CS91 Central Sterile Supply Processing Technician, Technical Certificate of Credit
Offered at the Griffin Campus
| Program Entrance Term: |
Fall, Spring, Summer |
| Minimum Length of Program: |
2 terms |
| Minimum Credit Hours for Graduation: |
20 |
Program Description
The Central Sterile Supply Processing Technician (CSSP) program provides entry-level skills in central sterile. As an essential team-member in the sterile processing departments of hospitals, outpatient surgical centers, and specialized surgical centers, the central sterile technician is responsible for tasks and duties in the preoperative phase of surgery. The CSSP student will encounter training in the didactic and clinical setting in various areas. Topics include: aseptic technique, sterilization methods, decontamination processes, preoperative case planning, infection control, and professional ethics.
Admission Requirements
- Submit completed application and application fee
- Be at least 17 years of age
- Submit official high school transcript or GED transcript with test scores and ALL post-secondary transcripts in an official sealed envelope
- Meet assessment requirements
Program Admittance Policy
The CSSP Program admits students and begins a new cohort every term on the Griffin Campus. The deadline to apply for cohort placement is the same date as the withdrawal date for full semester courses every term (check the SCTC calendar). The cohort placement is on a “first-come, first-served” basis with a completion and submission of a program-ready form. The following steps are required:
- Obtain CPR certification – BLS Providers through the American Heart Association.
- Complete and submit a Program-Ready Form, which can be found in the Medical Technology Building Program information desk on the 2nd floor or received from the Allied Health Secretary, Mrs. Annie Tucker.
- Upon acceptance into the cohort, a successful completion of a criminal background and drug screen along with a History and Physical prior to beginning the cohort is mandatory.
Program Information
CSSP is a two-term, five-course technical certificate of credit program. Three of those courses are CSSP 1010, CSSP 1020 and CSSP 1022. The other two courses are co-requisites, which means they can be taken along with the CSSP courses.
The CSSP courses are offered daytime only and in consecutive terms. The first course, CSSP 1010, is offered the first term on campus. CSSP 1020 and CSSP 1022 are offered together in the second term as a hybrid course off-campus at the clinical site and web-based assignments. There is no breaking up of the courses, if the student cannot take them in the sequential order from one term to the following term, they will not be allowed to finish the program and will have to reapply for admission.
Readmission Policy
Students who are not successful in their first attempt and/or withdraw for medical reasons can attempt readmission based on the program admittance policy. Readmission is not guaranteed and is a one-time readmission with the following condition: repeat of all courses in sequential order and terms. Grading standards for the Central Sterile Program are very stringent. For students to progress to CSSP 1020 and CSSP 1022, a minimum grade of “C” must be achieved in the CSSP 1010 course.
Program Fees
The following fees are approximate and subject to change:
- Books - $300
- Uniforms - $100
- Background check - $80
- History and Physical / Immunizations - $200
- Malpractice Insurance - $10
- BLS card - $55
- Certification Exam - $140
- ACEMAPP - $50
Financial Aid Information
Students can be listed under Healthcare Assistant or Central Sterile Processing. For those eligible for HOPE, they will receive funding despite how they are listed among the three. The Healthcare assistant student, by default, can take the CSSP courses. However, the Pell grant will not fund a student who is listed, solely, as a Central Sterile Processing Technician student.
The following is a suggested path to complete this program in a timely manner. An individual’s path to completion may be different based on institutional and personal factors affecting his/her academic progress.
Note: While all courses are offered, they may vary by term and campus. See the program advisor for any questions.
Program Courses
First Term
Choose one of the following:
Second Term