Sterile Processing Technician

Mission 

Malcolm X College Sterile Processing Program prepares competent entry-level sterile processors in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains. The program provides Sterile Processing students the knowledge and skills required to perform quality sterile processing in an ever-changing healthcare environment. Graduates of the program will be competent in entry-level Central Sterile Processing and/or Central Sterile Supply Chain jobs.

This program aims to provide our healthcare partners with well-prepared candidates that promote patient safety and demonstrate the personal and professional empowerment necessary for success. We provide comprehensive curricula, supportive services, and to promote cultural and global awareness in an inclusive learning environment.

About

The Sterile Processing Program provides the student with classroom and onsite Sterile Processing Department experience. It focuses on the necessary specialized education and working in the Central Service Department.

This Basic Certificate in Sterile Processing program presents the basic concepts and principles for developing skills and competencies required for infection prevention and control in the sterile processing department in a health care facility. The program offers basic knowledge related to instrumentation connected with surgical procedures. Students will be involved in processes such as cleaning, disinfecting, decontamination, sterilization, standard precautions, and universal precautions as well as gain basic knowledge concerning various types of central service equipment such as ultrasonic cleaning, washer sterilizers, cart washers, autoclaves, Steris, Sterrad and ethylene oxide (ETO) machines.

Occupational Overview 

Employment opportunities for Sterile Processing Technicians are in healthcare settings such as medical centers, hospitals, surgery centers, physician offices, and third-party processing corporation sites. Sterile Processing Technicians’ minimum job functions include: sitting/standing for prolonged periods, frequently walking and reaching (overhead, extensive, and repetitive), communication proficiency, auditory, and visual skills. Attention to detail and ability to write legibly. Must have the ability to lift/push/pull greater than 30 pounds.

May be exposed to fumes, chemicals, cold, noise, radiation, blood/body fluids, and infectious diseases.

In addition, a Sterile Processing Technician: 

1. Decontaminates and sterilizes instruments, medical supplies and equipment, and assembles, wraps and sterilizes trays of instruments. Follows proper Standard Precautions while in decontamination and sterilization areas.

2. Monitors biological and chemical wash solution to ensure quality and consistency for decontamination of instruments and medical equipment.

3. Sorts mismatched sets of instruments, trays, and medical equipment and makes them available to sterile processing customers in a timely manner.

4. Restocks, labels, and maintains inventory, submits requisitions, collects, and distributes instruments, trays, crash carts, and facility medical equipment.

5. Performs environmental maintenance duties and assists in maintaining inventory levels in sterile processing, the operating room, and in equipment storage areas. 

6. Verifies that equipment functions properly, requisitions for equipment maintenance, repair or replacement, and removes defective equipment.

7. Maintains a clean work area

8. Assists with maintaining established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, and quality improvement, safety, and environmental and infection control standards.

9. Communicates appropriately using good interpersonal skills

*The Department of Labor expects to see a growth rate in the field of Medical Instrument Preparation.

https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes319093.htm

Frequency of Admission 

• ​Fall 2025 Cohort – Application opens January 15, 2025 & Closes April 15, 2025​

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Length of Course/Program Schedule

The program can be completed in one semester.

Program Admission Requirements

Applicants must:

1. Be admitted to Malcolm X College
2. Be at least 18 years of age.
3. Be Eligible to take English 101
4. Have a minimum 2.0 College GPA.

5. Complete the Special Admissions Application.
6. All students are required to undergo a criminal background check. Students with a positive background check that contains disqualifying convictions may be prohibited from being placed at a clinical site, sitting for certification board examinations, and securing future employment.Students are responsible for the cost of performing the background check.The program’s Clinical Coordinator will provide instructions to obtain the Background Check at the New Student Orientation session.

As defined by Illinois State Law (225ILCS46/25):

• All healthcare workers and student health care workers are required to undergo a criminal background check in order to work in a clinical setting.  A student with a positive background check containing disqualifying conditions will not be allowed to enter the clinical portion of this program, thus preventing the student from obtaining mandated certification and/or licensure in Sterile Processing. Please contact the Medical Director to discuss disqualifiers. The applicant is responsible for the cost of the background clearance. Prior to clinical placement, the student will be required to provide a cleared drug screen at their own cost. 

For more information about admissions requirements and the application process, visit the program website.

7. Attend a consultation with members of the Sterile Processing program’s staff and/or advisory board before acceptance into the program.
8. All college transcripts from colleges/universities attended outside City Colleges of Chicago are required to be sent to Malcolm X College Office of Registrar Services or mxregistrar@ccc.edu from the specific college/university. We do not have access to transcripts submitted to other City Colleges of Chicago.

To Apply to the Program 

• Complete Malcolm X College Application 
• Submit any official transcripts demonstrating eligibility for English 101 (as needed).
• Calculate admissions cumulative GPA.
• Apply to Program through the Special Admissions application.

Submitting Application within Student Portal (my.ccc.edu )

• Under “My Academic Plan”
• Within “Academic Planning”
• Click “Selective Application”