Apply: Sterile Processing Technician

Summer 2024

Dates to remember:

  • Application due date: September 16, 2024
  • Program start date: October 7, 2024

Sterile processing technicians are medical professionals trained to stock, sterilize, package, and prepare the tools and equipment used in surgical procedures.

Admission to the program is based on a first-come, first-served basis and requires immunization records and passing the drug screen/background check. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Fall 2024 applications will be accepted from now until September 16.

Program start date: October 7, 2024.

Program Description

IHP’s Sterile Processing program provides knowledge and hands-on experience to work as a Sterile Processing Technician. Upon successful completion of our program, you may work and obtain your provisional certification through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).

Once you are employed and work in a sterile processing department, you can work towards completing the 400 hours required for full certification* through HSPA.

*”The CRCST certification program is designed to recognize entry-level and existing technicians who have demonstrated the experience, knowledge, and skills necessary to provide competent services as an SPD technician. CRCSTs are integral members of the healthcare team who are responsible for decontaminating, inspecting, assembling, disassembling, packaging, and sterilizing reusable surgical instruments or devices in a healthcare facility. While the CRCST program is based on US practice and standards, it is in harmony with international ISO standards and open to all candidates in the US and abroad who meet the eligibility requirements.” – Healthcare Sterile Processing Association

Time

One term, 42 hours of online and hands-on training in a hospital setting.

Tuition

$1,498, excluding book. Tuition is due at the time of registration, or students may set up a 3-month payment plan with the Portland Community College Student Account Services. For information about the payment plan, please visit the PCC Payment Plan webpage.

Things to keep in mind before applying
  • Make sure you have included all requested materials before submitting your application. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.
  • You must be age 18 when class begins.
  • Submitting a registration form does not signify or guarantee that you will be registered or accepted into the Sterile Processing program.
  • This program includes or requires educational experiences that take place in clinical/field environments. The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Public Health Division requires students in clinical/field environments to comply with vaccination requirements, including COVID-19 vaccination. Students are also required to pass a criminal background check and drug screenings. If you have any questions, please contact EntryHealthcareapps@pcc.edu.
  • View the class schedule. Required text: AHA BLS for Healthcare Providers Manual (c 2020) available at PCC Sylvania Campus bookstore, 971-722-4910. or order direct from shopcpr.heart.org/  E-Book Cost $15.00 Product Number: 20-3102 ISBN: 978-1-61669-799-0 // Printed book cost $17.50 Product Number: 20-1102 ISBN: 978-1-61669-768-6

Application Checklist

We require the following documentation to be submitted for consideration into the program.

Submit the following to EntryHealthcareapps@pcc.edu:

  1. Copy of high school completion or GED certificate. A college or university degree can substitute.
  2. The PCC Non-Credit registration form. You must include a working email address since you will be notified of acceptance by email.

Submit the following via the CastleBranch website:

  1. Passing background check and drug screen.
  2. A copy of your AHA Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR Card. Please be advised that BLS CPR cards must be through the American Heart Association (AHA), not the American Red Cross.
  3. Required vaccines:
    • Hepatitis B titer/immunity exam showing positive or reactive results. Or a confirmation from your medical provider stating you have immunity to protect you against Hep. B.
    • MMR titeriImmunity exam result showing immunity (positive)
    • Varicella titer/immunity exam showing immunity (positive)
    • Covid-19 vaccine – two doses
    • Tuberculosis testing (PPD) for the current year or between June 2023 and June 2024 showing negative results. If the result is positive, a clear chest X-ray is required.
    • Tetanus within the last 10 years
    • Flu vaccine for the current season (August 2023 to April 2024)
CastleBranch Instructions

To place your order go to the CastleBranch website. You are required to order PH56: Background Check – Drug Test and PH56im: Immunization Records (see below).

CastleBranch

Final Steps

Students will be contacted by email with the class schedule and registration information when a complete application is submitted including immunization records, passing background check, and drug screen.