New Academic Program Trains Students in Surgical Instrument Sterilization Process
June 27, 2024
New Certificate Offered for Central Processing/Instruments Sterilization Technicians
Walters State will offer a Central Processing Technical Certificate for the first time fall semester. The program will train students in the sterilization
and maintenance of surgical instruments and supplies.
“This program was developed after the college learned of the need locally and throughout
the region,” said Dr. Tony Miksa, president of Walters State. “With the skills learned
through this technical certificate, our graduates will be directly involved in ensuring
needed instruments are sterilized for each new patient.”
Graduates of the new program will work as central processing technicians, serving
as the first line of defense against infection.
“Central processing technicians are key members of the surgical team and the hospital
staff,” said Stephanie Austin, director and associate professor of Surgical Technology
at Walters State. “The technology and science used to sterilize instruments has changed
and improved so much over the past decade. Healthcare facilities now need central
processing technicians who have these skills.”
The program is 24 credit hours and is designed to be completed in two semesters (one
academic year) if a student is attending full time. Classes focus on surgical technology,
surgical microbiology, central processing technology and medical terminology. The
class also includes a lab and a practicum or internship. No prerequisites are required.
“Central processing technicians must know how to assemble, disassemble and inspect
surgical instruments,” Austin said. “Technicians are also responsible for providing
the sterile supplies needed for surgical cases as requested by medical doctors.”
Austin said many of the classes taken for the central processing certificate can be applied to the Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology degree, allowing for students to further their education.
For more information, contact Austin at Stephanie.AustinFREEWS or 865-286-2782. Fall semester at Walters State begins Aug. 26.