Central Sterile Supply Processing Technician Advanced TCC
Program Description (Major Code: CS91)
The Central Sterile Supply Processing Technician Advanced Technical Certificate of Credit is designed to provide entry-level training that will prepare graduates to function in the sterile supply processing and distribution areas of healthcare facilities. The program is based on theory and clinical instruction that will apply scientific principles to the specific work area. Theory classes with laboratory participatory classes will prepare students for clinical application of skills and knowledge in healthcare facilities. Together with practical experiences, provide students with the preparation necessary to be eligible to sit for the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM) certification exam.
Sterile processing technicians work as part of an operations team in a health care organization. They play an essential role in patient safety as well as infection control. Graduates of the program will be able to operate the sterilizing equipment such as the autoclave that sterilizes equipment, gloves, and needles. They must obey all hospital policies and are responsible for arranging the surgical equipment in the operating room. They will be able to check, assemble, and adjust all medical tools to ensure they are all functioning properly before the surgery begins. They must make sure all tools and equipment have been decontaminated and that the area is completely sterile before and after procedures. Due to hospitals’ around-the-clock schedule, being on-call is often required, as is some holiday work.
Surgical technicians will be able to proactively develop and maintain technical knowledge in many specialized areas, remaining up to date on changing practices and trends. They must be able to identify areas in which improvements can be made and then help implement those changes.
Sterile processing technicians should also possess great communication skills to work effectively with other members of the team, as well as patients. Certification from a relevant program is necessary; before full certification, they must attend lectures and have clinical training sessions for one year in a hospital setting. Many employers require some experience.
Admissions Requirements
- Must be 17 years of age
- Completion of high school or GED and submission of official transcript required to apply
- Achievement of minimum program admission scores in Reading, English, and Math
- Transfer of previous post-secondary credits will be determined by the Office of Enrollment Services
Student Performance/Graduation Requirements: Students must maintain a 2.0 grade point average and complete all required courses to graduate.
Blood and Airborne Pathogens: Students enrolled in Category I and II programs at Atlanta Technical College will be performing tasks in which there is a normal occurrence for exposure to blood, other potentially infectious body materials, and airborne pathogens. These tasks will be performed in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical activities for each occupational training program/course. Students will be required to present documentation of Hepatitis B and Tuberculosis immunizations as a result of potential occupational exposure. Students should contact their program directors for more information. Policies and procedures regarding blood and airborne pathogens may be reviewed at https://tcsg.edu/tcsgpolicy/tcsg_policy_manual.pdf.
Course Outline
Curriculum
General Education Courses
Select one of the following (2 Credits)
Occupational Courses (18 Credits)
Minimum Program Length in Semester Terms: 2 Credits
Estimated Program Cost: $4,098