Sterile Processing Technology
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Sterile Processing Technicians (also known as Central Service Technicians) process and distribute sterile equipment and other supplies throughout the medical facility.
In order to succeed as a Sterile Processing Technician, students should be detail oriented, organized and possess strong communication skills in order to effectively work with medical facility patients and staff.
The SPT Program at Skyline College
The SPT Program (previously known as Central Services Technology) consists of three semesters including a classroom course, a skills lab course, and an externship providing hands-on experience in a hospital setting. The externship will be offered to those successfully completing the classroom and lab classes. The hospital externship and the lab skills class are designed to provide the number of clinical hours required by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) to meet eligibility for taking the certification exam. Graduates will receive an industry recognized Certificate of Completion from Skyline College, which qualifies the graduate to take the CRCST certification exam.
Admission to the Sterile Processing Technology Program is by Special Application only. The Special Application is available from July 1st - October 15th.
Career Outlook
Sterile Processing Technology offers an interesting work environment where medical facilities rely on well-trained personnel to ensure all medical equipment is ready for optimal patient care. According to the Mayo Clinic website, Sterile Processing Technicians will only grow in demand while the volume of surgeries increase. Average annual incomes for California in 2021 were $55,930 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website.
Sterile Processing Technicians can also undertake further training and education to advance to other health careers.
| Program | Type | Total Units |
|---|---|---|
| Anesthesia Technology | AS | 60 Units |
| Surgical Technology | AS | 60 Units |
| Anesthesia Technology | CA | 32 Units |
| Sterile Processing Technology with Clinical Practice | CS | 18 Units |
Skyline College Allied Health Sciences has a new Simulation Laboratory located in Building 7, Room 7-211. The lab features state-of-the-art Gaumard adult, infant and premie tetherless simulators. The lab also includes full patient monitors, beds, standard clinical supplies and a video recording system.
Patient simulators can provide all vital signs, including heart & respiratory rates, pulses, lung sounds, pupil response and oxygen saturation. The manikins are able to realistically simulate virtually any medical problem or condition, including cardiac, respiratory, neurological, musculoskeletal and metabolic issues.
The patient simulators provide a total hands-on experience in which students are able to see the results of their actions in real time. Currently, the Simulation Lab is used for training students in the Surgical Technology, Respiratory Care, and Sterile Processing Technology programs.
If faculty at Skyline have any questions or would like to schedule some time in the lab, please contact Scoutt Kessler, Simulation Lab Coordinator, at (650) 738-7928.
Upon completion of the program students will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of sterile processing equal to an entry-level central service technician.
- Demonstrate competence in clinical skills equal to an entry-level central service technician.
- Demonstrate behavior appropriate for an entry-level central service technician.
Location: STEM Division Office, Building 7 Room 7-130
Email: Nadia Tariq at tariqn@smccd.edu
Thank you for your interest in the Sterile Processing Technology program at Skyline College! The program begins once a year in January during Spring semester. Applications are accepted from July 1 - October 15.
Application Process
Admission into the Sterile Processing Technology program is by special application only. The application is a 3-step process described below: Skyline College Application, Sterile Processing Tech Application, and 1 recommendation letter. Twenty-five (25) applicants will be accepted each year.
Prerequisites
There are no formal prerequisites, however:
- Students must have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Since communication in the health care environment is of extreme importance, we recommend that applicants be eligible for English 100, 105, or equivalent
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Sterile Processing Technology Program requires the following application steps:
- Complete the Skyline College application
- Make a note of your Skyline College ID (G#) when received via email
- Complete the Sterile Processing Technology special application
- Will be available from July 1 through October 15
- Submit one (1) recommendation letter. Applicants should download the Standard Form which describes what should be included in the letter. A general recommendation letter is acceptable addressing the qualities in the Standard Form. Please read the instructions on the Standard Form before giving them to the recommenders.
The following are suggested categories for recommenders:
- Dean, Counselor, Principal, Teacher, or Instructor
- Employer or Supervisor
- Leaders of Community Organizations (volunteer, church, or club.)
Recommendations from close friends or relatives will not be accepted. Completed recommendation forms may be submitted directly to Nadia Tariq, Program Services Coordinator, at tariqn@smccd.edu.
Ways to Submit:
- The recommendation letter may be uploaded in Step 2, the Central Services Technology special application.
