Surgical Technology: Central Service Technician, SCERT

Short-Term Certificate: (SURT-SCERT)

About the Program

The Surgical Technology Central Service Technician program is a curriculum designed to enable students to perform duties relative to processing surgical instrumentation, equipment and supplies for the operating room, as well as other areas of the hospital that require sterile items.

Specifically, the Central Service Technician is responsible for the procurement and processing of surgical instrumentation, supplies and equipment. Central Service Technicians provide support to all patient care services in the health care facility that require sterile products. Responsibilities include instrument identification, decontaminating, cleaning, processing, surgical tray assembly, sterilizing, storing and distributing sterile supplies needed in patient care, primarily for surgical procedures. Heavy lifting and exposure to blood and body fluids are required.

Certificate Goals

• To prepare students with knowledge and technical skills to effectively perform duties relevant to a Central Service Technician
• To prepare students to successfully pass the National Certifying Examination for a Central Service Technician provided by IAHSCMM (International Association of Healthcare Sterile Central Service Material Management). Students must take examination on their own after successful course completion

Certificate Outcomes

• Exhibit proficiency in successfully completing the National Certifying Examination for Central Service Technicians with a 80% or better proficiency rate
• Demonstrate expertise in the application of sterile and aseptic technique
• Demonstrate self-direction and responsibility for maintaining central sterilization competency
• Effectively use written, oral and interpersonal communication skills operating as a member of a diverse team of medical professionals
• Incorporate the safety principles, practices and standards regulations as governed by the profession

Admission Requirements

To be admitted into the Central Service Technician program, students are required to complete the following:

• Fulfill all WCCCD admission requirements
• Be 18 years of age or older and have a high school diploma or GED
• If required, fulfill course placement requirements based on the ACCUPLACER® scores
• Submit Allied Health Department application to program director or representative
• Must complete criminal background check, physical exam (within one year of application submission), MMR, Hepatitis B (HBV) shots (series of three shots), TB, Varicella, Tetanus, Influenza vaccination (seasonal), as well as a 10 Panel Drug/Alcohol Urine Screen. Proof of COVID 19 vaccination if required by clinical facility
• Complete all prerequisites with a grade of “C” or better.
• Submit unofficial transcripts from previously attended institutions (if applicable), as well as WCCCD
• Submit three letters of recommendation: two professional and one personal
• Provide valid Government Issued Color Photo ID (Driver’s License/State ID and Passport Photo)
• Meet with the Program Director to review and complete paperwork

Note: If ACCUPLACER® scores are lower in any area, provide a transcript of the recommended course(s) completed with a “B” or better. All program applications are reviewed by the Surgical Technology Department Admissions Committee. Students who have completed the Central Service Technician program prior to application to the Surgical Technology Program are given preference.

• Students must submit all paperwork by July 15th for the start of the Fall Semester, or by September15th for the start of the Spring Semester, or by March 15th for the start of the summer semester. The ACCUPLACER® minimum passing composite score is 60. The reading comprehension sections must be at least 50. Test scores are considered valid for two (2) years if scores meet current requirements.

Based upon Michigan Law

Students applying for admission to the Central Service Technician Program will be subject to a criminal background check, the results of which could preclude an applicant from admission to Wayne County Community College District’s Surgical Technology Program on the basis of any of the following:

• A felony conviction or conviction for an attempt or conspiracy to commit a felony within the past 15 years
• Any misdemeanor conviction involving abuse, neglect, assault, battery or criminal sexual conduct within the past 10 years
• Any misdemeanor conviction involving fraud or theft

College Certificate Requirements

• Students must complete all core course work with a grade of “B” or better to meet graduation requirements
• Students are allowed two attempts for successful course completion