Sterile Processing Career Pathway

The central sterile processing technician plays a vital role in maintaining the cleanliness, functionality and inventory of health care instrumentation and equipment, including sterilizing instrumentation and equipment through a series of critical steps. Those who complete this course will have a strong understanding of microbiology and infection control, the principles and practices of sterile processing and decontamination procedure.

IN HIGH SCHOOL

By taking these courses in high school, student will be able to work post-HS graduation and/or continue to Phase I (general education) of the Surgical Technology Program.

Eligible students:

 Available to students in 10^th - 12^th grades.

Physical requirements:

Students must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs., push and pull up to 100 lbs, reach above shoulders, have visual acuity to read printouts, and have the ability to hear equipment alarms.

Recommended courses:

• ENG 101 English Composition
• MAT 120 Probability and statistics
• AHS 102 Medical Terminology Allied Health Sciences
• SUR 123 Sterile Processing Technology (Senior Year, Spring Semester)

When:

Courses are offered through Early College in the morning/afternoon, Monday through Thursday, in online or in-person format. Sterile Processing is offered Tuesday and Thursday, 6-9 pm, or Monday-Thursday 2:30-4 pm.

Where:

High school students take dual enrollment classes at Greenville Technical College. For Sterile Processing, student must be able to travel to Brashier Campus in Simpsonville.

Result:

• Sustainable employment - after passing the CRCST exam, individuals can enter the workforce in sterile processing departments of hospitals, earning $40,000 annually.
• Gateway to Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) - Individuals can work as a CRCST and continue taking the additional general education courses for Surgical Technology. 
  • BIO 210 Anatomy and Physiology I
  • BIO 211 Anatomy and Physiology II
  • BIO 225 Microbiology
  • PSY 201 General Psychology or SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology
  • SPC 205 Public Speaking
  • College Transferable Humanities Elective

AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

After high school and completion of pre-program/Phase I courses, students may apply for Phase II of the Surgical Technology Program at Greenville Technical College. Phase II consists of the courses below and can be completed in three consecutive semesters.

Individuals with CRCST earn an additional 5 points on the weighted admission into Surgical Technology, Individuals working 6 months in healthcare earn an additional 5 points on the weighted admission.

Recommended courses for Phase II:

• SUR 101 (Intro to Surgical Technology)
• SUR 102 (Applied Surgical Techniques)
• SUR 103 (Surgical Procedures I)
• SUR 104 (Surgical Procedures II)
• SUR 110 (Intro to Surgical Practicum)
• SUR 111 (Basic Surgical Practicum)
• SUR 120 (Surgical Seminar)

See more on the college catalog surgical technology page »

Result: 

Graduates are awarded an Associate in Applied Science in Surgical Technology degree and are eligible to sit for the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam.

Average salary of $53,000 per year