Sterile Processing

We are glad to see you are interested in Sterile Processing. A visit with Enrollment Services is a great way to get your questions answered. Attend a Tuesday virtual information session, a Wednesday in-person information session or schedule a one-on-one video chat appointment today.

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Program Information

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 completion of READ 0900 or READ 0960 or appropriate test score.

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
Biology courses require a grade of 80% or better to graduate from this program or to be accepted into the Surgical Technology program.
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

Part-Time Options

Students can choose to complete this program part-time. Part-time students will take longer to complete their program than students who follow the full-time sequence listed on the official program guide (see the program guide PDF under the LINKS section to the right). Because every course may not be offered each semester, it is important for part-time students to reach out to their faculty advisors for help in planning their long-term, part-time course sequence.

If you need help picking out your first semester courses, reach out to your faculty advisor or enrollment services (contact info can be found under the “Contact” section on the top right portion of this page).

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.