Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework 

The standards and benchmarks for this program were updated for the 2026-27 academic year. This program title has changed, formerly Central Sterile Processing Technologist.

Program Title: 	Sterile Processing Technician
Career Cluster: 	Health Science

College Credit Certificate	
CIP Number	0351101202	
Program Type	College Credit Certificate (CCC)	
Program Length	30 credit hours	
CTSO	HOSA	
SOC Codes (all applicable) 	For program SOC codes, please see the Program and Course Tables section of the CTE Program Resources page linked below.	
CTE Program Resources 	http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/program-resources.stml	

Purpose

This certificate program is part of the Surgical Services AS degree program (1351090901).  

A College Credit Certificate consists of a program of instruction of less than sixty (60) credits of college-level courses, which is part of an AS or AAS degree program and prepares students for entry into employment (Rule 6A-14.030, F.A.C.).

This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the Health Science career cluster; provides technical skill proficiency, and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of Health Science career cluster. 

This program is designed to prepare students for employment as sterile processing technicians (Medical Equipment Preparers), central service technicians. 

The content includes but is not limited to central services departmental organization and function; basic anatomy, physiology, microbiology and chemistry related to central service activities; quality assurance; infection control and isolation techniques, principles of safety; principles, methods and controls of sterilization processes; cleaning, processing, packaging, distributing, storing, and inventory control of sterile goods, instruments, trays, and equipment; medical terminology; surgical instrumentation; basic computer skills, interpersonal and job seeking skills, fundamentals of communication, case cart management, laparoscopic specialty, orthopedic specialty, flexible scope processing, shift supervisory skills and procurement of supplies and equipment.

Additional Information relevant to this Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is provided at the end of this document.

Florida’s Career Readiness Skills for CTE Programs

Employability Skills	
01.0	Apply academic skills to workplace scenarios.	
01.01	Use reading skills.	
01.02	Use writing skills.	
01.03	Use mathematical strategies and procedures.	
01.04	Use scientific principles and procedures.	
02.0	Design a solution to an industry problem.	
02.01	Use critical thinking.	
02.02	Use creativity.	
02.03	Make sound decisions.	
02.04	Solve problems.	
02.05	Reason. 	
02.06	Plan and organize.	
03.0	Manage resources within an industry project	
03.01	Manage time.	
03.02	Manage money or resources.	
03.03	Manage materials.	
03.04	Manage personnel.	
04.0	Oversee the subcomponents, operations and output of a technical or organizational system.	
04.01	Manage systems.	
04.02	Monitor systems.	
04.03	Improve systems.	
05.0	Use information for decision making.	
05.01	Locate information.	
05.02	Organize information.	
05.03	Use information.	
05.04	Analyze information.	
05.05	Communicate information.	
06.0	Apply relevant technology to workplace scenarios to aid productivity.	
06.01	Use technology.	
07.0	Interpret and express interpersonal communication.	
07.01	Communicate verbally.	
07.02	Listen actively.	
07.03	Comprehend written material.	
07.04	Convey information in writing.	
07.05	Communicate nonverbally.	
07.06	Interpret nonverbal communication.	
08.0	Interact with others to accomplish workplace goals.	
08.01	Collaborate with others in a team.	
08.02	Respond to customer needs.	
08.03	Exercise leadership.	
08.04	Negotiate to resolve conflict.	
08.05	Respect others.	
09.0	Manage personal behavior to maximize productivity and professional growth.	
09.01	Demonstrate responsibility and self-discipline.	
09.02	Adapt and show flexibility.	
09.03	Work independently.	
09.04	Demonstrate a willingness to learn.	
09.05	Demonstrate integrity.	
09.06	Demonstrate professionalism.	
09.07	Take initiative.	
09.08	Display positive attitude.	
09.09	Take responsibility for professional growth.	
Job Attainment	
10.0	Find, assess and apply to job opportunities.	
10.01	Identify online job posts relevant to his or her career aspirations.	
10.02	Compare and contrast the job posts’ required qualifications, job duties, compensation, benefits and employers. 	
10.03	Define what information, documentation and writing prompts are required for the positions.	
11.0	Communicate personal competence, character and fit for a job opportunity.	
11.01	Develop a resume.	
11.02	Write a cover letter.	
11.03	Curate a professional portfolio that includes work products.	
11.04	Prepare for and experience a mock job interview.	
12.0	Cultivate and leverage relationships to professionally advance.	
12.01	Request a signed reference letter, letter of recommendation and/or an online skill/professionalism endorsement. 	
12.02	Develop a plan to cultivate a professional digital footprint.	
12.03	Develop a networking plan for a specific industry of interest.	

