Mar 28, 2024  
2021-22 Gaston College Catalog 
    
2021-22 Gaston College Catalog [THIS CATALOG IS OUT-OF-DATE. USE THE CURRENT CATALOG TO FIND CURRENT PROGRAMS.]

Central Sterile Processing (C45180)


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The Central Sterile Processing curriculum is designed to prepare individuals for the field of Sterile Processing and Central Service Supply.

Students will develop skills necessary to properly disinfect, prepare, process, store, and issue both sterile and nonsterile supplies, instrumentation, and equipment for patient care. Additionally, students will learn to operate sterilizing units and monitor effectiveness of the sterilization process.

Graduates will be eligible to take the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution, Inc. “Sterile Processing and Distribution (SPD) Technician Exam”, earning the title of Central Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT). Employment opportunities include surgery centers, central sterile processing departments in hospitals, and traveling consultation services.

Program Learning Outcomes:

Graduates Will:

  1. Demonstrate competency in the knowledge and skills required for entry-level sterile processing technician.
  2. Use and apply critical thinking skills to recognize, analyze, and solve problems related to sterile processing.
  3. Display professionalism in working with patients and colleagues while modeling sensitivity to cultural diversity.
  4. Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills with patients and coworkers in the role of a sterile processing technician.
  5. Effectively store, inspect, and control inventory of supplies, instruments, and equipment used to be an effective central sterile technician.

Admission Information


Students applying for admission to this program MUST meet all Gaston College admission requirements for General Admission to the College. In addition, students will need to demonstrate college readiness for English and math as exhibited through the college placement test, a placement test waiver, or completion of the acceptable coursework. Your academic advisor will be able to assist you in determining your college readiness. 

For students interested in applying to this program at Gaston College, please note that it has limited enrollment and participates in a selective admission criteria process to select the most qualified applicants for admission. Students will need to make an appointment with their Admissions Specialist/Advisor in order to review admission requirements and to verify if the student has met selective admission criteria in order to submit an application by the deadline. Students interested in participating in the selective admission process for this program can find additional information and program admission requirements under the subheading “limited enrollment/selective admission” in the College Catalog. 

Lab/Clinical Fee


Level 1: $6 per lab hour for Art, Business, Health, Languages, and Math
Level 2: $12 per lab hour for Computer Information, and Natural Sciences
Level 3: $18 per lab hour for Engineering and Industrial, Central Sterile Processing, Health & Fitness Science/Physical Education, Medical Assisting, Phlebotomy, Pharmacy Technology, and Nurse Aide
Level 4: $24 per lab hour for Cosmetology, Esthetics, Veterinary Medical Technology, Practical Nursing, EMS, Associate Degree Nursing, and Health Information Technology
Malpractice Insurance (required for nursing and allied health services programs students): $13 per year

Total Program Hours: 16


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