Sterile Processing Program Requirements

Admissions requirements will depend on what pathway you choose to complete the Sterile Processing program. Get information on our two pathways and the admissions process for each.

Apprenticeship Pathway

In the apprenticeship pathway, students are chosen and hired by one of our partner employers. During the week, they work full-time at one of the partner employer locations and take classes at FRCC on the weekend.

The apprenticeship program is completed in 15 weeks. For more information about the apprenticeship pathway, including partner employers and signup for the interest list, visit our apprenticeship webpage.

  • FRCC partners with a variety of employers to offer sterile processing apprenticeships. Apprentices follow different requirements depending on where they are hired.
  • This program has two cohort start dates per year: January and August. Employers generally hire 2-3 months ahead of the cohort start dates.

CommonSpirit Apprenticeship Requirements

You will complete all requirements through CommonSpirit, once hired by them as a sterile processing apprentice.

Learn more about apprenticeships

Other Sterile Processing Apprenticeship Requirements

  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Must pass background check and drug screen with FRCC ($63 cost)
  • Must have BLS for providers CPR Certification
  • Must show proof of the following immunizations:
    • Varicella (Chicken Pox) x 2
    • MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) x 2
    • Hepatitis B (3 series vaccination; first two have to be completed and the third has to be scheduled by time the program begins)
    • Tetanus (Tdap; Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis; must be repeated if current one is older than 10 years)
    • Two step Negative TB Test Results done in last year or Blood test - QuantiFERON Gold
    • Seasonal Flu Shot (Influenza; done between October 1 and March 31)
    • COVID-19 vaccine series

Learn more about apprenticeships

Traditional Pathway

The traditional program is a one-semester program including courses, lecture, lab, internship and exam prep. This pathway has limited spaces, available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The two cohort start dates per year are in January and August.

See Program Overview

Traditional Pathway Steps to Apply

Step 1: Apply to FRCC

Apply to become a student at FRCC. Choose AA in Health Sciences as your major.

Tip: You will also need to complete the steps below to apply to the Surgical Technology Program. 

Apply to FRCC

Step 2: Review Online Information Session

Our online information session will give you an overview of the program, as well as the application process.

Online Information Session

Step 3: Preregistration

  1. Once you've completed Steps 1-3, you will receive a preregistration packet along with a link to upload your documentation.

    As part of this step, you will need to upload immunization documentation by the immunization documentation deadline:
    • Spring 2025: November 15, 2024
    • Fall 2025: June 13, 2025
  2.  Your documentation will be reviewed and once approved, you will receive an email from our Clinical Coordinator, Tonja Akers that will:
    • Confirm your documentation
    • Include links for you to complete your next steps, including a background check and drug test

 

Step 4: Complete Background Check & Drug Test

Using the links instructions sent to you by our Clinical Coordinator, you will need to complete a background check and drug test. This is due two weeks after the immunization documentation deadline (found in Step 3).

Step 5: Register for Classes

Once all the steps above are completed you will receive a welcome email with registration codes. These will be used to register for the program.

Traditional Pathway Information and Q&A

What documents are necessary for registration?

  • Immunization Record
  • Release of Medical Record 
  • Centura Form 
  • Proof of Age
  • Proof of Education
  • CPR
  • Student Information Form
  • Background Check
  • Proof of Drug Screen

These forms can be found in MyCourses in the Assignments folder. The completed forms should be submitted in the order above.  There are specific due dates for these forms so please refer to the Internship Packet.

What does this program involve?

This is a one-semester program which includes the following:

  • Lecture
  • Lab
  • Internship (400 hours of SPD experience at a hospital facility)
  • Exam Prep Course

What are the requirements for this program

  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Must pass background check and drug screen with FRCC ($63 cost)
  • Must have BLS for providers CPR Certification
  • Must show proof of the following immunizations prior to registration. Please attend an info session to learn how to submit your immunization documentation

What immunizations are required for this program

  • Varicella (Chicken Pox) x 2
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) x 2
  • Hepatitis B (3 series vaccination; first two have to be completed and the third has to be scheduled by time the program begins)
  • Tetanus (Tdap; Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis; must be repeated if current one is older than 10 years)
  • Two step Negative TB Test Results done in last year or Blood test - QuantiFERON Gold
  • Seasonal Flu Shot (Influenza; done between October 1 and March 31)
  • COVID-19 vaccine series

When are the classes?

Classes are on Sundays at St. Anthony’s North Hospital in Westminster, CO

  • These are hybrid classes: in-person classes all day combined with as assignments to be completed online as well

What's next after completion of the program?

  • Upon completion of the program with a 70% or higher, you will earn your Sterile Processing Certificate from Front Range Community College. 
  • You will then sit for your Certification Exam through HSPA to become a CRCST. 

 

Questions?

Feel free to reach out to our team.
Program Director
Saundra Block