Medical Instrument Sterilization Technician

1. What is a medical instrument sterilization technician?
   A medical instrument sterilization technician works in the central service area of a hospital, outpatient surgical center or outpatient clinic. The central service area is responsible for the correct decontamination and sterilization of medical and surgical equipment/instruments.
2. What are the job duties of medical instrument sterilization technicians?
   Medical instrument sterilization technicians are trained in the cleaning, processing, packaging, distributing, storing and inventory control of sterile goods, instruments, surgical trays and medical equipment.
3. What credentials are required to work as a certified medical instrument sterilization technician?
   Graduates of Stark State College’s medical instrument sterilization technician program who have earned either a certificate or associate degree are eligible to take the national examination required to become a Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT).
4. What degrees are offered?
   • One-year OBR certificate
   • Associate of Technical Studies
5. What is the difference between the certificate and associate degree?
   The technical classes of the medical instrument sterilization curriculum are the same for both degrees. Students who choose to pursue an associate degree complete additional non-technical coursework to earn an associate of technical studies degree with a major in medical instrument sterilization.

For course descriptions visit here.