Sterile Processing Program Requirements

Apply to become a student at FRCC. 

Complete the interest form to receive the informative Sterile Processing Program email. This email will include the following:

• Student Information PowerPoint – An overview of the program, expectations, cost and key details.
• Program Outline – A breakdown of courses and the sequence you’ll follow throughout the program.
• Sterile Processing Packet – This packet will guide you through everything needed to complete your application for Part A.
• Application Link – You’ll use this link when it’s time to submit your official application (Part A).
• SPI Student Handbook – A detailed resource about policies and procedures. (You do not need to sign or return the last pages at this time.)"

An interest form MUST be completed to be eligible to apply to the program.

Next, you will receive the Informative Sterile Processing Program email. This email includes important information packets and checklists.

Read these carefully and begin gathering the required documents.

To prepare your application, use the Sterile Processing Packet. 

1. • Questions regarding the application requirements can be directed to the Clinic Coordinator, Tonja Akers
   • Questions regarding the program details can be directed to the Sterile Processing
     Program Director, Saundra Block.

Inside the Sterile Processing Packet, you'll find the application link. When the application period opens, you upload your completed application and required documents through that link.

Upcoming Application Periods:

• Spring 2027

  9/28/26 to 10/9/26

• Fall 2027

  4/19/27 to 4/30/27

Once your application is submitted, your documentation will be reviewed. You will receive an email from our Clinical Coordinator, Tonja Akers, that will:

• Confirm documentation/application and either approve or deny it.
  
  • Denied applications will be provided with a detailed description of the reason for denial and what is needed for resubmission.
• Include links for you to complete your next steps, including a background check and drug screen.

Incomplete applications will not be reviewed or accepted. Some applicants may need to provide additional documentation before moving to the next Part B. Additional materials provided after the posted deadline will not be accepted.

After your application has been reviewed, you will be notified of your status using the email address(es) provided on the interest form no later than 30 business days after the application deadline. Applicants whose submissions are among the first 16 received will be sent a “Welcome” email from the Program Director. This email will include next steps and instructions on how to register for the program.

The “Welcome to SPI — Your Seat Has Been Reserved!” email will include:

• Additional program details
• A copy of the SPI Student Handbook
• A link to the “Future SPI Student” Quizlet course
• Orientation date and information
• Instructions for registering for SPI courses

IMPORTANT: Your final acceptance into the program is contingent upon successful completion of Part B: Clinical Requirements (see Step 6). At that time, you will be required to complete the following:

• Updated flu vaccine (current season)
• Tuberculosis (TB) screening
• Registration and payment with myClinicalExchange
• Background check
• Drug screen
• Document renewals (such as a government-issued ID)
• Any additional required program documentation

A detailed clinical requirements packet, including step-by-step instructions, will be sent at a later date to guide you through this process.

If you would like to schedule an advising appointment, you may book online through Navigate or call Wolf Central at any campus location:

• Boulder County Campus: 303-678-3722
• Larimer Campus: 970-204-8332
• Westminster Campus: 303-404-5300

The final step in the process is the completion of the required background check and drug screen. These requirements must be successfully completed and cleared before a student may officially begin the Sterile Processing Program.

IMPORTANT: Do not complete this step on your own or through an outside company.

At orientation, The Clinical Coordinator will supply students with the official CastleBranch link and instructions required to complete your background check and drug screen. Only results submitted through the provided link will be accepted by the program.

The CastleBranch package includes both the background check and drug screen and is completed at the applicant’s expense.

Cost: $74.00 + $2.99 service fee

After your background check and drug screen have been successfully cleared, you will receive a confirmation email from the Clinical Coordinator stating that you are cleared to proceed in the program.

Please retain copies of all submitted documentation for your records.

Please Note: Incomplete applications will not be processed. Additional materials submitted after the posted deadline will not be accepted.

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

Semester One:

• SPI 1000: Sterile Instrument Processing, 4 credits 
• SPI 1001: Sterile Instrument Lab Skills, 4 credits

Semester Two:

• SPI 1081: Internship: Sterile Processing, 9 credits 
• SPI 2079: Seminar: Sterile Processing, 1 credit 

Program Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Proof of the below listed immunizations/vaccinations/screenings must be provide and approved
  during Part A of the application process and prior to registration
• Must have BLS for providers CPR Certification from the American Heart Association
• Must pass background check and drug screen with FRCC’s partner, CastleBranch
  • Specific instructions are given in Part B of the application process

Required immunizations

• Varicella (Chicken Pox)
  
  • 2 shot series or proof of Immunity with serologic blood titer with labs
• MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)
  
  • 2 shot series or proof of Immunity with serologic blood titer with labs
• Hepatitis B
  
  • 3 shot series or proof of Immunity with serologic blood titer with labs
  • Students beginning the series must complete the first two shots with the third scheduled.
• Tetanus (Tdap; Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
  
  • Boosters are every 10 years. Vaccinations must remain valid through the end of
    the clinical semester.
• Seasonal Influenza Shot (Flu)
  
  • New vaccination required every August at the beginning of the flu season
• COVID-19 vaccine
  
  • Any single vaccination record will due, and it does not need to be recent.
  • A vaccination exemption may be requested in the application note section.
• Negative Tuberculosis (TB) Test was done last year and valid to through the end of the
  clinical semester.
  
  • PPD skin test, Blood test-QuantiFERON-TB Gold plus test, or negative chest x-ray
    are accepted
  • This step will be completed during orientation week once accepted into the
    program

During the first semester, classes are on held on Thursdays at the Larimer Campus in Fort Collins from and Sundays at St. Anthony’s North Hospital in Westminster, CO. Attendance at both locations each week is required the first semester.

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

• 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.