The Sterile Processing Technology Certificate prepares students for entry-level employment in sterile processing departments within hospitals and surgical centers. The program focuses on developing the technical knowledge and hands-on skills required to properly process surgical instruments and maintain sterile environments that support safe patient care. Students learn the principles of infection prevention, surgical instrument care, sterilization processes, inventory management, and healthcare documentation standards. Graduates are eligible to pursue the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) credential.
Graduates of the Sterile Processing Technology Certificate program are prepared for entry-level positions in sterile processing departments within healthcare environments such as:
Sterile Processing Technicians typically work in sterile processing departments within hospitals and surgical centers. These departments are responsible for receiving, cleaning, inspecting, assembling, sterilizing, and distributing surgical instruments and medical equipment used throughout the facility.
Departments commonly include three work areas:
Decontamination Area: Used instruments are received, sorted, and cleaned using specialized equipment and cleaning processes.
Assembly and Inspection Area: Instruments are inspected for cleanliness and functionality, assembled into surgical sets, and prepared for sterilization.
Sterilization and Storage Area: Instruments are sterilized using approved sterilization methods and stored until needed for patient care.
The Sterile Processing Technology Certificate is completed in one semester and consists of 18 credit hours, including classroom instruction, laboratory training, and a required clinical internship.
Required SPI – Sterile Processing Courses
SPI 1000 Sterile Instrument Processing – 4 credits
SPI 1001 Sterile Instrument Lab Skills – 4 credits
SPI 1081 Internship: Sterile Processing – 9 credits
SPI 2079 Seminar – 1 credit
Total Program Credits: 18
The program is offered in the following academic terms:
Fall semester (15 weeks)
Spring semester (15 weeks)
Summer accelerated semester (13 weeks)
Students may begin the program in any available term. Enrollment is limited to 15 students each semester.
Clinical education is completed through SPI 1081 Internship: Sterile Processing.
Students must complete 400 clinical hours during the semester. Clinical assignments are determined by the program and completed at approved healthcare facilities. Clinical locations may include Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Canon City, Woodland Park, and Denver. Students must provide their own transportation to the assigned clinical site.
Clinical education is unpaid.
Students should meet general college placement requirements including college readiness in:
