Central Service Technician Certificate

Become nationally certified in medical equipment sterilization and begin a career in this high-demand healthcare service field, projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2014 to 2024.

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The Central Service Technician (CST), or Central Sterile Technician, is responsible for decontaminating, sterilizing, assembling, storing and distributing medical devices and equipment needed for patient care, especially during surgery.

This 3-course program (comprised Principles of Central Service Technician; Cleaning and Decontaminating Surgical Instruments; and Quality Control, Inventory, Equipment and Human Relations) focuses on requirements of the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM) and prepares you to take the Certified Registered Central Service Technician certification exam. Successful completion of all 3 courses allows you to sit for the CST certification exam and earns you a certificate of completion from LaGuardia. (Courses must be taken in order.)

Please note that students need to find a facility and complete a 400-hour internship in order to earn their full Central Service Technician industry certification.

COURSES


Principles of Central Service Technician

Explore the role of the Central Service department and function of Central Service Technicians. You will learn basic medical terminology, microbiology, anatomy and physiology. You'll also discuss infection control practices, standard precaution, CDC recommendations, OSHA regulations, principles of asepsis and environmental concerns. (Cost of textbook included in course fee.) ND


Cleaning and Decontaminating Surgical Instruments

Examine simple and complex surgical instruments. Discuss the use of cleaning agents and tools, and study methods to clean, decontaminate, assemble and disassemble instruments. You will also review low/high temperature sterilization as well as various packaging techniques. This course includes practical lab instruction and supplies. (Cost of textbook included in course fee.) Prerequisite: Principles of Central Service Technician. ND

Location: TBD

Weekday: Saturday

Time: 09:00 AM – 02:00 PM

Fee: $500

Course Code: CSTC102W24.T05.01.00

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Quality Control, Inventory, Equipment and Human Relations

Learn how quality control can improve a hospital's Central Service department, focusing on decontamination, instrument assembly and sterilization. You will also discuss the importance of supply inventory and equipment management. In addition, you will study the critical role of human relations and communication when working with and serving various customers throughout the hospital. Note: There will be practical lab instruction and supplies provided related to decontamination, preparation packaging, and sterilization concepts and techniques. (Cost of textbook and exam voucher included in course fee.) Prerequisite: Cleaning and Decontaminating Surgical Instruments. ND

Location: Hybrid (Online/In-Person)

Weekday: Tuesday,Thursday

Time: 06:00 PM – 09:00 PM

Fee: $500

Course Code: CSTC103W24.T05.01.00

Register Now (External Link)

Location: In-Person Instruction

Weekday: Saturday

Time: 09:00 AM – 02:00 PM

Fee: $500

Course Code: CSTC103W24.T05.02.00

Register Now (External Link)

Location: In-Person Instruction

Weekday: Saturday

Time: 09:00 AM – 02:00 PM

Fee: $500

Course Code: CSTC103W24.T05.03.00

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CAREER PROFILE

Certified Central Service/Sterile Technicians can work in hospitals or companies, sterilizing equipment in a separate department or working in the operating room. Median pay is $44,230. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Employment of Central Service/Sterile Technicians is projected to grow 15% from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

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Contact Us

Career and Professional Programs

Phone
(718) 482-7244

Email
aceprofessional@lagcc.cuny.edu

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Ways to Register

Online

By phone
(718) 482-7244

With payment by MasterCard/Visa/Discover/American Express.
Discounts and waivers apply to all courses except those designated ND.

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