Standards

After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to perform the following:

01.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the healthcare delivery system and health occupations.
02.0	Demonstrate the ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively.
03.0	Demonstrate legal and ethical responsibilities.
04.0	Demonstrate an understanding of and apply wellness and disease concepts.
05.0	Recognize and practice safety and security procedures.
06.0	Recognize and respond to emergency situations.
07.0	Recognize and practice infection control procedures.
08.0	Demonstrate an understanding of information technology applications in healthcare.
09.0	Demonstrate employability skills.
10.0	Demonstrate knowledge of blood borne diseases, including HIV/AIDS.
11.0	Apply basic math and science skills. 
12.0	Demonstrate language arts knowledge and skills.
13.0	Solve problems using critical thinking skills, creativity, and innovation.
14.0	Describe the roles within teams, work units, departments, organizations, inter-organizational systems, and the larger environment.
15.0	Demonstrate leadership and teamwork skills needed to accomplish team goals and objectives.	
16.0	Demonstrate the ability to recall, dispose of, or reprocess sterile supplies/instruments.
17.0	Identify fundamentals of the supply chain.
18.0	Demonstrate the roles and responsibilities of the sterile processing technician.
19.0	Recognize basic principles of microbiology.
20.0	Interpret and apply medical terminology and anatomical terms as they relate to equipment and supplies issued by the sterile processing department.
21.0	Describe how sterile processing is involved in controlling infections in healthcare facilities. 
22.0	Explain the purpose of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA).
23.0	Receive, decontaminate, clean, prepare, disinfect, and sterilize reusable items.
24.0	Demonstrate the use of sterilization process monitors, including proper utilization of appropriate chemical indicators and bacterial spore tests for all sterilizers.
25.0	Demonstrate the ability to identify and select appropriate instrumentation or equipment that meets the needs of the surgical specialty.

Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title: 	Sterile Processing Technician
CIP Number: 		0351101202
Program Length: 	30 credit hours

Standards 1-11 are referred to as the Health Science Core and are required standards in this program. Secondary and Postsecondary students completing the health science core will not have to repeat the core in any other health science program in which it is a part.  When the recommended sequence is followed, the structure allows students to complete at specified points for employment or remain for advanced training or cross-training.  

To ensure consistency whenever these courses are offered, the health science core standards (1-11) and benchmarks have been placed in a separate document. To access this document, visit this link: 
https://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/20569/urlt/health-sci-core-psav-cc-2324.rtf

