Sterile Processing, One-Year Technical Certificate
Curriculum Code #2105
Effective May 2024
Division of Health and Wellness Sciences
The Sterile Processing one-year technical certificate is a two-semester program that consists of academic, lab, and clinical skills. This certificate will provide individuals with a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of sterile processing principles and techniques. Sterile processing technicians are an integral part of healthcare, as they are responsible for the decontamination, sterilization, and distribution of medical instruments and supplies. This is a highly specialized field that requires technical knowledge and skills, as well as a commitment to excellence and quality patient care. Upon completion of the program and 400 experience hours, the graduate will be prepared and take the Healthcare Sterile Processing’s (formally known as IAHCSMM) Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) examination. This certificate program is also in alignment with a ladder pathway towards most Associate degree programs in Allied Health, in which it meets most prerequisite requirements to apply and matriculate into currently approved applied associate degrees. Lorain County Community College has articulation agreements with colleges and universities including programs offered by Lorain County Community College's University Partnership.
Note: The CRCST Certification is accredited by both the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Hours | |
| ALHN 112 | INTRODUCTION TO MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY | 1 |
| ALHN 113 | INTRODUCTION TO PATIENT CARE 2 | 1 |
| ENGL 161 | COLLEGE COMPOSITION I | 3 |
| SDEV 101 | INTRODUCTION TO THE LCCC COMMUNITY 3 | 1 |
| STRP 101 | STERILE PROCESSING FUNDAMENTALS 1 | 5 |
| STRP 120 | STERILE PROCESSING ADVANCED PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES 1,4 | 5 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| BIOG 115 or BIOG 221 | BODY STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION 6 or ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY I | 3-4 |
| CISS 121 | MICROCOMPUTER APPLICATIONS I | 3 |
| MTHM 158 or MTHM 168 | QUANTITATIVE REASONING or STATISTICS | 3 |
| STRP 113 | STERILE PROCESSING DIRECTED PRACTICE I 5 | 5 |
| STRP 114 or STRP 115 | STERILE PROCESSING DIRECTED PRACTICE II 4,5 or STERILE PROCESSING INTERNSHIP | 5 |
| Hours | 19-20 | |
| Total Hours | 35-36 | |
- 1
Indicates that a grade of C (2.0) or better must be earned in order to continue in the sequence.
- 2
Students who have STNA status are not required to take ALHN 113
- 3
A student must register for the orientation course when enrolling for more than six credit hours per semester or any course that would result in an accumulation of 13 or more credit hours.
- 4
Indicates that this course has a prerequisite.
- 5
This course offers an opportunity for experiential learning.
- 6
If a student is considering an LCCC associate degree or transferring to the University Partnership consider BIOG 221 & BIOG 222 sequence.
Program Contact(s):
Korrine M. Anderson
440-366-7194
kanderson@lorainccc.edu
For information about admissions, enrollment, transfer, graduation and other general questions, please contact your advising team.
Admission Requirements for Sterile Processing
- Official high school or GED and college/program transcripts (if applicable) on file in the LCCC Records office.
- Must be 17 years of age on program application.
- Most recent GPAs (high school or college) of 2.0 or higher will be given admission priority.
- Attend an information session via self-paced online or in-person.
Allied health professionals: Applicants from a patient care related allied health/nursing background may transfer credit or receive credit through prior learning assessment for the following sterile processing courses:
This will be handled on a case-by-case basis with the program director.
Learn more about Allied Health program requirements
Credit for Prior Learning (PLA) options may be available for your program. For more information, please visit our website: www.lorainccc.edu/PLA
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Sterile Processing Certificate, the graduate will be able to:
- Accurately demonstrate a safe and professional level of practice, skills and knowledge in their role as an entry-level Sterile Processing Technician.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the principle, practices, and safety regulations in sterile processing to ensure safety and quality of patient care.
- Demonstrate effective communication and team-building skills when working with colleagues in sterile processing.
- Develop and maintain records related to sterilization processes along with identifying and troubleshooting common issues that may arise with sterilization equipment.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical, moral, legal, and medical standards related to the patient and the sterile processing team.
- Graduates will be prepared to take the Healthcare Sterile Processing’s (formally known as IAHCSMM) Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) examination.