Central Services Technician
Program Description
This certificate program trains you to become a Central Services Technician, where you will play an important role in patient care by preventing infections. In this program, you will learn how to sterilize medical instruments, learn basic surgical instrumentation and medical terminology as well as decontamination and sterilization processes. Once you complete the program can take the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution’s certification exam.
Advantages
- Minneapolis College’s Central Services Technician program prepares students to take the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution exam.
- The program is the only one of its kind in the 5-state area.
- You’ll learn from experienced faculty who offer individual attention.
- A required internship in a hospital setting provides valuable hands-on experience .
- You’ll be part of a dynamic, multicultural community in a vibrant, urban setting.
- Minneapolis College’s strong network of medical affiliations opens doors and employment opportunities for graduates.
Program Details
Award Requirements and Course Descriptions & Outlines
Please select the award below to view the degree options and requirements in the college catalog.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate the appropriate decontamination and sterilization procedures during an internship experience.
- Explain the differences in sterilization processes.
- Choose and locate instruments to correctly assemble trays for a variety of medical procedures.
- Identify the correct decontamination procedures for instruments.
- Identify if an instrument is functioning properly and, if it is not, demonstrate ability to get it repaired.
What You Will Learn
- This program teaches you the fundamentals of surgical instrument decontamination, including preparation, packing, sterilization, instrumentation, sterile storage and materials management.
- This program builds upon knowledge learned in the Healthcare Core Curriculum.
- Foundational anatomy and physiology and basic principles of microbiology will be presented.
- You will learn the basic surgical instrumentation and medical terminology that is necessary for this area of employment in the healthcare setting.
- You will have hands-on practice sessions to develop the skills and techniques required in performing various activities in the central services areas.
Beyond-the-Classroom Opportunities
New students are accepted into this program for fall and spring semesters. Classes take place in the Technical Building Labs. Students will have the opportunity for on-the-job experience with a health care workforce partner.
Occupational Outlook
Demand is high in hospitals and clinics for the specialized skills of the central service technicians. The continuous introduction of new medical instrumentation, equipment and devices—along with an expected increase in the number of surgical procedures performed each year—is likely to sustain strong demand for this professional for years to come.
Potential Job Titles
- Central Services Technician
- Sterile Processing Technician
Where You Could Work
- Hospitals
- Surgery centers
- Nursing homes
- Medical equipment supply companies
- Medical and dental offices