Course Description
The effective SPD technician must clearly and thoroughly understand thei roles and responsibilities. To achieve the necessary level of competence, the technician should study the various functions performed by SPD.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of the course, the learner will be able to:
- Describe the role and various functions of the Sterile Processing Department (SPD) within an organizational structure.
- Understand the professional standards, guidelines, requirements, standards of practice, and ethics that guide sterile processing practices.
- Identify the health and safety regulations, standards, and guidelines that apply to the processing of medical devices and instrumentation.
- Identify the federal and state regulatory agencies that have jurisdiction over processing in healthcare facilities.
- Identify and describe methods of quality assurance.
- Define the purpose of a procedure manual and the difference between policies and procedures.
- Outline the training procedures that should be followed to ensure familiarity with and competent performance of sterile processing procedures.
- Understand the various symbols used in healthcare and in the manufacturing of sterile products.
Intended Audience
This educational activity was developed for central sterile technicians and sterile processing professionals.
CE Information
This course is approved for 1.75 contact hours by the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution, Inc. (CBSPD) and by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).
Course Authors
This course is offered through our partnership with course creator Nancy Chobin, RN, AAS, ACSP, CFER, CSPM, who created this module for Sterile Processing University.