University of Texas Arlington

Sterile Processing Technician

In-person at The University of Texas at Arlington Campus

The Sterile Processing Technician (SPT) program is recommended for those who want to work in a hospital environment, or other medical facility where surgical procedures are performed.

Course Overview

This Sterile Processing program prepares participants to gain industry certification and ultimately to work in hospitals, surgery centers, clinics and other healthcare facilities. This course prepares participants to clean, disinfect, and distribute sterilized instrumentation and equipment to various areas of a healthcare facility.

Duration:8-week Classroom, plus a 16-hour Externship | 220 hours (60 in Classroom & 160 in Externship)
Format:In-person
Start Date:Varies every other month
Course Level:Entry level
Certification Earned:CRCSRT

The program is designed for those who are new to the field, or for experienced SPTs wanting to differentiate themselves in the job market through formal education and certification. Because every U.S. hospital or surgical center needs personnel for this role, ample opportunities exist in most geographic areas. Many hospitals and surgical centers prefer to hire certified SPTs, and some pay higher salary/rates to those who are certified.

The Sterile Processing Technician program prepares participants for a career as a Medical Equipment Preparer, which has been identified as a career with much faster than average growth based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov). Additionally, the career outlook for this field is BRIGHT, meaning new job opportunities are very likely in the future. Sample of reported job titles:

  • Central Processing Technician (CPT)
  • Central Service Technician (CST)
  • Central Sterile Supply Technician (CSS Technician)
  • Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST)
  • Sterilization Technician
  • Medical Instrument Technician
  • Sterile Processing Technologist
  • Instrument Technician
  • Sterile Preparation Technician
  • Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician
  • Sterile Processing Technician
  • Sterile Technician
  • Sterile Processing and Decontamination Technologist
  • Surgical Processing Technician

A Sterile Processing Technician cleans and sterilizes used surgical instruments and other medical supplies so that they can be safely redistributed and reused on additional patients. This course prepares participants to clean, disinfect and distribute sterilized instrumentation and equipment to various areas of a health care facility. In addition, through their externship, participants will work in both a Sterile Processing Department and a Central Service Department setting to gain real world experience.

 This class is taught using the books and curriculum of the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA). At the end of the program, participants are prepared to take the CRCST Certification offered by the HSPA.

  • Prepare for Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification
  • Obtain knowledge of medical terminology, disease processes, anatomy and physiology
  • Explain the importance of customer service, communication skills and professionalism
  • Discuss the compliance standards of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) and the compliance standards and the roles of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the Association for the Advancement of Medical Administration® (AAMI) and other regulating agencies
  • Identify central service workflows processes from cleaning, decontamination, preparation and packaging to sterilization and storage of surgical instruments and equipment
  • Describe the importance of manufacturer’s instructions for use (IFU), infection control and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) throughout central service areas and their impacts on personnel and patient safety
  • Differentiate methods for quality control and assurance and the necessity of central service process documentation

Anyone looking to gain an industry certification as a Sterile Processing Technician and ultimately work in hospitals, surgery centers, labs, clinics and other healthcare facilities.

Sterile Processing Technician

Online

The Sterile Processing Technician (SPT) program is recommended for those who want to work in a hospital environment, or other medical facility where surgical procedures are performed.

Course Overview

This Sterile Processing program prepares participants to gain industry certification and ultimately to work in hospitals, surgery centers, clinics and other healthcare facilities. This course prepares participants to clean, disinfect, and distribute sterilized instrumentation and equipment to various areas of a healthcare facility.

Duration:14 weeks
Format:Online
Start Date:Anytime
Course Level:Entry level
Certification Earned:CRCSRT

The program is designed for those who are new to the field, or for experienced SPTs wanting to differentiate themselves in the job market through formal education and certification. Because every U.S. hospital or surgical center needs personnel for this role, ample opportunities exist in most geographic areas. Many hospitals and surgical centers prefer to hire certified SPTs, and some pay higher salary/rates to those who are certified.

The Sterile Processing Technician program prepares participants for a career as a Medical Equipment Preparer, which has been identified as a career with much faster than average growth based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov). Additionally, the career outlook for this field is BRIGHT, meaning new job opportunities are very likely in the future. Sample of reported job titles:

  • Central Processing Technician (CPT)
  • Central Service Technician (CST)
  • Central Sterile Supply Technician (CSS Technician)
  • Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST)
  • Sterilization Technician
  • Medical Instrument Technician
  • Sterile Processing Technologist
  • Instrument Technician
  • Sterile Preparation Technician
  • Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician
  • Sterile Processing Technician
  • Sterile Technician
  • Sterile Processing and Decontamination Technologist
  • Surgical Processing Technician

This online Sterile Processing Technician program prepares participants to gain industry certification and ultimately to work in hospitals, surgery centers, clinics and other health care facilities. Our highly immersive program utilizes 12 unique eLearning components designed to engage, stimulate and entertain participants during their training. The participants’ learning experience is driven by recorded video lectures delivered by expert instructors with video demonstrations, 3D interactive training environments and many other professionally produced learning objects. Multiple assessments test participants’ knowledge and understanding of the material contained in each lesson leading up to a comprehensive knowledge assessment for each course.

