Ed2go GES1028 - Sterile Processing Technician (Voucher Included)
Course Description
Prepare for a career as a Sterile Processing Technician (SPT). This immersive course will train you to work as an SPT and prepare you for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification from the HSPA.
Overview
Sterile Processing Technicians (SPT), also known as Central Service Technicians or Certified Sterilization Technicians, play a critical role in preventing infection by sterilizing, cleaning, processing, assembling, storing, and distributing medical supplies— and now is an excellent time to train for your sterile processing technician certification.
With the support of an instructor, you will learn all the necessary steps required to perform the duties and tasks of an SPT. Our online sterile processing course covers essential topics such as medical terminology, including vital systems like the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems, as well as the lymphatic and immune systems, respiratory systems, digestive systems, urinary systems, and nervous systems. Students with prior knowledge of medical terminology can optionally test out by achieving a minimum score of 80%, replacing course content if desired. It is important to understand that this course feature only applies to the online Medical Terminology course.
Additionally, you will learn the details and expectations within the concepts of the role and gain proficiency in understanding the step-by-step requirements of the sterilization process, like sterilization techniques, inventory management, and infection control.
This certified sterile processing technician course prepares you for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification offered by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA). This course includes an exam voucher, which is prepaid access to sit for the CRCST certification exam upon eligibility. The course also includes an opportunity to participate in a clinical experience.
Disclaimer: To qualify for the clinical experience application process, you must successfully complete this online sterile processing technician certification course and ensure your account balances are current (at a minimum). It is important to note that ed2go cannot guarantee placement at any clinical site, and you must take full responsibility for fulfilling your clinical requirements. However, our affiliated partnerships can increase the likelihood of finding a site that matches your needs. You can begin researching the steps of the application process two weeks before completing courses.
Funding Disclaimer: For Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funded students, please consult with your funding source representative before taking advantage of the Medical Terminology test-out feature. Different funding programs may have specific requirements and/or restrictions. If you attempt the test-out feature(s) in the Medical Terminology course without getting approval, your funding benefits may be jeopardized.
Objective
What you will learn
- Define the sterile processor role, responsibilities, professional skill set, and communication expectations (including accurate use of medical terminology and anatomy) required in the central processing and surgical services departments
- Identify sterile processing regulations and standards provided by regulatory agencies and professional associations to ensure workplace safety, infection prevention, and proper support for the ancillary departments
- Discuss basic procedures and best practices for each phase of sterile processing, including decontamination, inspection, preparation, and sterilization of medical instruments and supplies
- Review sterile storage considerations, guidelines, concerns, and common quality assurance procedures in the sterile processing department
- Understand the importance of following procedures to care for loaner instruments and manage inventory while using information management systems
- Describe how to adhere to compliance when handling documentation and maintaining records
- Explain the importance of effective communication, human relations, and personal development and how improving these skills can impact the career of a sterile processing technician
How you will benefit
- You will have full comprehension and understanding of all tasks related to the role and responsibilities of an SPT
- Assistance from our Clinical Experience Team and access to our Clinical Experience Guide
- You will be prepared to sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification offered through Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA). A voucher is available upon eligibility
Outline
- Medical Terminology
- Getting Started
- How to Take This Course
- Test-Out Exam 1: Lessons 1–Midterm Exam
- Introduction to Medical Terminology and the Human Body in Health and Disease
- The Musculoskeletal System
- The Cardiovascular System
- The Lymphatic and Immune Systems
- The Respiratory System
- The Digestive System
- The Urinary System
- Midterm
- Test-Out Exam 2: Lessons 8–Final Exam
- The Nervous System
- Special Senses: The Eyes and Ears
- The Integumentary System
- The Endocrine System
- Mental Health
- Male and Female Reproductive Systems
- Diagnostic Procedures, Nuclear Medicine, and Complementary Medicine
- Final Exam
- Sterile Processing Technician
- Introduction
- Infection Control, Standards, and Regulations
- Decontamination and Workplace Safety
- Disinfection Process and Complex Instrumentation
- Tray Assembly
- Prep and Pack
- Introduction to Sterilization
- Introduction to Low-Temperature Sterilization
- Instrumentation Identification (Part 1)
- Instrumentation Identification (Part 2)
- Case Cart Introduction
- Sterile Storage
- Managing Inventory
- Ancillary Department Support
- Important Components for a Successful Career
- Wrapping Up and Preparing for Your Exam
Requirements
Requirements:
Hardware Requirements:
- This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook (with some ability for storage).
Software Requirements:
- PC: Windows 8 or later.
- Mac: macOS 12 or later.
- Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
- Microsoft Word Online (optional)
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.
Other:
- Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.
Instructional Material Requirements:
The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment.
