STERILE PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY

The Sterile Processing Technician program prepares students to play a critical role in healthcare by ensuring surgical instruments and medical equipment are properly cleaned, inspected, assembled, sterilized, and distributed for patient care. Through hands-on laboratory experiences, students learn infection prevention practices, decontamination procedures, instrument identification, quality assurance, inventory management, and industry safety standards while using equipment similar to that found in hospitals and surgical centers.

In addition to the core curriculum, learners are trained for the job-seeking process through mock interviews, resume-building workshops, and hands-on technical skill development. During the program, accommodations and modifications are provided to high school students based on the IEP/504.

After completion of the one-year program, successful candidates will be prepared to earn one or more industry-recognized certifications, including the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) credential. West-MEC offers industry credentialing exams at no additional cost. Through this program, students gain the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to begin a career supporting surgical teams and promoting patient safety in healthcare facilities.

CAREER PATHWAYS

Careers that a student could pursue after receiving their certification(s) are: Sterile Processing Technician, Central Service Technician, Instrument Processing Technician, Sterile Supply Technician, Endoscopy Reprocessing Technician, Instrument Coordinator, Surgical Instrument Specialist, Materials Management Technician, and Operating Room Support Technician.

With additional education, certifications, or experience, graduates may pursue careers as a Surgical Technologist*, Endoscopy Technician*, First Assistant*, Operating Room Manager*, Infection Preventionist*, Healthcare Materials Manager*, Registered Nurse (RN), Physician Assistant (PA), or other healthcare leadership and specialty roles.

*Requires additional education, certification, licensure, and/or work experience.