Sterile Processing Technician

Interested in working with health care professionals and contributing to the surgical team? The Sterile Processing Technician Course can provide you with the knowledge and qualifications you need. The role of the sterile processing technician is to learn and perform all aspects of sterile processing functions with basic surgical instruments in the health care workplace.

Course of Study

Offered Fall and Spring term only. The 44-hour, one-term course prepares the student for a career in sterile processing and distribution. Course work includes human anatomy and physiology, microbiology and infection control, decontamination, sterilization, surgical instrumentation processing and limited material management. Upon successful completion, students are eligible to sit for the International Association of Central Service/Material Management (IAHCSMM) Certification Test, which is honored throughout the world. To become certified, you must pass the course, exam and complete a 400-hour clinical placement.

Admission Requirements   

• Attend one Sterile Processing Technician informational meeting   
• Apply for admission as a credit student at Lane Community College   
• Complete Math and Reading tests through Lane's Main Campus testing center    
• Meet the Reading Proficiency requirement of a score of 76 or higher   
• Meet the Math Proficiency requirement of 7 or above on parts A, B and C
• Fill out the application  available at the informational meeting

Program Costs

The cost of the course and workbook/materials is $579. The cost of 400 hours (12 credits) of Cooperative Education Placement is approximately $1000.

Class Times and Location

Classes are held on Thursdays, 4-8 p.m., at 1200 Hilyard St. in Conference Room S130 on the first floor. 1200 Hilyard St. is the Physicians and Surgeons South Building (connected to SHMC by the sky bridge) between Patterson and Hilyard and 12th and 13th.

Clinical Placement

For those seeking initial employment and/or clinical hours prior to being certified, work experience is highly recommended. Placements offered through the Cooperative Education (Co-op Ed) program at Lane Community College. The student pays tuition to Lane Community College for two six-credit courses and is placed with a local hospital, surgery center, or other approved institution providing sterile processing services. Co-op students must submit to and pay a fee for a criminal background check prior to their clinical placement.

Limited Enrollment

Class enrollment is limited to 12 students. The students must meet the admission criteria and have department approval to register. Lane Community College reserves the right to cancel if minimum enrollment is not met.

Special Requirements

To work as a Sterile Processing Technician:

• you must be comfortable working with blood
• able to lift 50 lbs
• be able to stand for an extended length of time
• read,write and speak English fluently
• pass a background test (prior to clinical experience and/or employment)

Employment Opportunities

Physicians' offices, clinics, surgical centers, and hospitals are just some of the organizations in which Sterile Processing Technicians are providing services

Contact Us

For more information about the Sterile Processing Technician course, contact Kathy Calise