Northeast Iowa Community College to launch sterile processing technician program

Northeast Iowa Community College has created a new certificate program to help fill necessary roles in ensuring the health and safety of patients undergoing surgery.

The Calmar-based community college announced in a news release it is launching a new sterile processing technician career pathway certificate program, with its first classes set to begin Oct. 20. Students will have one in-person lab day as part of the 14-week program, with the rest of instruction and training taking place online.

According to the release, students who complete the program will then be able to move further toward earning their Certified Registered Central Service Technician designation, which requires further hands-on training and passage of a test from the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association. The pathway costs $2,399, the release stated.

The new program works for both new students and professionals returning to further their education, the release stated, as the certification can supplement other medical credentials. Students can also use the pathway as a stepping stone to surgical technician training, offered to Northeast Iowa Community College students through an academic partnership with Kirkwood Community College.

“Our mission has always been to provide high-quality education that leads directly to meaningful employment,” said Northeast Iowa Community College Health Program Developer Kelly Deeney in the release. “By expanding our accessible healthcare pathways to include Sterile Processing, we’re opening doors to rewarding careers and directly supporting the local healthcare workforce our community relies on.”