This certificate program is part of the Surgical Services AS degree program (1351090901).  At the completion of this program, the student will be able to:	
Students completing intended outcomes (12-25), in addition to the Health Science Core, will meet the requirements of the Sterile Processing Technician CCC.  	
12.0	Demonstrate language arts knowledge and skills. The students will be able to:	
12.01	Locate, comprehend, and evaluate key elements of oral and written information.	
12.02	Draft, revise, and edit written documents using correct grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.	
12.03	Present information formally and informally for specific purposes and audiences	
13.0	Solve problems using critical thinking skills, creativity, and innovation. The students will be able to:	
13.01	Employ critical thinking skills independently and in teams to solve problems and make decisions.	
13.02	Employ critical thinking and interpersonal skills to resolve conflicts.	
13.03	Identify and document workplace performance goals and monitor progress toward those goals. 	
13.04	Conduct technical research to gather information necessary for decision-making. 	
14.0	Describe the roles within teams, work units, departments, organizations, inter-organizational systems, and the larger environment. The students will be able to	
14.01	Describe the nature and types of healthcare organizations.	
14.02	Describe the effect of key organizational systems on performance and quality	
14.03	List and describe quality control systems and/or practices common to the workplace. 	
14.04	Describe the impact of the global economy on healthcare organizations. 	
15.0	Demonstrate leadership and teamwork skills needed to accomplish team goals and objectives. The students will be able to:	
15.01	Employ leadership skills to accomplish organizational goals and objectives.	
15.02	Establish and maintain effective working relationships to accomplish objectives and tasks.	
15.03	Conduct and participate in meetings to accomplish work tasks. 	
15.04	Employ mentoring skills to inspire and teach others.	
15.05	Analyze attributes and attitudes of an effective leader. 	
15.06	Recognize factors and situations that may lead to conflict.  	
15.07	Demonstrate effective techniques for managing team conflict. 	
15.08	Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of effective interdepartmental relationships.	
16.0	Demonstrate the ability to recall, dispose of, or reprocess sterile supplies/instruments. The student will be able to:	
16.01	Explain the factors that affect how long a package can be considered safe for use. 	
16.02	Explain the differences between event-related, date-related, and manufacturer recommendations.	
16.03	State the methods of determining expiration dates.	
16.04	List the steps in reprocessing outdated hospital packaged items.	
16.05	List conditions that would make a product unsafe for use	
16.06	Describe the use of tamper-evident seals. 	
16.07	Describe the methods of reprocessing.	
16.08	Identify standards and facility policies on the reprocessing of single-use items.	
16.09	Describe the process of recall for medical/surgical supplies. 	
17.0	Identify fundamentals of the supply chain. The student will be able to:	
17.01	Describe the process of supply chain management.	
17.02	Communicate with other hospitals, facilities, or company representatives for the procurement of supplies and equipment.	
17.03	Describe several different methods of procurement of supplies.	
17.04	Describe the basics of receiving and distributing items to other facilities, which must include documentation.	
18.0	Demonstrate the roles and responsibilities of the sterile processing technician. The student will be able to:	
18.01	Describe professional standards related to personal hygiene and dress codes for the central supply worker to include appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). 	
18.02	Identify relevant federal, state, and local guidelines, standards, and regulations. 	
18.03	Describe the organization, function, and workflow of the sterile processing department. 	
18.04	Apply ergonomic considerations and appropriate body mechanics for lifting, turning, pulling, pushing, and reaching.	
18.05	Apply policies and procedures related to sterile processing functions (safety, infection control, disaster control, material safety data sheets (MSDS), incident reports, etc.).	
18.06	Apply infection control techniques following the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines.	
18.07	Describe the importance of following the device, equipment, instrument, or supply manufacturer’s instructions for processing, operation, and troubleshooting. 	
18.08	Demonstrate the process of stock rotation.	
18.09	Describe the processes for loaner instrumentation and equipment.	
18.10	Demonstrate the methods of case cart preparation and the utilization of preference cards.	
19.0	Recognize basic principles of microbiology. The student will be able to:	
19.01	Describe terms related to microbiology and the control of microorganisms in sterile processing departments.	
19.02	Identify the main categories and life functions of microorganisms.	
19.03	Describe conditions affecting the growth of bacteria.	
19.04	Describe special methods used to destroy harmful microorganisms on fomites in the environment.	
19.05	List the conditions where microorganisms may be helpful.	
19.06	Describe how the body controls the growth of pathogenic microorganisms.	
19.07	Identify pathogenic microorganisms commonly found in sterile processing departments.	
20.0	Interpret and apply medical terminology and anatomical terms as they relate to equipment and supplies issued by the sterile processing department. The student will be able to:	
20.01	Identify prefixes, roots, and suffixes for medical terms used by the sterile processing department.	
20.02	Relate anatomical concepts to surgical devices, other supplies, and equipment issued by sterile processing.	
21.0	Describe how sterile processing is involved in controlling infections in healthcare facilities. The student will be able to:	
21.01	Describe nosocomial infections.	
21.02	Describe droplet, airborne, bloodborne, and contact isolation protocols.	
21.03	Describe the sterile processing responsibilities for infection control and traffic patterns when in the operating room and other departments.	
