Sterile Processing Technician Certificate

Aubree Rhoad BS, CST, Coordinator
Phone: (567) 242-5930
Email: rhoad.a@rhodesstate.edu
Office: TL 102F

The Sterile Processing Technician Certificate is designed to recognize technicians who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and practical experience required to provide competent services in a central service/sterile processing setting. Through this program, students gain a solid foundation in instrument decontamination, inspection, assembly, disassembly, packaging, and sterilization, essential responsibilities that directly support patient safety and surgical excellence.

Upon successful completion of the certificate requirements, students become eligible to apply for and take the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam. CRCST-credentialed technicians serve as integral members of the healthcare team, ensuring the safe, efficient, and standardized reprocessing of surgical instruments and reusable medical devices in a variety of healthcare environments.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion, the student will be able to:

  1. Apply the principles of cleaning, decontamination and disinfection to instruments, and reusable and disposable items.
  2. Assemble contents for packaging using appropriate packing and labeling methods.
  3. Competently operate and monitor sterilization equipment.
  4. Apply the principles of inventory management to monitor and track supplies including the process for rotating inventory and proper storage requirements.
  5. Analyze the roles and responsibilities of the certified registered central service technician in relation to decision-making and accountability.
  6. Understand the organizational reporting structures, safety issues, government regulatory bodies and standards for the central service are of healthcare institutions.

Technical Standards
See here for details.