- The recommendation letter may be emailed directly from the applicant to Nadia Tariq at tariqn@smccd.edu.
Please Note: Your application will not be considered COMPLETE until you receive verification that all three steps are complete.
Questions? Contact Nadia Tariq, Program Services Coordinator, at tariqn@smccd.edu.
Students admitted to the program are required to complete a satisfactory physical examination, immunization documentation verifying freedom of communicable disease, a social security referenced background check, and drug test (at an additional cost) in order to officially secure their seat. All courses must be taken in sequence. A minimum grade of “C” is required in all Sterile Processing Technology courses.
Clinical Affiliate Requirements
Clinical affiliates have several safety and health requirements to ensure patient safety. As such, these requirements are mandatory upon acceptance to the program. Students may need to complete these requirements multiple times throughout the program. Do not send any of these documents until requested to do so.
- Evidence of good health in form of Physical Exam report signed by a practicing physician
- Verification of all immunizations pertinent to health care personnel -- TB, Tetanus, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis B, Chicken Pox, COVID-19
- Cleared social security referenced background check
- Cleared drug screen
The physical demands of a Sterile Processing Technician can be challenging. The following required abilities are necessary:
- Sit or stand up to eight (8) hours per day
- Capable of lifting and carrying 30 pounds (13.6 kg)
- Hear and communicate without visual cues
- Practice in a confined space under stressful conditions
For further information, please contact:
Nadia Tariq, Program Services Coordinator | tariqn@smccd.edu |
Requirements
You must be a high school graduate or equivalent to enter the program. You will also be asked to verify that you are free from communicable disease and should be able to lift 30 pounds. It is highly recommended that you be eligible for English 100, 105, or equivalent.
Prior to starting classes, students admitted to the program are required to complete a satisfactory physical examination, immunization documentation verifying freedom of communicable disease, a social security referenced background check, and drug test. Typically, a student that has had a felony conviction in the last seven years would not be accepted for a hospital externship.
How to Get Started:
- Complete a Skyline College Application.
- Complete the Special Program Application
- Admission to the Sterile Processing Technology Program is by special application only. All application materials must be returned during the open application period to be considered for the program. Notifications will be mailed within 30 days from the end of the application period.
- There are no academic prerequisites, however, success in this field requires effective communication skills.
Costs
Total tuition for the whole program is $529. Note that other requirements, like the background check, drug screening, clinical requirement trackers, gas for travel, textbooks, and other supplies make the total cost of the program closer to $1,100.
Three semesters in length spanning just over 9 months. The first two classes are conducted at Skyline College with the final semester providing 400 hours of clinical practice in a hospital.
In the first semester, lectures and labs cover anatomy and physiology, microbiology, sterilization and disinfection, surgical instruments, safety, and regulations.
In the second semester, you will practice procedures for instrument processing.
In the last semester, you will be assigned to a Sterile Processing Department in a hospital or Surgery Center. In the SPT Department, you will get practice in methods of decontamination, assembly, and sterilization, as well as the distribution of instruments, equipment and supplies. You will be expected to practice at least 6 hours per day, 30 hours per week so you will need to have flexible hours. Because the locations of the hospitals span within a 50 miles radius of the college, you will need reliable transportation.
The only formal educational prerequisite is a high school diploma or equivalent. However, since communication in the health care environment is of extreme importance, we recommend that applicants be eligible for English 100, 105, or equivalent.
You will also need to pass:
- a physical exam which would also show you are immune to Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR), Hepatitis B, Chickenpox, and show you are free of active TB.
- a Social Security‐referenced background check
- drug screening
These forms will given to accepted and waitlisted students at orientation.
Registration fees are approximately $529. Textbooks, travel, the background check and the physical exam bring the costs up to about $1,100+/‐ for the whole program.
SPTs have the option of working in hospitals, clinics, ambulatory surgery centers, instrument repair, and even in the biotechnical industry.
Depending on the role you take on, salary may vary. In the San Francisco Bay Area, SP techs can earn around $30 per hour. Within five years, SPT’s can make over $37/hour.
- Apply to Skyline College.
- Then go to the Sterile Processing Technology application to complete and submit your application.
Twenty‐five students are randomly selected and another 15 are placed on the waiting list. Notifications and the forms for the background check and drug screening are given to accepted and waitlisted applicants at Orientation.