21.04	Identify proper storage and transportation standards for supplies in the facility (receivables, sterile, clean, or contaminated).	
22.0	Explain the purpose of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). The student will be able to:	
22.01	Describe how employees are protected under OSHA.	
22.02	Describe potential workplace hazards in sterile processing, such as wet floors, chemicals, fumes, gases, steam, electrical outlets, body fluids, microorganisms, sharps, and medical wastes.	
22.03	Describe the role preventive maintenance plays in patient and personnel safety in the healthcare facility.	
22.04	Explain the purpose of Florida's "Right to Know" law and its provisions.	
22.05	Describe the protocol for personal injury, including the completion of incident/occupancy reports and follow-up. 	
22.06	Implement appropriate regulatory and accreditation agency patient safety guidelines.	
23.0	Receive, decontaminate, clean, prepare, disinfect, and sterilize reusable items. The student will be able to:	
23.01	Describe the importance of thorough cleaning to the overall objectives of making items safe for patient use.	
23.02	Explain the importance of following manufacturers’ instructions in cleaning each item for reprocessing. 	
23.03	Describe the levels of disinfection.	
23.04	Describe the cleaning processes and methods of disinfection for the environment, instruments, syringes, needles, rubber goods, and equipment.	
23.05	Describe the mechanisms of action for each disinfection method, including ultrasonic machines and washer/sterilizers.	
23.06	Describe the strategies for managing difficult-to-control microorganisms that require isolation techniques and specialized decontamination methods, including Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD).	
23.07	Describe the factors affecting decontamination, such as water temperature, loading procedures, water impurities, and opening and disassembling.	
23.08	Distinguish correct reprocessing policies related to single-use, limited-use, and reusable items.	
23.09	Describe decontamination methods for drill systems and batteries.	
23.10	Describe the function of case cart washers and alternative methods of cleaning. 	
23.11	Describe the need for testing and monitoring all decontamination machines for proper function and cleaning agents.	
23.12	Explain the importance of using correct chemicals for cleaning as it pertains to water quality, PH, filters, softeners, enzymes, and lubricants. 	
23.13	Describe the types, characteristics, and uses of chemicals, solutions, and gases utilized for decontamination, such as detergents, disinfectants, enzymatic, and germicides.	
23.14	Demonstrate the decontamination process for canulated instruments, instruments with lumens, syringes, needles, rubber goods, and equipment.	
23.15	Demonstrate flexible endoscopic leak testing, decontamination, and reprocessing.	
23.16	Demonstrates decontamination and proper handling of rigid scopes. 	
23.17	Describes the methods of high-level disinfection, including manual processing, STERRAD processing, Medavador, and Automated Endoscopic Reprocessor (AER), that may be found in the endoscopy department.	
23.18	Describe the types of sterilizers and methods of sterilization. 	
23.19	Describe the primary objectives in selecting the correct packaging materials for both the individual item and the sterilization method to be used.	
23.20	Describe the principles of packaging. 	
23.21	Describe the characteristics of packaging materials in relation to sterilization methods. 	
23.22	Describe the principles of linen pack and tray construction/assembly. 	
23.23	Describe the recommended labeling methodologies.	
23.24	Identify surgical procedure trays, instruments, supplies, and accessories. 	
23.25	Explain the principles utilized when loading different kinds of wrapped packs or packages into a sterilizer to ensure sterilization.	
23.26	Recognize equipment malfunction and list corrective actions.	
23.27	Demonstrate the wrapping of procedure trays, instruments, and other supplies.	
23.28	Demonstrate loading of different kinds of wrapped packs or packages into a sterilizer to be assured of sterilant penetration.	
23.29	Describe how sterile supplies should be handled. 	
23.30	Demonstrate handling, transportation, and storage of clean, sterile, and nonsterile supplies, including equipment.	
24.0	Demonstrate the use of sterilization process monitors, including proper utilization of appropriate chemical indicators and bacterial spore tests for all sterilizers. The student will be able to:	
24.01	Describe the types of sterilization, sterilization cycles, and parameters for each. 	
24.02	Describe the importance of the manufacturer’s recommendations for the safe operation of each type of sterilizer. 	
24.03	Describe the methods of sterilization monitoring. 	
24.04	Demonstrate the process of preparing and documenting the sterilizer load contents for each sterilizer correctly according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. 	
24.05	Demonstrate the operation, testing, and monitoring of sterilizers according to the manufacturer’s instructions for use.	
24.06	Demonstrate the ability to interpret and document monitoring devices, printouts, and charts accurately for each sterilization system utilized. 	
24.07	Identify the standards for the monitoring of all sterilizers according to facility policies.	
25.0	Demonstrate the ability to identify and select appropriate instrumentation or equipment that meets the needs of the surgical specialty. The student will be able to:	
25.01	Describe instrument terminology and identify the anatomy of surgical instruments (jaws, shanks, box locks, rings, etc.).	
25.02	Describe the types and functions of instruments. 	
25.03	Describe the types of instrument construction and composition. 	
25.04	Demonstrate appropriate techniques for inspection and testing of instruments.	
25.05	Identify instrumentation and equipment by name and usage. 	
25.06	Correctly label instrumentation and equipment. 	
25.07	Demonstrate the methods of instrument identification, marking, and tracking of use. 	
25.08	Demonstrate proper inspection of instrumentation prior to assembly.	
25.09	Demonstrate the assembly of various instrument sets and surgical specialty equipment. 	
25.10	Demonstrate the process regarding the manufacturer’s recommendations for instrument and equipment care, including handling, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. 	
Additional Information

