Sterile Processing, Short-Term Technical Certificate

Curriculum Code #2103

Effective May 2024

Division of Health and Wellness Sciences

The Sterile Processing short term 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. 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).

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall SemesterHours
STRP 101 STERILE PROCESSING FUNDAMENTALS 1 5
STRP 120 STERILE PROCESSING ADVANCED PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES 1,3 5
SDEV 101 INTRODUCTION TO THE LCCC COMMUNITY 2 1
 Hours11
Spring Semester
STRP 113 STERILE PROCESSING DIRECTED PRACTICE I 3 5
STRP 114
or STRP 115
 STERILE PROCESSING DIRECTED PRACTICE II 3,4
or STERILE PROCESSING INTERNSHIP
 5
 Hours10
 Total Hours21
1

Indicates that a grade of C (2.0) or better must be earned in order to continue in the sequence.

2

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.

3

Indicates that this course has a prerequisite.

4

This course offers an opportunity for experiential learning.

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

  1. Official high school or GED and college/program transcripts (if applicable) on file in the LCCC Records office.
  2. Must be 17 years of age on program application. 
  3. Most recent GPAs (high school or college) of 2.0 or higher will be given admission priority. 
  4. Attend an information session via self-paced online or in-person.

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:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the principle, practices, and safety regulations in sterile processing to ensure safety and quality of care for patients.
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical, moral, legal, and medical standards related to the patient and the sterile processing team.
  3. Demonstrate effective communication and team-building skills when working with colleagues in sterile processing.

  4. Develop and maintain records related to sterilization processes along with identifying and troubleshooting common issues that may arise with sterilization equipment.

  5. Accurately demonstrate a safe and professional level of practice, skill and knowledge in their role as an entry-level Sterile Processing Technician.

  6. Graduates will be prepared to take the Healthcare Sterile Processing’s (formally known as IAHCSMM) Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) examination.