and pay for any certification exams separately.

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Texts, Materials & Supplies

• Assigned textbook(s) and/or e-content (provided in LMS).

• Scrubs, closed-toe non-slip shoes, and any required PPE for labs (provided by student unless otherwise stated).

• Institutional instrument sets, simulators, and sterilization equipment are provided for lab practice.

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Policies & Disclosures (Summary)

• The externship/internship, when pursued, is administered outside the required 120 program hours and does not confer additional hours toward graduation.

• Clinical placements are competitive and based on site availability and student readiness; participation is not guaranteed and is not a condition of program completion.

• Employment is not guaranteed. Career services may assist with resumes, interviewing, and job search strategies.

• Tuition, fees, refund policy, academic calendar, holiday schedule, grievance policy, and disability services appear in the School Catalog.

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CIP : 51.1012 Sterile Processing Technology/Technician 
Program Code (internal): SPT-CERT-HYB
Effective Term: Fall/2025