Laboratory Activities

Laboratory investigations that include scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving, emerging technologies, tools and equipment, as well as experimental, quality, and safety procedures are an integral part of this career and technical program/course. Laboratory investigations benefit all students by developing an understanding of the complexity and ambiguity of empirical work, as well as the skills required to manage, operate, calibrate and troubleshoot equipment/tools used to make observations. Students understand measurement error; and have the skills to aggregate, interpret, and present the resulting data. Equipment and supplies should be provided to enhance hands-on experiences for students.

Special Notes

This program meets the Department of Health’s education requirements for HIV/AIDS, Domestic Violence, and Prevention of Medical Errors.  Although not a requirement for initial licensure, it is a requirement for renewal, therefore the instructor may provide a certificate for renewal purposes to the student verifying these requirements have been met.

The standard length of this program is 900 clock hours or 30 credit hours.  This includes the Health Careers Core (90 clock hours).

If students in this program are seeking a licensure, certificate or registration through the Department of Health, please refer to 456.0635, F.S. for more information on disqualification for a license, certificate, or registration through the Department of Health. 

Inquiries about a voluntary certification for sterile processing and distribution may be made to:

Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA)/
International Association of Hospital Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM)
https://myhspa.org/certification/iahcsmm-certifications.html 
55 West Wacker Drive, Suite 501, Chicago, IL 60601
Toll Free: 800-962-8274

Or 

Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution, Inc. (CBSPD)
http://www.sterileprocessing.org/cbspd.htm 
1392 US Hwy 22, Suite #1, Lebanon, NJ 08865 

The Core should be taken first in the program.  Following the successful completion of the core, the National Health Care Foundation Skill Standards Assessment will be taken with instructor approval and the completion of a portfolio.

Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO)

CTSOs are co-curricular career and technical student organizations providing leadership training and reinforcing specific career and technical skills. Career and Technical Student Organizations provide activities for students as an integral part of the instruction offered. Other CTSOs not listed in this curriculum framework or recognized by the Florida Department of Education are permissible provided they support student mastery over the standards and benchmarks of this curriculum framework.

Accommodations

Federal and state legislation requires the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities to meet individual needs and ensure equal access. Postsecondary students with disabilities must self-identify, present documentation, request accommodations if needed, and develop a plan with their counselor and/or instructors. Accommodations received in postsecondary education may differ from those received in secondary education. Accommodations change the way the student is instructed. Students with disabilities may need accommodations in such areas as instructional methods and materials, assignments and assessments, time demands and schedules, learning environment, assistive technology and special communication systems. Documentation of the accommodations requested and provided should be maintained in a confidential file.