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By Dr. Ron Winston

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Central Sterile Processing Technicians is projected to grow 10.7 % from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Advances in medical technology have made surgery safer, and more operations are being done to treat a variety of illnesses and injuries. The demand for central sterile technicians is projected to grow as the aging of the large baby-boom generation is expected to increase. According to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunities, Workforce Development Area 23, Miami-Dade, and Monroe Counties will need approximately 1,335 employees in the central sterile technician field per year between 2018 and 2026. To meet this demand, Miami Dade College, a leader in addressing the workforce needs of the community is dedicated to preparing students for the ever-changing field of health sciences.

Miami Dade College, School of Health Sciences developed a 650-hour Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) approved career technical certificate in Central Sterile Processing Technician. The career certificate is designed to educate and prepare graduates with the skills required for entry-level employment as a member of the surgical services healthcare team. Students in this program at Miami Dade College will also acquire extensive knowledge of legal and ethical responsibilities, microbiology, aseptic techniques and care of equipment and supplies, professional management, communication skills, teamwork, and risk management.

A Central Sterile Processing Technician is a vital member of all medical facilities that seek skill sets that include approved practices for decontamination and sterilization of medical supplies and equipment and the proper ways to transport equipment; identifying common pathogens found in the medical setting; and more. According to the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM), sterile processing occurs before a surgeon makes an initial incision. A team of skilled Sterile Processing professionals has ensured that each instrument is properly decontaminated, sterilized, well-functioning, and available when needed as a copious number of surgical instruments and devices flow in and out of surgical rooms on a continues basis. Students completing this program will be eligible to sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam. Obtaining this career technical certificate and passing the certification exam demonstrates that graduates are competent to perform entry-level job duties of a central sterile technician.

In developing a Central Sterile Processing Technician Program to address the workforce needs in Miami Dade County, Miami Dade College’s, School of Health Sciences is preparing students to become highly skilled healthcare professionals, while improving their quality of life and allowing them to become an integral part of healthcare teams. By training the next generation of healthcare providers, the School of Health Sciences turns health care career dreams into reality for thousands of students every year.

For more information, visit www.mdc.edu/health-sciences or call (305) 237-4103.

Dr. Ron Winston is Chairperson, School of Health Sciences at Miami Dade College.