Sterilization Processing Distribution Technician
Accelerate Your Future at SoCal ROC!
The Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician program prepares students for an exciting career in Sterile Processing Distribution. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare facilities have placed an increase emphasis on sterilization and avoiding cross-contamination which has led to a high-demand for qualified SPD technicians. No prior experience is needed to begin this program and it is a great introduction to the healthcare field.
Sterile Processing Distribution Technicians also known as central service technicians are responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, storing, and distributing medical equipment. They play a vital role in patient safety and healthcare and provide a unique insight and experience in the healthcare industry.
Students can pursue a career in SPDT or use as a stepping stone to a career in healthcare. SPDT positions work at all hours of the day and offer a flexible schedule in a full-time, part-time, per diem, or traveling role.
Learn Valuable Industry Skills!
1. Introduction to Sterile Processing Distribution
- A. Advancing technologies
B. Job specific knowledge and skills
C. Decontamination, sterilization, and sterile storage and distribution - 2. Medical Terminology, Anatomy, and Microbiology for SPD Technicians
- A. Anatomy of medical terms and surgical procedure
- B. Minimally invasive surgery to open procedure
- C. Case carts and instrument trays
- D. Operating room
- E. Cells, tissues, organs, body systems, anatomy, and instrument name identification
- F. Overview of microbiology, beneficial vs. dangerous microorganisms, identification and classification of microorganisms
3. Controlling and Eliminating Microorganisms Infection Prevention
A. Central service processes, principles of asepsis, and personal hygiene and attire
4. Environmental Concerns In Central Service Areas
A. Elements of transmission and the chain of infection
5. Decontamination: Point-of-Use Preparation and Transport
A. Goals of point-of-use preparation and transport
B. Sources of contaminated items
C. Transport of soiled items
D. Safety guidelines for soiled item transport
E. Off-site processing
6. Disinfection , Cleaning, and Decontamination
A. What is clean?
B. Mechanical cleaners
C. Equipment testing
D. Cleaning chemicals and lubricants
E. Steps in the process of decontamination
F. Decontamination
G. Introductions to disinfectants, types of disinfectants, safe work practices, mechanical processes, and quality assurance for disinfection
7. Surgical Instrumentation
A. The important role of instrument selection and inspection
B. Instrument manufacturing process
C. Classification and overview of surgical instruments
D. Postoperative care of surgical instruments
E. Solutions that damage instruments
F. Instrument identification methods
G. Tips to protect instruments from damage
- Professional Certification Opportunities!
Designations offered to students completing the Sterile Processing Distribution course include
- Formal Education Certificate for Sterile Processing Distribution
- Gained work experience through an externship
- CPR and Basic Life Skills Certification from American Heart Association
- Industry knowledge to work in facilities such as hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, clinics, and outpatient care centers
Checkout Potential Career Options!
Sterile Processing Distribution Tech
Surgical Technician
Operating Room Nurse Floater
Physician Assistant
Surgeon
Thank you for your interest in enrolling in the SoCal ROC Sterile Processing Distribution
Technician program. In order to enroll in the program, the following requirements apply:
High school students
Be a high school Junior or Senior
Have a C or better in Math and Science
Prior to enrolling, all students must be at least 16 years old.
In order to participate in the externship program and register for the national exam, all students must be at least 18 years old.
Adult students
HSPA Membership Fee ($50) Mandatory
It is recommended to become an Healthcare Sterile Processing Association member. If you
are a member, you will be able to purchase the books at the discounted rate, this is where
you will also register to take the National Exam too. Membership is $50.00 annually.
Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) State Examination Fee ($150)
CPR booklet and card ($40). CPR will be taught in the SPDT class.
Purchase of a box set of manuals which includes a textbook and a workbook are
available through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association at a discounted price for
HSPA members of $120.00. Non-member price: $135 This is a boxed set (www.hspa.org)
Central Service Technician Manual 9th edition Boxed Set from hspa
Central Service Technician Manual Workbook 9th edition Boxed set from hspa
Purchase of apparel and materials is required. Please contact registration for full list.
Additional approximate fees for all students include:
Purchase of a set of scrubs ($15-$25)
Additional Fees for all students
CPR/BLS (Basic Life Support) certification card taught in classroom by instructor: $40.00.
Note: All students who will completing their externship must have a BLS certification in order to work in any medical facility.
Prior to the commencement of externship, students must submit the following prerequisites:
Proof of a NEGATIVE MANTOUX TEST or NEGATIVE CHEST X-RAY (Must be
current in order to extern)
Proof of completing the HEPATITIS B vaccine series (3 injections) or sign a vaccine
waiver
Proof of the VARICELLA and Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) vaccines or sign a vaccine
waiver
Proof of the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough booster) vaccine
Proof of complete COVID-19 vaccine series
Complete in 1 Semester: Monday - Thursday from 4:15pm - 7:00pm (HYBIRD)
To access the most recent course schedule please call registration or click the link under Course Information. Please be advised schedule is subject to change.
Benefits of CTE
After completing courses in CTE, you will have a clearer vision of your future career path and what the next steps will be. Career Technical Education allows high school students to see what options are out there and see first-hand what careers they enjoy and thrive in. Whether you decide to enter the workforce, pursue a trade or apprenticeship, or apply to college, CTE adds to the traditional high school experience and is designed to prepare you for the next stage in your life.
Earn High School Credit!
You can earn 10 elective credits and satisfy CSU/UC Admissions Requirements » D - Science
Ready To Enroll?!
Call our Career Guidance Specialist or register through your home school counseling offices and receive priority through pre-registration for classes that meet from 1:15 - 4:15 and 4:15 - 7:00 p.m.
UC/CSU Approved "d" elective for biology/life sciences
Hybrid
Address: 2300 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance, CA 90501 U.S.
Phone: 310-224-4200