Sterile Processing

The Anoka Technical College Sterile Processing certificate is a 28-credit program that prepares graduates to work in medical facilities that prepare surgical instruments, supplies and equipment necessary for healthcare. This program includes a broad introduction to health sciences, as well as medical language, communication and computers.

Students study the following:

Decontamination
Preparation
Packaging
Sterilization
Sterile Storage

The Sterile Processing certificate is a prerequisite to the Surgical Technology Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree.

Course Prerequisites

Some courses may require appropriate test score or completion of basic math, basic English and/or reading courses with a "C" or better.

BIOL 1106 Principles of Biology requires a Reading score of 78 or higher on the Accuplacer, or appropriate test score, or completion of READ 0900 or READ 0960.
BIOL 1106 Principles of Biology is a prerequisite to BIOL 2100 Anatomy & Physiology I.
BIOL 2100 Anatomy & Physiology I is a prerequisite to BIOL 2200 Anatomy & Physiology II.

Program Learning Outcomes

By completing this program, students will achieve the following learning outcomes.

Prepared for entry-level employment in a sterile processing position.
Eligible to take the certification examination following 400 hours of professional employment.
Eligible to apply to the AAS Surgical Technology Program

Program Sequence

FULL-TIME Sequence
BIOL 1106 Principles of Biology is a Prerequisite course for BIOL 2100 A & P 1. A grade of 80% or better is required. *BIOL 1106 Principles of Biology requires a Reading score of 78 or higher on the Accuplacer, appropriate test scores or completion of READ 0900.
First Semester		6
BIOL 1106	Principles of Biology	4
COMP 1002	Computer Technologies for Communication	2
Second Semester		10
BIOL 2100	Anatomy & Physiology I	4
HLTH 1040	Medical Terminology	2
PSYC 1406 OR 1506 OR 1606	General Psychology/Lifespan Development/Abnormal Psychology	4
Third Semester		12
BIOL 2200	Anatomy & Physiology II	4
SPCH 1120 OR 1200 OR 1500	Public Speaking/Interpersonal Communication/Intercultural Communication	3
SURG 1003	Sterile Processing	3
SURG 1005	Surgical Microbiology	2

Graduation Requirements

Successful completion of the Sterile Processing certificate with a grade of B or higher in all required Biology courses and a grade of C or higher in the remaining required courses.

Transfer Opportunities

To see how this may transfer into other Anoka Technical College programs or into another college, please visit:

Industry Information

The work environment is dynamic and fast-paced. The work is challenging, highly technical, and complex. The performance of this vital department has a major impact on the smooth operation of the many departments to which it provides products and services. Employment opportunities may be within hospitals, outpatient centers, and instrument processing centers.