You want to attend a credible college that stands out from the rest. At COD, you'll discover:

• Small class sizes that ensure students receive personalized attention.
• Dedicated instructors with years of professional experience.
• Affordable programs to help students achieve success without creating overwhelming debt or draining a savings account.
• Instruction utilizing top-notch facilities and equipment in the Health and Science Center (HSC).

Central Sterile Processing Distribution Technician, Certificate

The Central Sterile Processing and Distribution Program prepares entry-level professionals in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains. The curriculum incorporates Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) professional standards, guidelines, and competencies necessary for employment in a sterile processing department.

Students are expected to provide proof of a Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan prior to the start of the program or clinical start. The insurance plan must cover you throughout the length of your clinical experience, which in most cases, consists of the entire length of the program. If you are in need of Health Insurance, please note the following important dates and visit cod.studentbenefitplans.com.

Important Dates

• Open Enrollment: Typically opens November through mid-January
  If you will need health insurance ANYTIME within the next year, you must apply during the current open enrollment period.

If you miss open enrollment, but have a qualifying life event, you can still apply during a Special Enrollment Period.

While we cannot guarantee your official acceptance into the program, you need to be aware that there is short timeframe of when you are able to purchase a Health Insurance plan. The purpose of this step is to make you aware and that the time to research and purchase is NOW. Purchasing health insurance outside of this timeframe will take months and may prohibit your admittance into the Program. NOTE: Obtaining Health Insurance is NOT an application requirement but it is a requirement to be in the program.

• Clinical Requirements Packet - Learn more about health requirements you may need to complete prior to registration or after program admission.
• Social Security Number (SSN) Requirements - While the College may not require an SSN for admission to all healthcare programs, students should be aware that the absence of an SSN may limit or prevent their ability to participate in certain clinical experiences, obtain required licensure or certification or secure employment upon graduation. Many healthcare employers, clinical education sites, licensing agencies and credentialing organizations require a valid SSN for employment, criminal background checks, payroll processing and/or professional licensure or certification. Students are strongly encouraged to verify SSN requirements with the applicable licensing board, certifying agency and prospective employers before enrolling in a healthcare program.

Central Sterile Processing Distribution Technician Program graduates will:

• Describe the purpose of a central service department and the roles of individuals who work in central service
• Locate the different areas of a central service department
• Apply correct surgical terminology related to surgery and central services
• Identify microbiology issues related to central services
• Describe how microorganisms are transmitted and controlled in central services
• Compare and contrast standards and regulations related to central service departments
• Define the appropriate use of disinfectants and sterilants
• Demonstrate functions necessary in central services
• Define infection prevention and control
• Determine proper use of sterile packaging and storage of sterile packages
• Differentiate between proper high-temperature and low-temperature sterilization procedures and concerns
• Demonstrate proper management of patient equipment
• Identify tracking systems and methods of quality assurance
• Demonstrate safe practices while in the central service department
• Demonstrate proper cleaning and decontamination of instruments

Source: 2018 CSPD Annual Update submission