Central Processing Technology Technical Certificate
Overview
Be instrumental to the OR.
The Central Processing Technical Certificate readies you for a successful healthcare career preparing the operating room for surgical procedures: sterilizing instruments, gathering supplies, and delivering equipment properly ahead of surgery. Build solid foundational knowledge in anatomy, medical terminology, and microbiology. Receive specialized training in what surgical instruments are, the handling and use of instruments for specific procedures, and the clinical setting experience you need for employment.
Learn from qualified faculty and/or preceptors to independently apply sound theory to practice. Extensive classroom time and practical clinical experience prepare you to complete the certification exam of your choice to become a certified central service processing and distribution technician.
Consumer Information
Gainful Employment Disclosures: Central Processing
Admission Requirements
The Central Processing Technology program begins in August and ends in May.
Admission to the Central Processing Technology program requires program application, interview, instructor permission, completed health and program documentation, and background check. Applicants must be 18 years of age at time of program acceptance.
Background Check and Drug Screening
Prospective students will be required to provide a copy of a background check and drug screening. NSCC does not use the background check or drug screening as criteria for admission to the program.
Background checks and drug screenings are required by clinical sites as a condition of participation. Students are required to participate in a variety of clinical experiences to successfully complete the program. For questions regarding the background check, please call 615-353-3708.
Admission Procedure and Deadlines
The admission procedure outlined below must be completed no later than mid-August to apply for the program beginning in fall semester.
The application process for the Central Processing Technology program is as follows:
- Submit an Application for Admission to the Admissions department and turn in everything required to be admitted as a student at NSCC. Please be sure you provide everything Admissions needs from you or you will not be eligible for an interview for the Central Processing Technology program.
- Submit a program application (found in the Application Packet link to the right) and a complete set of transcripts (high school and college) to the department secretary in office D-27 or fax it to 615-353-3608.
- You must have completed any required college-prep courses (as determined by placement test scores) before an interview will be granted. These courses include: MATH 0810, READ 0810, ENGL 0810 and any ESOL classes.
- The application process MUST be completed no later than the above stated deadlines. Incomplete applications may not be eligible for selection. Incomplete applications or applications without attached transcripts will NOT be considered for selection.
Enrollment in classes with class numbers beginning in “CSPT” requires interview and instructor’s approval.
Re-interview requires that the admission procedure be repeated by the deadline for the next class.
Selection Criteria
Acceptance into the program will be based on:
- Previous grade point average.
- Interview score.
- Successful completion of courses counting toward Central Processing Technology program (see Advising and Curriculum link to the right) with a C (75) or higher.
- Previous work in the medical field.
Tennessee residency is not a requirement for the program.
Application Packet
Fall '19 Program Application
Submit your Central Processing Technology Program Application for Fall 2019 program entry.
Transcript Requirement
Provide an unofficial copy of all transcripts. This should include the following:
- NSCC Transcripts (if applicable)
- Previous College Transcripts (all colleges attended)
- High School (If you have less than 30 college credit hours) or GED
Note: This is a separate copy from what you sent to NSCC for admission to the college. Please do not contact Admissions or Records to make copies of previous college transcripts. It is the applicant’s responsibility to request and provide copies when submitting their program application.
Advising and Curriculum
Advising
See your advisor early to ensure you take the courses you need to complete the 26 credit-hour technical certificate. Find Your Advisor Online
Technical Certificate Advising Sheet
Central Processing Technology Program
Technical Certificate Fact Sheet
Central Processing Technology Program
Curriculum
- BIOL 1000 – Medical Terminology *
- SURG 1304 – Basic Anatomy/Physiology *
- SURG 2310 – Surg. Microbiology & Asepsis *
- CSPT 1401 – Intro to Central Processing
- CSPT 1102 – Central Processing Skills Lab
- CSPT 1310 – Central Processing Capstone
- CSPT 1511 – Central Processing Practicum I
- CSPT 1412 – Central Processing Practicum II
* These courses count toward the Central Processing Technology certificate and may be taken prior to acceptance into the program. Taking these courses does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
Please see the NSCC Catalog for course descriptions and syllabi.
Accreditation
Students successfully completing the program will be eligible to sit for the national certifying exam offered by the International Association of Central Service Materials Management (IAHCSMM) or the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) and receive certification the Certified Registered Central Service Technician credential from IAHCSMM or the Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician credential from CBSPD.
For more information on the field of Central Processing, please visit the IAHCSMM website www.iahcsmm.org or the CBSPD website www.sterileprocessing.org.
Contact
All students should talk to an advisor regarding course selection, class registration, and career pathways.
Program Office: D Building, Suite D-27
Karen Goodman, Program Secretary
Karen.Goodman@nscc.edu
615-353-3708 ~ Fax: 615-353-3608
Van Bates, Program Faculty
Van.Bates@nscc.edu
615-353-3708
Kelley Schmidt, Program Faculty
Kelley.Schmidt@nscc.edu
615-353-3329