Sterile Processing Technicians play a crucial role in the safety of the surgical patient. Technicians are trained in the proper processing of operating room (OR), emergency room (ER), and labor and delivery instruments and devices as an essential component of their role. Sterile processing technicians keep patients safe by following safety standards and understanding sterilization methods for different classes of surgical instruments.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must possess a GED or high school diploma and complete all general application requirements for the College. Unconditional admission to the College is required and original transcripts from all colleges attended must be in the Office of Student Services. A minimum of 16 ACT composite score (writing component not required). National or Residual is required. ACT score must be uploaded with application. Dual enrolled students must possess a minimum high school GPA of 3.0.
Eligibility is required for Anatomy & Physiology 1 (BIO 201) (Dual Enrollment requirement)
- Students are expected to attend all classes for which they are registered. Students who are unable to attend class regularly, regardless of the reason or circumstance, should withdraw from that class before poor attendance interferes with the student’s ability to achieve the objectives required in the course. Attendance is considered mandatory for successful completion of the sterile processing course. Students that exceed 2 absences in either class and/or clinical may receive a grade of “F” for the course.
- Complete laboratory/clinical sections of all classes on campus or at a clinical site. Laboratory section assignments will be made based on space availability which may be day or evening.
- Student must be at least 18 years old on the first day of class when registering for Central Sterile Lab with Preceptorship (SUR 152).
- Upon conditional admission in the Sterile Processing Technology program:
- Physical examination and Health Science programs Essential Functions form(s) must be signed by a healthcare provider prior to being assigned clinical rotations in the program.
- A clear background check will be required. The cost of the background check will be the responsibility of the student. Issues pertaining to a student’s positive background check may result in the student being denied admission to the SUR program. Fees for background check must be paid by the student.
- Verification of health insurance coverage as well as maintaining health insurance throughout the program of study is required.
- Verification of a negative drug screen. Fees for drug screen must be paid by the student.
Clinical Requirements
Prior to beginning clinical experiences all of the following items must be verified by the Surgical Technology Program Director or the Surgical Technology Clinical Coordinator:
- Current American Heart Association Health Care Provider (CPR) card
- Physical examination form and Essential Functions form signed by a health care provider (DO/physician assistant/or Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP)
- A 2-step TB Skin test or QuantiFERON TB Gold blood test OR T-SPOT blood test
- Documented evidence of Hepatitis B titer indicating evidence of immunity
- Documented MMR immunization titer indicating evidence of immunity
- Documented evidence of 2 Varicella titer indicating evidence of immunity
- Bevill State must certify to clinical agencies where students practice that each student has a negative drug screen. Fees for all drug screen testing must be paid by the student.
- Students are required to purchase the Bevill State clinical uniform.
Students must comply with any additional health requirements of clinical agencies. The College strongly encourages all students to be vaccinated for COVID-19, but it is not mandatory for attendance. However, third-party health sciences affiliates who partner with the College (i.e., hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare providers) may require students presenting inside their facilities to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination in order to participate in the clinical portion of the College’s health science curriculum.
The College has no control over policies mandated by these clinical affiliates. The College is not requiring vaccination or proof of vaccination, but its third-party clinical affiliates might. The College wants to notify you that if you are unable to adhere to policies mandated by clinical partners, you may be unable to successfully complete courses which require clinicals.
Dismissal Policy
A dismissal from any Health Science program for disciplinary or unsafe client care will result in a student being ineligible for readmission to any Health Science program offered at Bevill State.
Health Requirements
SUR faculty reserves the right to require, at any time, proof of a student’s physical, mental, and/or emotional health. The faculty may require students to receive, at the student’s expense, counseling and/or medical treatment in order to continue in the SUR program. If treatment is required, the student must provide documentation from the attending physician/primary healthcare provider of the student’s ability to perform skills effectively.
A student who is hospitalized for any existing health problem must submit a statement from the physician/primary healthcare provider indicating ability to continue in clinicals and/or the program.
If there is reasonable cause to believe a student is in violation of the institutional conduct code, such as observable changes in behavior, performance, appearance, or speech, the student will be dismissed from the SUR program immediately.
NOTE: Completers (Sterile Processing Technician): Certification may be taken through International Associate of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM). A portion of the hands-on experience will be complete within the program. The remainder must be completed within 6 months of passing the provisional certification.