Central Sterile Service Technician
Certificate
Central Sterile Service Technicians are members of healthcare teams responsible for decontaminating, inspecting, assembling, disassembling, packaging, and sterilizing reusable surgical instruments or devices that are essential for patient safety in a healthcare facility.
3
the number of courses in the Central Sterile Service Technician program.
Central Sterile Service Technicians are vital in preventing infection in a healthcare setting. The program develops in students the skills and knowledge necessary to gain employment and become contributing members of the healthcare team.
Admissions Office
The campus laboratories in the Central Sterile Service Technician program replicate real healthcare settings, allowing students to practice within a controlled environment, using the same medical equipment as local hospitals.
Network with other students through ICC student organizations including Rotaract, the Student Government Association and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
Central Sterile Service Technician, Sterile Processing Technician, Central Service Technician, Medical Equipment Preparer
COMPLETION TIME
12 Months
if Full Time
2 Semesters
10 Total Credit Hours
What if I attend part-time?
Our Student Success Advisors help with an academic plan that works for you.
ESTIMATED COST
$1,550
+ supplies & fees
Based on 2024-25
What financial assistance can I receive?
Find the plan right for you by connecting with our Financial Aid office.
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
15 Students
average per class
Small class sizes mean more individual attention and a higher rate of success.
View the College Catalog to see a complete list of classes for this program.
Meet Our Students and Alumni
Central service technicians work behind the scenes in a constantly changing, fast-paced environment. Though they play a vital role in preventing infection, technicians have very little direct patient contact.
Bill Hammer, Professor – Health Careers
How Do I Get Into the Central Sterile Service Technician Program?
Connect with an Admissions representative to learn how you get started in a career as a Central Sterile Service Technician in as little as six months.
- Complete our quick admissions application. It’s free and easy!
- Submit health science application.
- Apply for financial aid (FAFSA).
- Apply for ICC Scholarships. Just 1 application for over 600 scholarships.
- High school courses in English, three years of biological science, two years of math, and communications are beneficial.
- Applicants will need to place into ENGL 095.
What Can I Expect As a Central Sterile Service Technician Student?
- Hands-on learning in state-of-the-art facilities.
- Program consists of two courses that focus on fundamentals of sterile processing and the principles and practices of surgical services
- Students will spend approximately 400-500 hours in a clinical practicum rotating through the different areas of a sterile processing deparment.
- Job-ready skills to be able to work in the high-demand field of healthcare.
Additional Opportunities
Innovative Bridge to Health Careers
The Innovative Bridge to Health Careers Program is an 8-week program that will engage participants in training designed to introduce and academically prepare them for entry into the various ICC Health Career opportunities.
Workforce Equity Initiative
This initiative focuses on developing our area’s workforce by providing participants with a credential and a living wage. It addresses high demand-careers and targets low-income individuals, those living in high crime and high poverty areas, unemployed individuals and minorities.
How Am I Going to Manage This?
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What if I am working while going to school?
We have you covered. Many of our students are working adults who balance life and school. We have great resources on campus to help keep you going!
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What are my options for funding my education?
Do this first: fill out and file your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Even if you don’t want federal aid, this document is used by many scholarship and grant programs to evaluate aid packages.
Look for scholarships and grants first because usually they don’t have to be paid back. The ICC Foundation sponsors some scholarships, and grants may be available from Illinois or federal programs. Other organizations also offer scholarships, and we can help you research those opportunities.
Federally guaranteed student loans can be a smart way to fund college. Think about your transfer plans and what your career looks like. Some sources recommend that you cap your borrowing at the level of what you (realistically!) can expect to earn at your first job after college. So, research careers and pay, too.
Of course, savings, jobs, and work-study are key parts of your budget. Your employer may offer tuition reimbursement. Find the tools to make a complete plan for paying for school.