B次元

Sterile Processing Technician Certificate

Prepare for hands-on healthcare career

The Sterile Processing Technician Certificate is designed to blend classroom learning with real-world experience. Students build upon foundational knowledge from prerequisite courses and apply critical skills in instrument decontamination, sterilization, and surgical preparation鈥攖raining directly within a Sterile Processing Department (SPD) under professional guidance.

Core Focus Areas

  • Safe handling and decontamination of surgical instruments
  • Packaging and sterilization best practices
  • Operation of washers, ultrasonic cleaners, and sterilization equipment
  • Inventory management within SPD environments
  • Infection prevention protocols and compliance with healthcare regulations
  • Team communication and collaboration in clinical settings

Why B次元鈥檚 Weekend Format Stands Out

Get job-ready in just 18 months with part-time weekend classes, extended financing for eligible students, and hands-on clinical training in local healthcare settings鈥攄esigned for working adults who need flexibility and fast outcomes.

Your Opportunity Awaits鈥擜pply Now

In just 18 months, B次元鈥檚 part-time Sterile Processing Technician Certificate Program gets you job-ready for hospitals and clinics. Weekend classes, flexible scheduling, and free tuition for qualified students make it easier than ever to launch your future in healthcare.

Clinical Experience

Students engage in supervised clinical placements at approved hospital sites or healthcare facilities. This immersive experience allows them to put theory into practice, working alongside seasoned sterile processing professionals to develop confidence and competency in a supportive setting.

Career Pathways & Articulation

Upon completion, graduates are positioned for entry-level roles in sterile processing environments鈥攁n essential sector dedicated to patient safety and surgical efficiency. Additionally, students earn credit toward associate and bachelor鈥檚 degree programs at Maria including Surgical Technology AAS Program.


Course Objectives

Educational Objectives

  • Develop a solid foundation in sterile processing theory, including microbiology, infection control, and safety principles.
  • Gain hands-on skills in instrument decontamination, preparation, sterilization, storage, and distribution.
    Learn to operate and maintain sterilization and decontamination equipment (e.g., autoclaves, ultrasonic cleaners, and washers).
  • Apply knowledge of healthcare regulations and compliance standards (e.g., AAMI, OSHA, CDC, and The Joint Commission).
  • Strengthen critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address common issues in sterile processing and patient safety.
  • Demonstrate professional communication and teamwork in healthcare environments.

Career Objectives

  • Prepare graduates for entry-level employment as Sterile Processing Technicians in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and surgical centers.
  • Support successful completion of national certification exams (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)).
  • Provide transferable skills for advancement into related healthcare fields such as surgical technology, nursing support, or healthcare management.
  • Equip students to contribute to surgical team efficiency, patient safety, and infection prevention within the healthcare system.
  • Establish a pathway for continued education at B次元, including articulation toward the associate and bachelor鈥檚 degrees.

Admission Requirements

  • Completed Application for Admission to B次元. Submit a fully completed application to begin the admissions process.
  • High School Diploma or GED. Provide an official high school transcript or proof of GED completion.
  • Minimum Age of 18. Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of enrollment.
  • Interview with Program Advisor or Admissions Representative. A required interview鈥攈eld virtually or in person鈥攈elps assess program fit and provides an opportunity to ask questions.
  • Criminal Background Check and Drug Screening. Mandatory for students entering clinical placements, in accordance with healthcare industry standards.
  • Basic Computer Literacy and Internet Access. Students should possess basic computer skills and have access to a reliable internet-connected device to participate in hybrid/online components.
  • English Language Proficiency (if applicable). Applicants may need to demonstrate English proficiency through placement testing or academic records.

 

  • Pre-requisites

    Before enrolling in this clinical course, students must meet the following requirements to ensure they are prepared for hands-on experience in a healthcare environment. These prerequisites are designed to promote safety, compliance, and readiness for clinical practice.

    • Completion of SPT 100 and SPT 101 with a grade of 鈥淐鈥 or higher
    • Updated immunizations and background check clearance
    • CPR certification (current)
  • Required Textbook(s) & Resources

    To support student success in both classroom and clinical settings, the following materials and resources are required. These tools provide essential knowledge, hands-on practice, and access to digital learning platforms used throughout the course.

    • Textbook: Central Service Technical Manual, 8th Edition (HSPA)
    • Workbook: Central Service Workbook, 8th Edition (HSPA)
    • Recommended: HSPA Online Learning Modules ()
    • Technology: Reliable internet access, Blackboard access, Microsoft Office

    Required Materials

    • B次元 Clinical Handbook (provided)
    • Scrubs (per B次元 Policy), closed-toe shoes
    • Required vaccinations and health records
    • Photo ID badge (B次元 and facility-issued)
  • Grading Policy

    Grades will be calculated on a weighted average. Therefore, your grade will be based upon the scores received from each category multiple by its percentage and all the new values added together.

    Course Grading Breakdown:
    Lecture Assignments 鈥 50%
    15% 鈥 Four (4) Lecture Exams (~400 points)
    10% 鈥 Ten (10) Quizzes (~50 points)
    15% 鈥 Attendance and Discussion Board Assignments (~90 points)
    10% 鈥 Cumulative Lecture Final Exam (~160 points)

    Laboratory Assignments 鈥 50%
    (~200 points)

    Letter grades follow B次元鈥檚 grading scale.

    Numerical average Grade Quality Points
    92.5 – 100 (93 – 100) A (4.0)
    89.5 – 92.4 (90 鈥 92) A- (3.7)
    86.5 – 89.4 (87 鈥 89) B+ (3.3)
    82.5 – 86.4 (83 鈥 86) B (3.0)
    79.5 – 82.4 (80 鈥 82) B- (2.7)
    76.5 – 79.4 (77 鈥 79) C+ (2.3)
    72.5 – 76.4 (73 鈥 76) C (2.0)
    69.5 – 72.4 (70 鈥 72) C- (1.7)
    66.5 – 69.4 (67 鈥 69) D+ (1.3)
    62.5 – 66.4 (63 鈥 66) D (1.0)
    62.4 and lower F (0.0)

  • Attendance & Engagement

    Attendance in this professional course will be monitored throughout the semester to ensure students are actively engaged and meeting the expectations of the clinical host. Attendance is tracked through participation in the weekly Discussion Board Assignments. Each week, students are required to post one (1) original response to the discussion prompt and reply to at least one (1) classmate’s post, totaling a minimum of two (2) discussion interactions per week. Over the 6-week semester, students are expected to complete approximately 12 discussion interactions to meet attendance and participation requirements.

    Students should make every attempt to keep the professional obligation of attendance for this clinical experience course. Clinical practice prior to award of the certificate is required by New York State. Any absences must be documented with the instructor and the missed hours completed before the end of the course. Delay in completing the required clinical hours will result in delay of certification.

  • Course Sequence

    First Year: First Semester                 

    Course

     

    Credits

    SPT100L

    Sterile Processing I

    4

    ENG111

    Composition 1

    1

      5
       

    First Year: Second Semester

    SPT101L

    Sterile Processing II

    4

    PBH101

    Introduction to Public Health

    3

      7
       

    First Year: Third Semester

    SPT102L

    Sterile Processing Professional Experience

    4

      4