The Sterile Processing Technician program provides an overview of the sterile processing profession and equips the participant with knowledge and skills to obtain an entry level position in the Sterile Processing and Distribution department in a hospital or outpatient facility. Emphasis is placed on the profession of sterile processing, basic science, infection control, aseptic technique, sterilization, instrumentation identification, safety, inventory management and distribution, quality assurance, professional development and current trends in healthcare impacting sterile processing. Upon completion, the student will be eligible to apply to sit for the national certification exam.
Course Objectives
This course covers a lot of information and the main course objectives to understand:
- Examine an overview of the Sterile Processing department and recognize the role in patient care
- Define the role and responsibilities of the sterile processing technician
- Explain organizational structure in the hospitals or other healthcare facilities
- Define and discuss professionalism
- List and discuss career opportunities in sterile processing and material management
Materials Needed
- Textbook $205 approx.
- Drug Screen $50
- Criminal Background Check $20
- Malpractice Insurance $15
- CPR Certification Card $10
- Student ID Badge $5
- Additional Fees –
- Health Immunizations – Cost will vary based on individual’s immunization status
Course Specific Information
All students are responsible for:
- Successful completion of random drug screening and background check. Failure to take or pass the random drug screening or background check will result in immediate dismissal from the program. (No refunds will be issued for the program.)
- Required health immunizations. Cost varies based on immunization status.
- TB Skin Test
- MMR (two are required within lifetime)
- Varicella
- Hepatitis B
- Flu
- Tetanus (optional but recommended every ten years)
Clinical Rotations:
- Clinical partners have different health and vaccination requirements. These are the responsibility of the student and the cost is not included in the registration fee. Failure to produce documentation of positive health and vaccination requirements will result in termination from the program without a refund.
- Clinical rotations will be conducted during “clinic” hours, typically 7:00 a.m. -7:00 p.m, 8:00am-4:40pm, or 8:00am-5:00pm, dependent upon the clinical facility. The last four weeks are blocked off on your schedule during which you will obtain your 103 clinical hours. Students are required to complete 103 hours of clinical externship to successfully complete the program.
- Clinical sites are assigned by the Clinical Coordinator. Refusal of assigned clinical site may result in failure of the program.
- Students must attend 100% of total clinical hours.
- Transportation to clinical assignment.
Certificate
Upon completion of the Sterile Processing Technician program, students will be awarded a Certificate of Completion from Jefferson State Community College and students are encouraged to take a national certification examination in accordance with certifying body guidelines. IAHCSMM’s CRCST certification requires that you pass the certification exam and complete 400 hours of hands-on experience in a CS department. Your clinical hours will be applied to this requirement.
Registration Information
Registration can be completed via online, walk-in or postal mail.
Walk-in registration is accepted during our regular business hours, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the following locations:
Jefferson Campus
2601 Carson Road
George Wallace Hall, Office 202
Birmingham, AL 35215
Shelby-Hoover Campus
4600 Valleydale Road
Health Science Building, Office 432
Birmingham, AL 35242
Course Fee
$1,795
Schedule
Courses are offered on an ongoing basis and we offer open enrollment. To view a complete schedule, go to the following link: Click Here
Scholarship Opportunities
Career Pathways
Career Pathways allows qualifying students to benefit from activities related to workplace readiness, academic and career counseling, and academic preparation while enrolling in selected Non-Credit Fast Track programs.
Tuition assistance may be available for Adult Education students to assist with registration. Please Click Here to apply.
Jeremiah’s Hope
The Jeremiah’s Hope program provides scholarships to students seeking workforce training in high-need essential healthcare fields. Classes will take place across Jefferson State’s four campuses and currently are taking place in a hybrid learning environment. To learn more about these training opportunities, contact Angela Payne, Career Coach, at [email protected] or (205) 856-8040.
WIOA
Local Alabama Career Centers provide WIOA (Workforce Investment Opportunity Act) scholarship opportunities to qualifying students for some workforce training programs. Eligibility is based on various factors, including income. Contact the Birmingham Career Center at 205-582-5200 or Ken King at our career center on site at Jefferson State for more information 205-856-8029 or [email protected].