The following digital textbook for the Medical Terminology course is accessed via links in the course lessons:
- Comprehensive Medical Terminology for Health Professions, 1st Edition (eBook)
The following will be shipped to you approximately 7-10 business days after enrollment in Sterile Processing Technician:
- Sterile Processing Book Set, 9th Edition, comprised of the Sterile Processing Technical Manual, 9th Edition, and the Sterile Processing Workbook, 9th Edition, by HSPA (formerly IAHCSMM)
The following digital textbook for the Sterile Processing Technician course is accessed via links in the course lessons:
- Surgical Instrumentation (eBook)
The following materials will be shipped to you once the Release Agreement has been signed and returned:
- Surgical Instrumentation Kit (includes 10 items, intended for practice purposes only)
Prerequisites
Prerequisites:
In order to sit for the national certification exam, candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent; it is recommended that you have this before enrolling in this program.
Certification Requirements:
Full CRCST Certification
- Provide 400 hours of hands-on experience during the previous five years, preceding the application.
Provisional CRCST Certification
- Provide 400 hours of hands-on experience within six months of passing the certification exam.
FAQs
How much does a sterile processing technician make?
Salary.com reports that as of September 12, 2024, the average annual pay for Sterile Processing Technicians in the U.S. is $40,390. However, the salary range can go up to $50,038 or down to $32,175. According to the BLS, the mean annual salary for Sterile Processing Technicians is $47,410 per year.
What is a sterile processing technician?
According to Indeed.com, a certified sterile processing technician (SPT) plays an important role in indirectly providing patient care. They carefully prepare, install, assemble, clean, and sterilize all the health care and laboratory equipment used in medical exams, surgeries, and other clinical procedures. They also ensure strict adherence to sterilization processes and that instruments, equipment, and supplies are safe for reuse across patients daily.
An SPT plays an integral role in ensuring the success of surgeries. Sterile processing technicians usually work in clinics, hospitals, doctor's offices, and other settings that use medical equipment.
What does a sterile processing technician do?
According to Indeed.com, a certified sterile processing technician (SPT) regularly performs several duties, including:
- Preparing and delivering clean and sterilized instruments and equipment necessary for medical examinations, surgeries, medical carts, and clinical procedures
- Sterilizing, wrapping, organizing, and preparing medical equipment and surgical instruments into instrument trays for use during clinical procedures
- Laying out surgical gloves and gowns before each medical procedure
- Collecting and manually cleaning used and contaminated medical equipment, supplies, and instruments for sorting and decontamination
- Preparing and packing decontaminated medical tools and supplies for sterilization
- Operating and monitoring sterilization equipment
- Examining supplies meticulously to ensure their cleanliness
- Checking and reporting any problems or issues with the sterilization equipment to surgeons or supervisors and requesting replacements
- Maintaining records of sterilization procedures, equipment maintenance, sterilized items and supplies
- Reordering medical and surgical supplies, controlling the inventory, and checking the expiration dates of products
- Removing medical waste and disposing of them appropriately
ZipRecruiter also notes that SPTs use specialized equipment, such as an autoclave, to ensure that all surgical instruments and materials are sterile and safe for the patient. They review inventory and assess equipment and materials to prepare the surgical suite for each procedure.
Does this course prepare you for a certification?
Yes. This course prepares you to sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam offered by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA). You will receive vouchers for the exams after successfully completing the course, coursework, and your financial obligation.
Can I test-out of medical terminology content if I have previous knowledge of medical terminology?
Yes. This course includes two, optional, Test-Out Exam features that will allow you to test out of content and graded assessments if your score demonstrates the level of mastery required (80%). It does not count toward your overall score in this course if you do not achieve the minimum score required for mastery. Please note: Third party funded students may not be eligible.
When can I start this course?
This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course whenever you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.
How long does it take to complete this course?
After you register, you will receive 12 months to complete the course. The time allotted for completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours.
What if I don't have enough time to complete the course within the time frame provided?
The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact the student advising team to see what options you may have available to work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.
What kind of support will I receive?
Our courses are designed to accommodate various learning preferences. Depending on the course structure, you may get different forms of support. Self-paced courses are designed to be user-friendly and independent, minimizing the need for external support. In courses with instructors, our direct platform support feature includes opportunities for questions, discussions, and remediation, with email and phone support available for select courses. Our student advising team is available to guide you on program requirements and administrative requests, but they do not provide assistance with course content. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary support for success, whether it's through self-paced exploration, direct communication, or guidance from our advising team.
What happens when I complete the course?
Upon successfully passing the final exam, you will be awarded a certificate of completion from the school or organization that you registered through.
Am I guaranteed a job?
ed2go courses will help you gain the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. However, you should always research the job market in your area before enrolling.
Can I get financial assistance?
ed2go courses are non-credit, so they do not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA, and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards may provide funding to take our courses. Additionally, you may qualify for financial assistance if you meet certain requirements. Learn more about financial assistance.
How can I get more information about this course?
If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-877-221-5151 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Contact Us."