Sterile Processing

Sterile Processing

MCC Sterile Processing students learning care, identification and handling of surgical tools.

Behind every successful surgery is a skilled Sterile Processing Technician! Are you ready to become an essential part of the healthcare team? It only takes 40 weeks. Our comprehensive Sterile Processing program offers expert training in instrument sterilization, infection control, and much more. With hybrid lectures, hands-on labs, and clinical experience at one of MCC’s affiliated clinical sites, you’ll be well-prepared to enter a new career in less than a year. 

See our Sterile Processing Tech students in action in this reel. Like and Follow us for more content!

Those looking to start their career in the healthcare industry will excel in this program.

What Does a Sterile Processing Technician Do?

According to Zippia, a sterile processing technician is responsible for performing the sterilization and decontamination processes for all laboratory and medical equipment.

Sterile processing technicians follow a strict process of sterilizing equipment, including replacing defective tools, and proper waste procedures of disposable items. They monitor inventories, deliver sterilized equipment to appropriate medical personnel, and organize equipment for medical procedures.

Responsibilities of a sterile processing technician include, but are not limited to:

• Monitor and operate sterilization equipment
• Sterilize, prepare, wrap and organize equipment into instrument trays for use during medical procedures
• Prepare and deliver all necessary equipment and instruments for surgeries, examinations, medical procedures and medical carts
• Maintain records of sterilization procedures, sterilized items, equipment maintenance and supplies

Intrigued? Learn more about what makes Sterile Processing Technician a great career in this blog post:

“Why To Become A Sterile Processing Technician – Top 6 Reasons”

Program Objectives

MCC’s Sterile Processing Technician is designed to present the advanced concepts and principles for developing skills and competencies required for infection prevention and control in the sterile processing department in a healthcare facility.

The program offers knowledge in cleaning, disinfecting, decontamination, sterilization, standard precautions, and universal precautions while introducing students to the concepts of hemostasis, packaging, distributing, storing and inventory control of sterile goods, instruments, trays, and equipment.

Upon successful completion of the program, the students will be eligible to sit for a national certification exam with CBSPD (Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution).

Externship

A 90-hour externship is included as part of the program.

Career Outlook

Compared to other jobs, sterile processing technicians have a growth rate described as “as fast as average” at 4% between the years 2018 – 2028, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Disclosures

• Consumer Information
• U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• The Occupational Information Network (O*NET)
• Tuition and Fees

More on sterile processing

• Sterile Processing
  • Become a Sterile Processing Technician