Sterile Processing Technician - City Colleges of Chicago (2024)

Mission

Malcolm X College Sterile ProcessingProgram prepares competent entry-level sterile processors in the cognitve (knowledge), psychom*otor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains. The program provides Sterile Processing students the knowledge and skills required to perform quality sterile processing in an ever-changing healthcare environment. Graduates of the program will be competent in entry-level Central Sterile Processing and/or Central Sterile Supply Chain jobs.

This program aims to provide our healthcare partners with well-prepared candidates that promote patient safety and demonstrate the personal and professional empowerment necessary for success. We provide comprehensive curricula, supportive services, and to promotecultural and global awareness in an inclusive learning environment.

About

The Sterile Processing Program provides the student with classroom and onsite Sterile Processing Department experience. It focuses on the necessary specialized education and working in theCentral Service Department.

This Basic Certificatein Sterile Processing program presents the basic concepts and principles for developing skills and competencies required for infection prevention and control in the sterile processing department in a health care facility. The program offers basic knowledge related to instrumentation connected with surgical procedures. Students will be involved in processes such as cleaning, disinfecting, decontamination, sterilization, standard precautions, and universal precautions as well as gain basic knowledge concerning various types of central service equipment such as ultrasonic cleaning, washer sterilizers, cart washers, autoclaves, Steris, Sterradand ethylene oxide (ETO) machines.

Occupational Overview

Employment opportunities for Sterile Processing Technicians are in healthcare settings such asmedicalcenters, hospitals, surgery centers, physician offices, and third-party processing corporation sites.Sterile Processing Technicians’ minimum job functions include: sitting/standing for prolonged periods, frequentlywalking and reaching (overhead, extensive, and repetitive), communication proficiency,auditory, and visual skills. Attention to detail and ability to write legibly. Must have the ability to lift/push/pull greater than 30pounds.

May be exposed to fumes, chemicals, cold, noise, radiation, blood/body fluids, and infectious diseases.

In addition, a Sterile Processing Technician:

1. Decontaminates and sterilizes instruments, medical supplies and equipment, and assembles,wrapsandsterilizes trays of instruments. Follows proper Standard Precautions while in decontaminationandsterilization areas.

2. Monitors biological and chemical wash solution to ensure quality and consistency for decontaminationofinstruments and medical equipment.

3. Sorts mismatched sets of instruments, trays, and medical equipment and makes them availabletosterileprocessing customers in a timely manner.

4. Restocks, labels, and maintains inventory, submits requisitions, collects, and distributesinstruments,trays, crash carts, and facility medical equipment.

5. Performs environmental maintenance duties and assists in maintaining inventory levels insterileprocessing, the operating room, and in equipment storage areas.

6. Verifies that equipment functions properly, requisitions for equipment maintenance, repair or replacement,andremoves defective equipment.

7. Maintains a clean work area

8. Assists with maintaining established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, and quality improvement, safety, and environmental and infection control standards.

9. Communicates appropriately using good interpersonal skills

*The Department of Labor expects to see a growth ratein the field of Medical Instrument Preparation.

https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes319093.htm

Frequency of Admission

• Spring 2025 Cohort – Application opens August 2024 & Closes November 2024
• ​Fall 2025 Cohort – Application opens January 2025 & Closes April 2025​

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Length of Course/Program Schedule

The programcan be completed in one semester.

Program Admission Requirements

Applicants must:

1. Be admitted toMalcolm X College
2. Be at least 18 years of age.
3. Be Eligible to takeEnglish 101
4. Have a minimum 2.0 College GPA.

5. Complete the Special Admissions Application.
6. All students are required to undergo a criminal background check. Students with apositivebackgroundcheckthat contains disqualifying convictions may be prohibited frombeingplacedataclinicalsite,sitting forcertification boardexaminations, and securingfutureemployment.Studentsareresponsible forthecostofperformingthebackgroundcheck.Theprogram’sClinicalCoordinatorwillprovideinstructions to obtain the Background Check at the New Student Orientationsession.

As defined by Illinois State Law (225ILCS46/25):

• All healthcare workers and student health care workers are required to undergo a criminal background check in order to work in a clinical setting.  A student with a positive background check containing disqualifying conditions will not be allowed to enter the clinical portion of this program, thus preventing the student from obtaining mandated certification and/or licensure in Sterile Processing. Please contact the Medical Director to discuss disqualifiers. The applicant is responsible for the cost of the background clearance. Prior to clinical placement, the student will be required to provide a cleared drug screen at their own cost. 

For more information about admissions requirements and the application process, visit the programwebsite.

7. Attend a consultation with members of the Sterile Processing program’s staff and/or advisory board beforeacceptance into the program.
8. All college transcripts from colleges/universities attended outside City Colleges of Chicago are required to besent to Malcolm X College Office of Registrar Services ormxregistrar@ccc.edu from the specific college/university. We do not have access to transcripts submitted to other City Colleges of Chicago.

To Apply to the Program

• Complete Malcolm X College Application
• Submit any official transcripts demonstrating eligibility for English 101 (as needed).
• Calculate admissions cumulative GPA.
• Apply to Program through the Special Admissions application.

Submitting Application within Student Portal (my.ccc.edu)

• Under “My Academic Plan”
• Within “Academic Planning”
• Click “Selective Application”