Sterile Process Tech (SPT)

Students will learn microbiology, medical terminology, bacterial and viral growth and contamination, and the chemicals used to destroy these organisms on surgical instruments, by way of decontamination, disinfection, and sterilization processes.
Technicians are exposed to blood, bacteria, viruses, and body tissues while cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing contaminated instruments in the hospital central sterile department. This program is fast-paced and intensive, requiring extensive reading, memorization, and comprehension to understand microorganisms and the means to destroy them.

• Students must attend an Information Session with the Program Manager after viewing the short video and applying for the tuition Scholarship. See #6 below.
• This program has a strict attendance policy on campus and when online. See the course schedule at the bottom of this page. The program runs 2 days on campus and 1 day online, for 9.5 weeks, with a clinical externship at the end of the program for 1 week; Monday thru Friday 7-4pm.
• Students must attend the mandatory program Orientation on the first day of class. Missing the start date Orientation will eliminate a student from the program and the Scholarship.

NOTE:  Watch this video -this is required in order to apply for the tuition Scholarship. https://youtu.be/GAOCDMbDvRQ?si=lYwQFnRnhEsiuDVW. This video provides students with a clear understanding and knowledge of the role of a Sterile Process Technician.

Student costs:  

• Vaccinations are required; copies of all necessary healthcare forms must be submitted after completing the Scholarship application.
• Black color scrub top and bottom, and clean athletic shoes & socks.

Requirements & directions, please read carefully:

• Students must be 18 years of age or older and be a high school or GED graduate.

1. Apply for the SC Wins Scholarship and send vaccine documents to qualify for the program. It is first come first serve. 
2. Apply here: https://www.tridenttech.edu/programs/ce/funding/workforce-pathways-scholarship.html. Please submit only one application.
3. After applying, you will receive an email with a secure document link to submit your identity, a driver's license, or state ID. 
4. After completing the application, students are required to:
   • Email, in PDF format, proof of the following vaccinations & health insurance documents together; do not email them separately. See #5 below.
   • Please email them to judy.martin@tridenttech.edu in order to qualify. An email receipt will be sent once these are received.
   • The CE Registration office will email students once they are cleared and awarded registeration into the program.
5. Applications without proof of these items will not be considered. Again it is first come first serve. 
   • 2 TB skin tests, 2 placements & 2 readings with results, within the past 12 months*, or a Quantiferon vaccine
   • Tetanus, Tdap vaccine within the past 10 years
   • Hepatitis B vaccine or titer
   • Flu vaccine, current season
   • MMR measles, mumps, rubella vaccine or titer
   • Varicella, chicken pox vaccine or titer
   • Health Insurance proof, ID front only
     • `* If known allergy to PPD derivative, the student will get the Quantiferon vaccine showing the result and date of reading with the signature of the professional with credentials.
6. Students must attend an Information Session with the Program Manager to qualify after viewing the videos and applying for the tuition Scholarship. The mandatory Info Session is only held on one date - Sept 1, 2026, at 11:00am-12:00, in 920/773.

Note: 

• Failure to successfully complete a program while on Scholarship eliminates future Scholarship eligibility. 
• Scholarship applicants may not be eligible for funding if they have a debt with the College, or if they did not successfully complete a previously awarded program. Scholarships are limited to one per student. 

Other Requirements:

• Students must watch the short video above before applying for this program. Students will gain a clear understanding and knowledge of the role of a Sterile Process Technician, as well as the national certification requirements for this profession. 
• Students must attend an Info Session with the Program Manager. See #6 above.
• Students must have a clear understanding of the program schedule required in this course. Please see the course schedule below.

For questions about your application, contact the Continuing Education Registration office email ce.scholarship@tridenttech.edu

This program prepares students for the national certification "CRCST" from the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association, after employment.
The Scholarship does not cover the cost of the national certification exam. The certification exam requires 400 hours of employment experience first in order to be eligible to take the exam. Check the website for details: myhspa.org