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

  1. Apply to FRCC
  2. Review Online Information Session
  3. Submit Your Information
    Send us an email with the following information:
    • Your S#
    • Name used in application
    • Email
    • Phone number
    • Indicate your interest in the traditional pathway.
  4. Sign into MyCourses and Upload Documents
    Once steps 1-3 are complete, you will gain access to the Sterile Processing program shell on MyCourses. Here you will update all necessary documents under the assignments folder.
    Below are the deadlines for uploading immunizations for upcoming semesters:

    • Spring 2025 immunization documentation deadline: November 15, 2024
    • Fall 2025 immunization documentation deadline: June 13, 2025
  5. Email the Clinical Coordinator Upon Completion
    Once all required documents have been uploaded, please email our clinical coordinator, Tonja Akers.
  6. Background Check & Drug Test
    After you've emailed the clinical coordinator, you will receive background check and drug screen instructions, which will be due two weeks after the immunization documentation deadline.
  7. Register for Classes
    Once all steps are complete, you will receive a welcome email with the registration codes you will need 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
Natalie Hansen