Dual Enrollment Sterile Processing

This is the first pathway course in the surgical technology sequence; students acquire knowledge of sterile processes and clean, disinfect and distribute sterilized instruments and equipment in health care facilities. Student instruction focuses on work in a sterile processing department and central service location, working as a team to maintain sterilization and storage, learning about microbiology and infection control, and apply principles and practices of sterile processing and decontamination. Students may choose to complete a 400 hour externship, which requires a minimum of 200 hours completion by high school graduation, after which students will be able to take the international certification for sterile processing technicians and hold a provisional certification. Full certification is awarded after completing the full 400 hours and high school graduation.