Leveraging the newest technologies and instructional design concepts, The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) has produced content that immerses learners into an environment where skills, tasks and processes can be practiced in a safe environment. While virtual environments and simulations address important clinical skills, gamification challenges participants to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in a way that is fun, interactive and engaging.

Because sterile processing tasks typically involve hands-on interactions, it’s important for UTA to place an increased focus on immersion and a high level of interactivity. Our participants must feel as though they are part of the process, and that their physical actions are playing a vital role in their learning.

Upon completion of this program, the participant will be eligible to sit for the provisional certification exam for Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) sponsored by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA). Full certification is obtained after acquiring 400 hours of hands-on sterile processing experience within six months of provisional certification.

Because learners will be working in a health care facility, it is imperative that he/she be able to speak and understand the language of medicine and have a fundamental understanding of basic human anatomy and physiology.

  • Prepare for Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification
  • Obtain knowledge of medical terminology, disease processes, anatomy and physiology
  • Explain the importance of customer service, communication skills and professionalism
  • Discuss the compliance standards of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) and the compliance standards and the roles of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the Association for the Advancement of Medical Administration® (AAMI) and other regulating agencies
  • Identify central service workflows processes from cleaning, decontamination, preparation and packaging to sterilization and storage of surgical instruments and equipment
  • Describe the importance of manufacturer’s instructions for use (IFU), infection control and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) throughout central service areas and their impacts on personnel and patient safety
  • Differentiate methods for quality control and assurance and the necessity of central service process documentation

Anyone looking to gain an industry certification as a Sterile Processing Technician and ultimately work in hospitals, surgery centers, labs, clinics and other health care facilities.

Medical Laboratory Assistant

Online

Medical Laboratory Assistant is a comprehensive program that prepares participants for a rewarding and in-demand career in clinical allied health.

Course Overview

This program is ideal for individuals who have an interest in health care science and who desire to be part of a highly skilled team in a growing field. To be successful as a Medical Laboratory Assistant, individuals must be comfortable working with bodily fluids; thus, this is not a career for the squeamish. Because of the job’s physical requirements, Medical Laboratory Assistants must generally have strong manual dexterity and physical stamina.

Duration:16 weeks
Format:Online
Start Date:Anytime
Course Level:Entry level
Certification Earned:CMLA, CPT

Medical Laboratory Assistants play a very important role in patient health. They are responsible for collecting blood, tissue and other samples from patients and preparing samples for testing and analyses. This program is designed to develop knowledge and understanding of medical terminology, lab rules and regulations and universal precautions for a clinical laboratory.

Medical Laboratory Assistants are also hands-on health workers who work directly with patients. Medical Laboratory Assistants may work with patients during sensitive and critical times and may at times accompany patients through difficult processes. Despite a patient’s fears or nerves, Medical Laboratory Assistants must carefully and professionally conduct tests or draw blood from patients in delicate states. A tolerant and patient manner is critically important for these workers.

Though Medical Laboratory Assistants typically work in inpatient or outpatient medical facilities, they are often employed in private and public labs or research institutions. Some choose to specialize in biochemistry, cytology, hematology, histopathology, immunology or microbiology. Experienced Medical Laboratory Assistants may move into related jobs in laboratories run by industrial or manufacturing companies, pharmaceutical companies, veterinary companies or the government. Chances for advancement depend upon a Medical Laboratory Assistant’s abilities, experience and education.

This program is not only ideal for entry-level career seekers but also provides a great opportunity for allied health workers to upskill and advance into a new career direction. This is also a good way for Phlebotomists to advance their careers.

The online Medical Laboratory Assistant program prepares participants to gain industry certification and ultimately to work with patients in hospitals, clinics, physician’s offices and other health care facilities. Our highly immersive program utilizes 12 unique eLearning components designed to engage, stimulate and entertain participants during their training. The participants’ learning experience is driven by recorded video lectures delivered by expert instructors, with simulations, video demonstrations, virtualized environments and many other professionally produced learning objects. Multiple assessments test the participants’ knowledge and understanding of the material contained in each lesson leading up to comprehensive final exam for each course.

Because today’s Medical Laboratory Assistant will be called upon to perform various clinical and administrative duties, our program covers a wide range of skills and objectives that expand beyond the routine functions of a Medical Laboratory Assistant.

