Courses

PROGRAM DETAILS

Sterile Processing Course Curriculum

Overview
Thank you for your interest in the Central Sterile Processing Certificate Program at DAS Central
Processing Training Center. This packet provides information regarding admission procedures and
required courses.

The Certificate in Central Sterile Processing is a 8 weeks program. Classes are scheduled both
online and in the classroom. Enrolment is limited and competitive. Upon successful completion of
the program the student is awarded a Certificate of completion.

Certification
Graduates of this program are eligible to sit for the national certification examination administered
by the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management
(IAHCSMM). Those students passing the exam are allowed to use the title Certified Registered
Central Service Technician.

Certified Healthcare Leader (CHL)

A secondary certification for management. The CHL certification program is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the management and supervisory skills necessary to provide effective leadership in the Sterile Processing department. CHL's are indispensable members of the healthcare team who are responsible for managing the daily operations of the SP department including standards and regulation compliance, finance, reporting, staffing, human resource management and inter- and intra-departmental communications. Initial Eligibility Requirements Current, full CRCST certification must be obtained prior to taking the CHL exam, and must be kept current to maintain your CHL certification. To earn CHL Certification, candidates are required to successfully demonstrate skills through the successful completion of an examination developed to measure the understanding of general sterile processing, infection prevention and management topics. CHL certificants are required to recertify annually through completion of continuing education requirements.

Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS)

A secondary certification for instrumentation. Technology changes. Standards update. Instrumentation evolves. The learning curve for Sterile Processing professionals is steep and ever-changing, and the demands placed on them ever- growing. The CIS certification program is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the experience, knowledge and skills necessary to provide competent services as an advanced instrument specialist in the SP department. CIS's are essential members of the healthcare team who are responsible for demonstrating the knowledge and recognition of medical instruments and instrument support system functions necessary to help ensure the safe and timely delivery of surgical instruments to patients. Initial Eligibility Requirements Current, full CRCST certification must be obtained prior to taking the CIS exam, and must be kept current to maintain your CIS certification. To earn CIS Certification, candidates are required to successfully demonstrate skills through the completion of 200 hours of hands-on work experience in a Sterile Processing department, as well as the successful completion of an examination developed to measure the understanding of all instrument reprocessing functions (including instrument support system functions, instrumentation practice skills, knowledge and recognition of medical instruments, plus SP tech responsibilities). CIS certificants are required to recertify annually through completion of continuing education requirements.

Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER)

A certification for endoscope reprocessing. CER certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to pre-clean, test, decontaminate, inspect, disinfect and/or sterilize, transport, and store endoscopes in accordance with industry standards, guidelines and regulations, and manufacturers’ instructions for use. CERs are crucial members of the healthcare team who are responsible for endoscope preparation, which is critical for patient safety in a healthcare facility. Initial Eligibility Requirements The CER is a standalone certification. CRCST certification is NOT required in order to apply or test. To earn CER certification, candidates are required to successfully demonstrate skills through completion of three months of hands-on work experience, as well as the successful completion of an examination developed to measure the understanding of endoscope care and handling and infection prevention. CER certificants are required to recertify annually through completion of continuing education requirements.

Building Blocks of Sterile Processing

In this course, you’ll be introduced to medical terminology and learn the parts of various words. Then, you’ll move to anatomy and physiology to learn more about the various components of the human body and their functions, such as bones, muscles, and tissues. This lesson will also cover directional and regional terms used to better describe a patient’s concerns, as well as different regions of the body. In microbiology, you’ll study the parts of cells and how various pathogens cause disease.In your last lesson, you’ll explore the math and computer skills that can help you succeed in your position as a sterile processing technician.

Sterile Processing Technology, Part 1

In this course, you’ll be introduced to the central processing department and its work processes, as well as your employers’ expectations. You’ll also study the regulations and standards that you’ll abide by in a healthcare environment.

Next, you’ll be introduced to aseptic technique and how infections spread. This will help you and other healthcare employees protect patients and keep everyone from being exposed to harmful infections.

You’ll then go back to the sterile processing department and study how medical equipment is cleaned, decontaminated, and disinfected. The lesson will finish with an introduction to the surgical instruments you’ll be working with.

Sterile Processing Technology, Part 2

This course will further explore the equipment and processes you’ll encounter in the central processing department. First, you’ll explore instruments are prepared and packaged before being transported to various departments in the hospital. Then, you’ll look at sterilization techniques and how you’ll monitor sterilizers to ensure they’re running efficiently. The next lesson will outline best practices for receiving, selecting, and distributing inventory, and how to keep track of equipment being used in your facility.You’ll also study the specialty departments in the hospital and the equipment they use to care for patients.Finally, you’ll work to gain the tools that can help you succeed in your new career as a sterile processing technician. You’ll understand the various workplace hazards you might encounter and how you can help during an incident. You’ll study how to effectively communicate with your coworkers from a wide range of backgrounds and how to grow your professional and personal reputation.