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  1. Programs
  3. Sterile Processing

Sterile Processing

North Idaho College

CertificateAcademic

Become a contributor for free to openly demonstrate student outcomes, industry alignment & eligibility criteria.

The Sterile Processing program provides students with the knowledge and skills required for entry-level work as a sterile processing technician in hospitals, surgery centers, and clinics. The program focuses on introductory sterile processing concepts and professional proficiencies. Students will gain skills in the decontamination and sterilization of medical instruments, supplies, equipment, and operating rooms.

Credits

14 credits

Format

In-Person

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Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

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Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.

Visit Program Website
Locations

Where this program is offered

  • Idaho

    Idaho

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Related Programs

Programs related to this one

No related programs.

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populated·from O*NET via SOC 31-9093.00

Skills

Critical ThinkingQuality Control AnalysisMonitoringOperations MonitoringActive ListeningReading ComprehensionSpeakingTroubleshooting

Knowledge

Customer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageBiologyProduction and ProcessingPublic Safety and Security

Abilities

Near VisionProblem SensitivityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionWritten ExpressionDeductive ReasoningInformation OrderingPerceptual SpeedArm-Hand SteadinessManual Dexterity

Tasks

  • Operate and maintain steam autoclaves, keeping records of loads completed, items in loads, and maint
  • Clean instruments to prepare them for sterilization.
  • Record sterilizer test results.
  • Order medical supplies for healthcare facilities or laboratories.

Technology

Calendar and scheduling softwareData base user interface and query softwareMedical softwareElectronic mail softwareInventory management software

Tools

AeratorsAutomatic dryersBar code scannersBowie Dick test packsChemical sterilization indicatorsCleaning or sterilizing scrubbing brushesComputerized scope washersDesktop computersEquipment bar code readersEthylene oxide gas sterilizersGas sterilizersHeat-sealer machinesHot air sterilizersLaboratory glass flasksMedical examination protective gloves

Work Values

SupportRelationshipsWorking ConditionsAchievementRecognitionIndependence
Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populated·from O*NET + BLS
Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOCOccupationMethodWageGrowthOpenings
Match confidence: medium31-9093.00Medical Equipment Preparerstitle_inference$46,490 median$67,070 top+10.07%760
What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populated·from NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: developing (Level 2)(based on Certificate)

  • Steam autoclave loads and maintenance logs — operate equipment and maintain complete records of cycles, load contents, and routine maintenance in a central sterile unit with minimal oversight.
  • Multi-step instrument cleaning and decontamination workflows — perform routinely and efficiently across a variety of instrument types in a busy surgical services department.
  • Sterilizer biological and chemical indicator tests — conduct, interpret, and document results independently according to facility policy and accreditation standards.
  • Specialty surgical instrument trays and custom supply kits — organize and assemble accurately by referencing specialty preference cards in a sterile processing department.
  • Medical equipment and devices — examine systematically for wear, loose parts, and functional defects during scheduled inspection rounds in a clinical support area.
  • Inventory levels for medical instruments and supplies — monitor usage trends and initiate reorder requests through inventory management software before stock reaches critical levels.
  • Crash carts and emergency supply stations — restock and document completeness after each use in compliance with facility protocols and regulatory requirements.
  • Equipment deficiency reports — communicate clearly to supervisors and clinical staff using established incident reporting channels and electronic messaging systems.
  • Scheduling and workload prioritization tools — use calendar and time-accounting software to manage daily assignments and meet surgical case start times.
  • Sterilization and processing quality standards — apply critical thinking to identify non-conforming loads and escalate appropriately within a hospital sterile processing department.

Some details on this page are auto-populated from public workforce data sources: O*NET (opens in new tab), BLS (opens in new tab), College Scorecard (opens in new tab), DOL Training Provider Results (opens in new tab), NSX (opens in new tab). Provided in partnership with LER.me Career Intelligence.

Student Outcomes

Performance metrics for this program

Completion Rate
Not reported
Placement Rate
Not reported