At Cumberland Valley School District, we believe in providing our students with the resources they need to succeed in their future careers. Because of this, Cumberland Valley will fund at least 50% of your Emerge Prepared program, normally ranging from $2,500 to $4,000, through a generous educational fund.
What does a Sterile Processing Technician do?
A sterile processing technician is a professional who prepares surgical instruments and devices. Other titles a sterile processing technician may be called include central processing technician, sterile preparation technician, central sterile supply technician, and more. They clean, inspect, test, sterilize, store, and deliver devices needed for surgery in healthcare facilities.
The main goal of a sterile processing technician is to prevent the spread of infection by ensuring that all instruments are disease-free. Other job duties may include, verifying and accurately documenting missing instruments, recording sterilizer test results, ensuring each instrument is in good working order prior to use, operating and maintaining steam autoclaves, and effectively communicating with operating room personnel and others.
Where do they work?
Sterile processing technicians work in hospitals, surgery centers, clinics, outpatient care centers, ambulatory services centers, dentists’ offices, and other healthcare facilities.
Requirements
- Web browser with internet connection
- Course registration & payment
Training Materials Provided
- Expert-led video-based training
- Textbook: Central Service Technician Manual
- Competency assessments
- National Certification exam fee
Clinical Requirement
As an approved program in the UPMC Pathway, students enrolled in this program will complete their clinical requirements in a UPMC site. If you have any questions about the clinical requirements of this program, please discuss them with your Training Specialist. Students will also be eligible for career positions in UPMC sites.
Sterile Processing Technician
Outcomes
Healthcare employment is projected to grow by 13% from 2021 to 2031, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This means that over the next decade there will be nearly 2 million new positions available for those interested in healthcare.
Skills Learned
Upon completion of this training, you’ll be able to:
- Knowing medical terminology, disease processes, anatomy and physiology
- The importance of customer service, communication skills, and professionalism Identifying central service workflows processes from cleaning, decontamination, preparation and packaging to sterilization and storage of surgical instruments and equipment
- Describing the importance of manufacturer’s instructions for use (IFU), infection control and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) throughout central service areas and their impact on personnel and patient safety
- Differentiating methods for quality control and assurance and the necessity of central service process documentation
- Discussing compliance standards and the role of HIPAA, OSHA, CDC, FDA, ANSI, AAMI and other regulating agencies
Courses
Professionalism in Allied Health |
Introduction to Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology |
Sterile Processing |
Sterile Processing Technician Job Possibilities
HIDDEN
Central Service Technician
HIDDEN
Sterile Processing Technician
HIDDEN
Central Sterile Supply Technician
Certification Information
Upon completion of this program, you’ll be eligible to take the provisional certification exam for Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) sponsored by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).
CRCST
Certified Registered Central Service Technician
The Certified Registered Central Service Technician by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) gives students the skills to prepare, sterilize, install, or clean laboratory or healthcare equipment as well as perform routine tasks and operate or inspect equipment.
Issuing Authority
Sterile Processing Technician Enrollment
- Students who wish to enroll in an online certificate program must connect first with their school's guidance counselor to get approval. Please contact Mrs. Miller at 717.506.3401 or admiller@cvschools.org to get started.
- Students must then receive parent consent via a signed copy of the Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling in a program (available through the guidance office).
- The students' guidance counselor will work directly with Harrisburg University to enroll them for the program.
- Emerge Prepared programs are fully funded through a generous educational fund so no payment is collected from the student.
- Upon enrolling, students will be paired with a Student Success Advisor who will act as a coach and mentor throughout the program.
If students need additional funding source, we offer many convenient options.
Pay in full using any major credit card, PayPal, or Venmo. Select “credit card” as your payment option.
Apply for PayPal Credit and pay zero interest if your balance is paid in full within 6-months. Complete a quick application and you’ll receive a credit decision within seconds.
Pay for your training with an education loan through Sallie Mae or Meritize.
Complete the course registration process to reserve your seat using one of these options.
PROGRAM COMPARISONS
EMERGE PREPARED | similar Community College Program | |
|---|---|---|
Program & Tuition Cost | $4,000 | Up to $20,000 |
Exam Fees, Books & Materials | Included | Up to $750 |
Schedule Flexibility | On-demand 24/7 | Set class schedule |
Travel Requirements | None: 100% online | On-campus classrooms |
Student Support | Personal Advisors: text, call and email access | Professors: scheduled office hours |
Career Coaching | Exam-tailor + soft-skill training to build well-rounded careers | Exam-based + prerequisites and electives to meet credit |
Content Delivery | 3D animations, immersive environments, interactive activities, game-based learning | Professor lectures |
Emerge Prepared | Community College | |
|---|---|---|
Program & Tuition Cost | $4,000 average | Up to $20,000 |
Exam Fees, Books & Materials | Included | Up to $750 |
Job Ready In | 3–6 months | 24–48 months |
Schedule Flexibility | On-demand 24/7 | Set class schedule |
Travel Requirements | None: 100% online | On-campus classrooms |
Student Support | Personal Advisors: text, call and email access | Professors: scheduled office hours |
Career Coaching | Exam-tailor + soft-skill training to build well-rounded careers | Exam-based + prerequisites and electives to meet credit |
Content Delivery | 3D animations, immersive environments, interactive activities, game-based learning | Professor lectures |
Meet Your Training Specialist!
Your Workforce Training Specialist will help you understand your program, help with clinical placement, and answer any questions you have! Get in touch with your Workforce Training Specialist to learn more about your program, Harrisburg University, and how to start achieving your career goals.
To begin the enrollment process, please contact Mrs. Miller at 717.506.3401 or admiller@cvschools.org to get started.
FAQ
Students have access to complete program materials for two years. But most students finish their courses sooner.
Note: Some programs require a clinical component beyond the online coursework which extends the program length.
No, these courses do not count for college credit
Yes, our training program is fully online and asynchronous.