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Sterile Processing Technician
Technical Diploma
Why choose Sterile Processing Technician?
- Skilled sterile processing technicians are vital to patient safety and assume an important role in patient care by preventing exposure to infectious disease.
- Use your strong attention to detail to ensure the quality of medical supplies used in patient care.
- Gain confidence with your new skills in our state-of-the art Healthcare Simulation Center.
We assume that all healthcare equipment and instruments are free from contaminants, but in reality thousands of patients are infected with disease each year because medical equipment was not properly processed. Skilled sterile processing technicians are vital to patient safety and assume an important role in patient care by preventing exposure to infectious disease.
Program Locations
Marshfield Campus
2600 West 5th Street
Marshfield, WI 54449
Delivery:
In Person
Daytime
Full-Time or Part-Time
16-Week Classes
Length of Program: Short Term
Credits: 17-20
Start Dates: Spring
Start at any time or campus by taking general education courses.
What You'll Learn
Mid-State’s hands-on Sterile Processing Technician program prepares students to work with supplies and equipment related to surgery, obstetrics, emergency departments, and other patient care settings. Effective communication is vital within this multi-service area.
The curriculum includes online instruction, lab, and clinical experience. The clinical portion of the course places students at a minimum of two sites. Students learn the principles of standard precautions, asepsis, disinfection, and sterilization procedures. Course completion leads to a technical diploma and eligibility for certification exams.
Outcomes
- Apply principles of infection control in the role of the sterile processing technician.
- Decontaminate instruments and equipment.
- Prepare instruments, equipment, and supplies.
- Apply sterilization techniques.
- Perform inventory control and distribution.
- Function as an ethical, legal, and professional member of the health care team.
Employability Skills
- Behave Responsibly: Ethical Behavior, Self-Responsibility, Conflict Resolution, Collaboration
- Communicate Effectively: Writing, Technical Documentation, Listening, Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, Reading
- Critical & Creative Thinking: Inquiry, Evidence Collection, Analysis, Reasoning, Reflection (Metacognition)
- Cultural, Social, & Global Awareness: Global Awareness, Social & Cultural Awareness, Social Responsibility
- Use Appropriate Technology: Use of Technology, Confidentiality, Security, Digital Civility
Learn more about employability skills at Mid-State.
Estimated Entire Program Cost
Cost based on the 2024/25 academic year.
- Tuition & Fees: $2,873.24
- Books: $458.80
- Supplies, Uniforms, and/or Exams: $138.00
- Total Estimated Cost: $3,470.04
Financial Aid Eligibility
This program is eligible for Financial Aid. Recent federal regulation changes may alter the amount of financial aid available to students in programs that do not lead to an associate degree. We encourage you to connect with your advisor or Financial Aid staff if you have questions.
Cost of Attendance
Learn more about Cost of Attendance, an estimated budget that includes categories of expenses a student can expect to incur while attending.
This course has options available to receive credit for prior learning (CPL) or work experience.
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10501101 | Medical Terminology | 3 | |
| 10501107 | Digital Literacy for Healthcare | 2 | |
| 31806311 | Applied Microbiology | 2 | |
| -or- | 10806197 | Microbiology | 4 |
| 31509309 | Medical Law, Ethics, and Professionalism | 2 | |
| 30534301 | Central Service | 5 | |
| 31509302 | Human Body in Health & Disease | 3 | |
| -or- | 10806177 | General Anatomy & Physiology | 4 |
| Term Total | 17-20 Credits | ||
| Program Total | 17-20 Credits |
Instructors
NANCY DUPEE, AAS
Nancy earned her associate in applied science from Mid-State Technical College and is a Certified Surgical Technologist and Certified First Assistant. Her experience includes over 16 years as a clinical coordinator and assisting in lab preparation in the Surgical Technologist program at Mid-State.
“Being a teacher has many rewards, especially the pride I feel when each student has completed the program and walks across the stage to receive their much-deserved diploma.”
Careers
- Central Services Technician
- Sterile Processing Technician
- Instrument Specialist
- Central Processing Technician
- Central Service Assistant
- Central Service Technician
- Materials Management
- Processing and Distribution Technician
Video
Fast-Track
High school students are eligible to enroll in this program and all courses required. Learn more about Mid-State Fast-Track.
- Additional Resources
Take the Next Step
“The Sterile Processing Technician program at Mid-State taught me the importance of sterility in the medical environment. It gave me the opportunity to physically perform the duties in and out of the operating room.”
STEVE WYSOCKI
GRADUATE
Choose Your Path
Career pathways help you take your education one step at a time to maximize your investment and make college fit your life. Earn a credential and start using it in the workforce. Continue with another stack of related courses to gain a more advanced diploma or degree. Explore this program’s pathway in the graphic below. For an even quicker first step to a degree or diploma, check out our short-term certificates.
Transfer • Dual Credit • Credit for Prior Learning
