Central Service/Sterile Processing

Graduates of this program are educated and trained in CS/SP technology, under the guidelines of the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management and the local Healthcare Advisory Committee.

The structured curriculum of basic sciences, infection control, and sterilization, plus human relations and necessary job skills, combines with clinical internships in area healthcare facilities.

There is a major emphasis on care and preparation of surgical instruments. Classroom instruction and clinical internship prepare the student to assume the role of a CS/SP technician in a variety of healthcare delivery settings.

This program is a combination of classroom, laboratory and clinical experience, approximately two quarters in length, depending on the time students need to satisfactorily complete all graduation requirements.

Each student is required to carry personal health/medical insurance throughout their clinical rotations. Quarterly based insurance for students may be purchased; further information is available through the counseling office.

No student will be allowed at clinical site without proof of insurance.

Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the International Association of Central Service/Materiel Management Certification Exam, which is honored throughout the world.

Prerequisites: COMPASS Reading 68 and Writing 33, or successful completion of ENG 82. BASIC COMPUTER SKILLS RECOMMENDED. This occupation requires the ability to lift 50 pounds and be able to work on your feet for up to 8 hours. Students must be able to meet these physical requirements in order to be assigned to a clinical rotation and meet employment demands.

In order to participate in the clinical aspect of the program, students must receive a “No Record On File” report from the Washington State Patrol (there are some exceptions; contact instructor for details), and students must have current immunizations or laboratory verification of immune status. This could include, but may not be limited to, Hepatitis B series, Tetanus/Diphtheria, 2-Step Tuberculosis test, Measles/ Mumps/Rubella, Varicella, and seasonal flu shot as required by contracts with clinical facilities.

Must be a high school graduate or have a GED. Must complete CPR for Healthcare Professionals (Adult, Child, Infant and AED).

Admission Dates: Fall and Spring quarters. (Summer clinical internship will extend 10 days beyond the end of the quarter to obtain required hours for certification.)

Program Requirements

To review course descriptions, please click here.