Programs

Program Synopsis

Central service technicians, also called sterile processing technicians or central service (CS) professionals, play a critical role in preventing infection by cleaning, inspecting, disassembling, assembling, processing, storing, and distributing medical supplies. The central service department of a health care facility is the hub of all activity surrounding supplies and equipment needed for surgery and patient care.

Central service technicians learn the principles of sterilization and sterile processing. Sterile processing is the process of cleaning medical supplies and preparing them to be used again. First, tools are disassembled, cleaned, and disinfected using both manual and mechanical techniques. Tools and equipment are inspected for any damages to ensure they can be reused. Once a piece of medical equipment is completely cleaned and disinfected, it will be sterilized and packaged for reuse. Single use instruments are discarded or thrown out. Tools are then reissued and stored in a sterile storage area.

Scope of practice

The role of a central service technician varies and can change depending on their work environment. It can even change on a day-to-day basis, depending on where they work. In general, their responsibilities revolve around preventing infection in patients through:

• Decontaminating, cleaning, and sterilizing surgical instruments, supplies, medical devices, and equipment
• Processing, assembling, packaging, storing, and keeping inventory of medical devices and surgical supplies (including gloves, surgical masks, and needles)
• Distributing supplies and equipment to departments that need them

Work environment

Hospitals are the primary employer of central service technicians, though some employment growth is expected in offices and clinics of physicians, including outpatient care centers, and ambulatory surgical centers, as well as nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Central service is an emerging profession and is expected to grow as the number of surgeries increase. With technological advancements in medical supplies, instruments, devices, and equipment, there is a high demand for central service technicians in hospital and clinical settings.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, central service technicians can expect a salary of $37,000.

General Educational Development (GED).

Program Type: Career Diploma

Program: Central Service Technician

Full Payment Option:

Total Fee: $2,000.00

For Instalment Payment, Initial Deposit: $1,000.00