Sterile Processing Technicians (SPT) are the key persons responsible for maintaining the quality of medical products that are processed, packaged and sterilized by a hospital. This program will prepare individuals to clean, sterilize and assemble surgical instruments, equipment and supplies for use in operating rooms and other medical and surgical facilities. The content includes instruction in sterilization, infection control, decontamination, and surgical instrumentation processing, distribution and record keeping.
The SPT Diploma shares the Medical Terminology course as well as many of the same clinical sites within the Surgical Technologist Associate Degree Program allowing graduates to advance their careers with a pathway to higher degree offerings.
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Apply principles of infection control in the role of the Central Service Technician.
- Decontaminate instruments and equipment.
- Prepare instruments, equipment and supplies.
- Apply sterilization techniques.
- Perform inventory control and distribute
- Function as an ethical, legal and professional member of the healthcare team.
Sterile processing technicians have a key role in preventing infection by sterilizing, cleaning, processing, assembling, storing, and distributing medical supplies. The position works in the central service department of a hospital or surgery center which is the hub of all activity surrounding supplies and equipment needed for surgery and patient care.
Hospitals are the primary employers of sterile processing technicians, though some employment growth is expected in offices and clinics of physicians, including outpatient care centers, and ambulatory surgical centers, as well as nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Individuals who enjoy detailed, behind-the-scenes work in a fast-paced environment may enjoy a career as a sterile processing technician. It is the perfect role for someone who is interested in the healthcare industry, but would prefer not to have high levels of interactions with patients.
Sterile processing technician is an emerging profession and is expected to grow as the number of surgeries increases. With technological advancements in medical supplies, instruments, devices, and equipment, there is a high demand for sterile processing technicians in hospital and clinical settings.