Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 College Catalog 
    
2022-2023 College Catalog [ARCHIVED]

Sterile Processing Certificate Information


The certificate is designed to provide students with the scope of the central service profession with an understanding of the scientific principles that underlie the daily work. Emphasis is placed on the decontamination and sterilization of instruments. The certificate includes organizational reporting structures, safety issues, government and voluntary regulatory bodies and standards for the central service area of healthcare institutions.


Contact Information for Surgical Programs


Administration   

Toledo Campus 

Phone    

Email

Catherine Ford, Dean Heritage Hall 121B (567) 661-7398 catherine_ford@owens.edu
April Kesler, Chair Health Technology 427 (567) 661-7310 april_kesler@owens.edu
  

Admissions Requirements

Minimum Criteria to be considered for the certificate:

High school students may apply, but acceptance into the program is contingent upon successful completion of high school and Surgical Technology Program prerequisites.

The following criteria must be submitted and on file in the Records Office:

  1. Application and admission to Owens Community College
  2. High school transcript or GED
  3. Official college transcripts (if applicable)
  4. American College Test (ACT) scores and/or SAT scores

Admission to the Sterile Processing Certificate of Completion

Admission to the Sterile Processing Certificate is offered during the Fall Semester. To begin the program, students must:

1. Apply to the College

Apply Online Now!

2. Submit an application for the Sterile Processing Certificate. Preferred deadline for application is June 15th for the Fall Semester enrollment. Applications can be submitted in the following ways:

Download the Sterile Processing Application HERE     

Owens Community College

Attention: Lori Maynard, Surgical Technology/Sterile Processing Certificate

PO Box 10,000

Toledo, OH  43699

  • Drop the application off in Health Tech Hall, School of Nursing and Health Professions Surgical Technology Department Office (HT 427).

3. Earn a total grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher at Owens Community College or the wchool or college most recently attended (high school, technical program or other college).

4. Students must attend a mandatory orientation before they can schedule classes.

Progression/Completion Requirements

All students enrolled in the certificate must achieve a grade of “C” or better in all courses required for this certificate.

Academic Readmission

A student who receives a “D” or “F” in an SUR Certificate course may be readmitted only one time on a space available basis. A student requesting readmission after dismissal for academic reasons (“D” or “F” in an SUR course) must complete the following before being considered: The student must complete an academic readmission form. Contact the Academic Advising Office for assistance in the development of a written academic plan to resolve the academic problems. The following requirements must be included in the academic plan for readmission: Written notification to the Department Chair of the student’s intention to return to the program at least four months prior to the start of the semester. A 2.0 overall GPA. May be required to pass a lab proficiency examination to demonstrate previously acquired skills. The plan then is submitted to the Department Chair and Dean approval. This plan must be completed and approved to continue enrollment in the College. Students are readmitted on a space available basis. No second readmission will be considered.

Non-Academic Readmission

Students who leave the Sterile Processing Certificate for other than academic reasons (“D” or “F” in an SUR course) may request readmission and be readmitted provided there is course seat availability. The Department Chair must be notified in writing of the student’s intention to return to the certificate at least four months prior to the start of the semester.

Health Requirements

Documentation of the following must be in the surgical office by the deadline date provided. This deadline is strictly enforced. Getting the necessary testing completed is not enough, students must also submit the documentation to the office to be in compliance.

The following are clinical health requirements for students enrolled in any surgical program:

A physical examination, health statement that you are free from communicable disease yearly, and yearly flu vaccination.

Proof of Immunity to the following Communicable Diseases:

  • Rubella, Rubeola (not required if born prior to 1957), Mumps, and Varicella immunity screening.
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigen, no more than three months prior to the beginning of the series, or during the series if the series has been started but not completed.
  • Hepatitis B Antibody, if the series is complete upon entrance to the Surgical Technology department.

Immunizations:

  • Tdap with a booster required every ten years.
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella titre (MMR) two immunizations after the age of 1 year.
  • Hepatitis B, series of 3 immunizations, dates required. 

Tuberculosis Skin Testing:

  • A Two-Step PPD (Mantoux Test) is required every three years. 
  • One-Step PPD is required each year, in the intervening years. 

Date test administered, date read, and result of each step must be submitted. Students are responsible for getting a One-Step PPD annually and submitting the results. A Chest X-Ray is required only if the Mantoux is positive. X-Rays must be done for three consecutive years after the positive test.

CPR 

All students must be certified in CPR either through the American Heart Association (AHA) - Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers.

All costs are the responsibility of the student. Failure to comply will result in denied access to the clinical area.

Background Checks

A BCI & I and FBI criminal records check will be done prior to beginning the program. The type of criminal records check will be determined by the State of residence and length of time of residency in the State.

Field Experience

As part of this certificate, students gain supervised hands on experience enabling them to gain real work experience. During the last semester students will participate in a 180 hour non-paid professional practice experience. Transportation costs are the responsibility of the student.

Certification Exam

Students who complete this certificate will be eligible to take the Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician exam offered by the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution, Inc. (CBSPD), 121 State Highway 31 N., Suite 500, Flemington, NJ 08822. 1-800-555-9765, web address www.sterileprocessing.org.

Employment Opportunities

Sterile Processing technologists will be prepared for positions in Central Sterile Processing in Hospitals, clinics and other Healthcare agencies. Certificate holding Sterile Processing Technologists may work in areas of decontamination; preparation; packaging; and sterilization. Hours of employment vary greatly as shifts may be day, evening, night, or weekend.

Required for this position is a high school diploma and certification from a training program specialized for Sterile Processing Technologists. The functions of Sterile Processing Technologists are absolutely necessary in protecting the health of the surgical patient.