The Central Sterile Processing Distribution Technician (CSPD) program prepares competent 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. The program is a 12-credit program that consists of CSPD 1111, CSPD 1211, SURGT 1000 and HLTHS 1110. The program's four courses that can be completed in as little as one semester.
All of these courses combined enable students to earn a certificate in Central Sterile Processing Distribution that can help move you closer to the goal of working in health care.
The Central Sterile Processing Distribution Technician Policy and Procedures Handbook outlines the professional and ethical standards you will need to follow while enrolled in the program.
Registration Information
Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis. You must follow the specific registration requirements before being granted permission to register for the Central Sterile Processing Distribution Technician program, and follow the registration checklist located in the Spring 2025 Registration Packet.
Students are encouraged to view the advising session video within a 12-month period prior to the registration deadline and review a sample job description.
First Step to Register - Attend an Advising Session
Determine Your Path
Central Sterile Processing Distribution Technicians are responsible for performing and participating in the decontamination, cleaning, assembling, packaging, scanning, sterilization, storage and distribution of reusable surgical instrumentation and equipment.
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- Dedicated instructors with years of professional experience.
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Central Sterile Processing Distribution Technician
The Central Sterile Processing Distribution Technician, Certificate prepares entry-level professionals in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills) and affective (behavior) learning domains.
Curriculum incorporates Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) professional standards, guidelines, and competencies necessary for employment in a sterile processing department.
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"The ability to watch students persevere through the challenges that come with balancing life and education is an honor that inspires me daily. I feel blessed to be a small part of a student’s journey toward a better future.” - Anna Campbell
Anna's COD StoryGet Started Today
The first step to getting started in the Central Sterile Processing Distribution Technician Program is to read the Spring 2025 Registration Packet. The packet contains a registration checklist that you will need to follow in order to register.
Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.
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
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