Sterile Processing (BTC)
Basic Technical Certificate
Career-Technical Program
Interest Areas:
- Healthcare
The Sterile Processing program provides students with the knowledge and skills required for entry-level work as a sterile processing technician in hospitals, surgery centers, and clinics. The program focuses on introductory sterile processing concepts and professional proficiencies. Students will gain skills in the decontamination and sterilization of medical instruments, supplies, equipment, and operating rooms. The program helps students develop the competencies needed to sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam through the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM).
Students can complete the Sterile Processing Technician program in four months and, upon successful completion, are awarded a Basic Technical Certificate.
Contact Information:
Health Professions Division
Meyer Health and Sciences Building, Room 167
Phone: (208) 625-2320
Program Requirements
| Semester 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| STER-103 | Foundations of Sterile Processing | 5 |
| STER-104 | Sterile Processing Clinical Experience | 9 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Total Credits | 14 | |
Course Key
- GEM
- AAS Institutionally Designated
-
- Gateway
-
- Milestone
Program Outcomes
Upon complete of the program, students will be able to:
- Describe the fundamental practices and procedures of aseptic technique.
- Recognize common pathogens found in the medical setting and the precautionary measures healthcare workers take to minimize the risk of contracting diseases.
- Identify HIPPA privacy rules and regulations and patient information commonly maintained by a healthcare facility.
- Recognize the duties and requirements of the sterile processing technician in the healthcare setting.
- Identify the basic concepts of anatomy, physiology, microbiology, microorganisms, and medical terminology related to the duties of sterile processing technicians.
- Identify the organizations responsible for setting the regulations and standards in the sterile processing field.
- Identify and practice industry regulations and best practice standards common in the sterile processing field.
- Recognize common and complex surgical instruments and demonstrate industry practices for decontamination and sterilization of medical supplies and equipment, and the proper ways to transport equipment.
- Uphold legal and ethical standards and adhere to principles of patient confidentiality within the health care community environment as defined by HIPAA.
- Identify and practice procedures for effective inventory control and tracking of instruments, equipment, and supplies.
- Recognize and apply quality assurance practices and workplace safety procedures.
- Demonstrate proper teamwork, workplace communication, and customer relations in the sterile processing setting.