Sterile Processing Technicians work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
Anoka Technical College's Sterile Processing certificate prepares graduates to work in medical facilities that prepare surgical instruments, supplies and equipment necessary for health care.
The Sterile Processing certificate is a prerequisite to the Surgical Technology Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree.
Start a health care career with growth potential
Hands-on training from industry experts
High growth rate compared to other careers in Minnesota
Potential Jobs:
- Sterile Processing Technician
- Central Processing Technician
- Central Sterile Supply Technician
Salary Information:
Median Wage: $23.74 per hour
Top Earners: $24.85 per hour
Information provided is for Minnesota. See current data at careerwise.minnstate.edu
Program Details
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.
- 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
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.
Wage information is available from the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
Take a virtual tour and review the list below to get an idea of what it's like to be a student at Anoka Tech.
Some courses in this program may require a prerequisite. Please see course descriptions for more details.
MnTC General Education Requirements
This program requires completion of the following nineteen credits of general education from at least three goal areas of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC).
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 1106 | Principles of Biology (Goal 2&3) | 4 |
| BIOL 2100 | Anatomy & Physiology I (Goal 2&3) | 4 |
| BIOL 2200 | Anatomy & Physiology II (Goal 2&3) | 4 |
| PSYC 1406 or PSYC 1506 |
General Psychology (Goal 5) or Lifespan Development (Goal 5) | 4 |
| SPCH 1200 or SPCH 1500 |
Interpersonal Communication (Goal 1&7) or Intercultural Communication (Goal 1&7) | 4 |
Program Sequence
| 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/PSYC 1506 | General Psychology/Lifespan Development |
4
|
| Third Semester | 12 | |
| BIOL 2200 | Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 |
| SPCH 1200/SPCH 1500 | Interpersonal Communication/Intercultural Communication | 3 |
| SURG 1003 | Sterile Processing | 3 |
| SURG 1005 | Surgical Microbiology | 2 |
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. 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.
All BIOL courses must be completed with a grade of B or higher. All other courses required for this program must be completed with a grade of C or higher.
The Sterile Processing certificate is a prerequisite to the Surgical Technology Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree.
Current Students
All BIOL courses must be completed with a grade of B or higher. All other courses required for this program must be completed with a grade of C or higher.
Start Dates:
Fall semester: August
Spring semester: January
Upcoming Events:
Rita Schutz
RSchutz@anokatech.edu
Cathy Bishop
CBishop@anokatech.edu
Cynthia Farley
cynthia.farley@anokatech.edu
Enrollment Services
EnrollmentServices@anokatech.edu
763-576-7710
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