Upon completion of this program, participants will have met the training requirements to sit for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam and the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) exam, both of which are sponsored by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

Anyone looking to gain the skills to perform both the clinical and administrative duties required in a medical facility.

Medical Assistant

Online

Medical Assistants are multi-skilled allied healthcare professionals who work to administer medications, assist with minor procedures, record vital signs, take medical history, prepare patients and rooms for examinations, obtain laboratory specimens, provide patient education, and much more.

Course Overview

In this field, certification is important to stand out in a competitive market. While certification may not be required in most states, employers prefer hiring individuals who have demonstrated mastery of Medical Assisting skills and concepts through certification.

Duration:16 weeks
Format:Online
Start Date:Anytime
Course Level:Entry level
Certification Earned:CMLA, CPT

Medical Assistants will largely or solely work alongside the physician in providing patient care but may also be called upon to take care of the non-medical aspects of the practice by completing paperwork, filing records, handling insurance, performing billing and bookkeeping, answering phones and more. Because of the specialized skill set and knowledge that is held by these professionals, they find themselves working in clinics, physicians’ offices, hospitals, outpatient facilities, labs, and specialists’ offices across the country.

Because physicians often have very large patient loads, they use Medical Assistants as valuable aids to complete many of the routine tasks involved in patient care. Because the duties performed by medical assistants are determined and governed by state law, they may vary from one place to the next.

The Clinical Medical Assistant will dispose of contaminated supplies, sterilize instruments, collect and prepare laboratory specimens, and perform basic laboratory tests. In very small offices, the Medical Assistant may also be responsible for a number of other duties, including maintaining and ordering supplies, completing patient charts and insurance claims, answering phones, scheduling appointments, and more. The duties of these professionals are performed under the supervision of physicians and other licensed healthcare providers. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the field of Clinical Medical Assisting is expected to grow 23% by 2024, which is faster than average for all occupations.

Many employers offer career laddering opportunities with elevated responsibilities and pay. These roles include medical scribe, health coach, patient navigator, patient care coordinator, and population health manager. While the majority of Medical Assistants stay in the same type of work for at least five years, those that move into related fields often choose between clinical and administrative specialties. Those who choose clinical often become Medical Laboratory Technicians, Certified Nursing Assistants, Physical Therapy Assistants, Surgical Technicians, or Respiratory Technicians. Those who choose administration often move into billing, coding, management, research, or other non-clinical career paths.

This course offers a comprehensive introduction to current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) governed by industry regulations and guidelines (set by agencies like the FDA and EMA), which are the foundation of the pharmaceutical industry. The course delves into pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, covering facility design, validation principles, and production activities all geared towards ensuring product quality and safety. Some additional benefits of this hands-on training approach include:

  • Immediate feedback and correction where trainers can observe students’ actions, identify errors or inefficiencies, and provide timely guidance for improvement.
    Team collaboration to encourage effective communication and coordination among
    students.
  • Risk-free learning environment for students to make mistakes and learn from them without
    jeopardizing actual products, equipment or processes.
  • Enhanced retention and application where students who actively participate in hands-on
    training are more likely to remember and apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired
    during training

Gain an understanding of the Pharmaceutical Industry and Career Paths

  • Obtain an industry overview, learn about the product development lifecycle, become aware of emerging trends and the rapidly growing local DFW ecosystem.
  • Gain exposure to various sustainable career ladders/paths and opportunities within the industry.

Understand Industry Culture

  • Learn about the professional culture and the code of ethics and compliance within the industry.
  • Appreciate the importance of teamwork, communication, and collaboration in a regulated environment.

Achieve Proficiency in cGMP Principles

  • Apply Good Documentation Practices (GDP) and understand the need and importance of change control and deviations management.
  • Understand the requirements of a robust quality management system (QMS).


Comprehend Facility Design and Maintenance Requirements

  • Acquire basic understanding of the facility design requirements and considerations for a cGMP facility.
  • Gain exposure to facility maintenance activities including, but not limited to: access control, sanitization, pest control and metrology.

Understand Validation Principles

  • Learn the importance of equipment and process validation that are an essential prerequisite for
    production activities.
  • Develop rudimentary understanding of validation lifecycle and fundamental skills by performing simple qualification activities.

Learn Key Operations Processes

  • Acquire an understanding of the essential manufacturing operations processes including but not limited to: warehousing, batch record execution, product inspections, packaging and distribution.
  • Understand the importance of aseptic technique and the different levels of owning based on
    the various environmental zones within a cGMP facility.

Anyone looking to gain exposure to current Good Manufacturing Practices via interactive and hands-on
training, with the ultimate goal of and ultimately working in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry.

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