Central Sterile Processing Technologist (T.C.) (6367)

This is a Limited/Selective Access program.

The mission of the Central Sterile Processing Technologist technical certificate is to prepare students for distinctive success in their academic and personal goals providing high value and relevant life-long education to a diverse community. Students receive the educational development and hands-on training required to prepare them to work closely with other surgical professionals in a medical setting and participate in clinical experiences made available by surgical service providers. Furthermore, the program seeks to remain in the forefront of ever-changing technology, embracing innovation in the delivery of services within the perioperative, field and educational facilities.

This program prepares students for a career as an entry-level Central Sterile Processing Technologist and member of the surgical team in the sterile processing department under the direct supervision of sterile processing manager. The goal of the program is to have graduates become contributing members of a healthcare team that demonstrates safety, infection control and aseptic processing techniques for equipment, instrumentation and supplies.

The program curriculum includes a combination of classroom studies, classroom lab practice, and clinical experience in the Sterile Processing Departments (sterile processing, materials management, operating room, pre- and post-anesthesia care, and labor and delivery) which prepares students to assist members of the surgical team (surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and surgical technologists in various roles). Students will also learn about anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, microbiology, pharmacology and anesthesia. Particular emphasis is placed upon the methodical skills and sterile techniques involved in pre-case planning and scrubbing various surgical procedures. Students will also learn about the preparation and maintenance of sterilized and unsterilized supplies.

The program will meet the educational standards set forth in the current AST Core 6th edition and the criteria set forth by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) Standards and Guidelines for Accreditation of Educational Programs in Surgical Technology.

A minimum grade of C or higher must be achieved in all professional coursework.

Students in this program are not required to complete math courses unless they are listed as part of the certificate program. If you plan to pursue the degree program in this same field, please note that this certificate articulates directly into a degree that includes a Mathematical Thinking in Context math pathway. For additional information about Mathematics Pathways, please visit the Mathematics Pathways page.

Admission to this technical certificate is limited and is based on academic performance and other criteria.

Admissions preference is given to fully qualified candidates who have met all entrance criteria, including the satisfaction of prerequisite courses. Should seats remain available in the program cohort, applicants who fulfill admissions criteria prior to the start of the program will be considered next.

To meet the minimum requirements for consideration and acceptance to the Surgical Services program, students must

1. Be at least 18 years of age.

2. Complete a Florida State College at Jacksonville application.

3. Complete a Central Sterile Processing Technologist technical certificate application and submit to the Health Career Advising by the published deadline.

4. Complete the required prerequisite coursework (4 credits) with a grade of C or higher:

   • ​BSC2085C - Human Anatomy and Physiology I Credit Hours: 4

5. Provide evidence of current CPR certification (adult, child and infant) achieved through an American Heart Association approved Basic Life Support (BLS) course for Healthcare Providers that includes hands-on simulated experiences.

Upon acceptance to the program, students must

1. Submit to a criminal background check.

2. Submit to a drug screening.

3. Submit a physical examination.

Note: Admissions preference is given to fully qualified candidates who have met all entrance criteria, including the satisfaction of prerequisite courses. Should seats remain available in the program cohort, applicants who fulfill admissions criteria prior to the start of the program will be considered next, followed by those with the highest number of completed prerequisite courses. Qualified applicants with pending prerequisite course requirements will receive a conditional acceptance letter outlining the remaining criteria for full program admission.

• Fall term deadline: May 15 of each year.

• Spring term deadline: September 15 of each year.

(904) 646-2300 or hcic@fscj.edu.