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What is a Central Processing & Endoscope Reprocessing Technician?
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Central Processing Technicians are essential to infection prevention in healthcare settings. They clean, sterilize, assemble, and distribute surgical instruments and equipment used throughout hospitals and clinics. Graduates may work in hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, physician offices, medical sales, or laboratories. Starting pay is approximately $18/hour.
Endoscope Reprocessing Technicians specialize in handling and sterilizing endoscopic equipment. They ensure instruments are properly disassembled, decontaminated, tested, and reassembled for safe patient use. Starting pay is approximately $19/hour.
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| Certifications |
Programs prepare students for the following certifications:
• Central Processing: CRCST, CSPDT
• Endoscope Reprocessing: CER, CFER
Learn more at myhspa.org and cbspd.net.
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Minimum Age Requirement
Length of Program
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Age 18 at the time program starts.
2 semesters (including corequisite courses); Program courses must be taken simultaneously in the same semester
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Admissions and Application Process
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- Apply to Gwinnett Tech at www.gwinnettTech.edu, submit all transcripts from high school and previous college work.
- Take the ACCUPLACER test if required.
- All applicants are required to submit a program advisement form prior to the deadline: June 1st. Forms are available here: http://www.gwinnetttech.edu/enrollment/forms-documents/
- Attend a mandatory post-deadline meeting.
- Complete background check and drug screening.
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Semester Program Begins
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Fall semester; Full time
Class Schedule:
- Day Class: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.; Clinical: 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
- Night Class: 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.; Clinical: 3:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
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| Program Schedule |
Classes meet Monday - Thursday for the first five weeks of the 1st semester. For the remainder of the semester and 2nd semester, class is held on Mondays and students attend clinical rotations Tuesday - Friday.
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| Program Deadlines |
Fall application deadline: June
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| Estimated Program Cost and Requirements |
• Background check & drug screen: $90
• Immunizations: $200-$300
• BLS Certification: $50-$70
• Books: $85-$100
• Certification Exams: ~$280
• Uniforms & Supplies: Varies
• GTC Student ID: $5
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Additional Program Information
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This program contains courses which expire. Please see the Course Expiration Information Sheet for additional details. |
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Josh Vejar, Program Support Specialist, jvejar@gwinnettTech.edu , 678-226-6404.
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| For admission and enrollment, contact: |
Enrollment Support Center in Building A at the Lawrenceville campus, or Building A-NF at the Alpharetta-North Fulton campus, or email HealthTeam@GwinnettTech.edu.
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Quick Facts
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2023 Median Pay, for the entire U.S., for all levels of experience
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$45,280 per year / $21.77 per hour (NOT a starting salary)
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| Entry level education |
Certificate completion |
| Number of jobs, 2023 |
66,790 |
| Job growth, 2022-2032 |
5-8% (much faster than average) |
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Role Overview
Sterile Processing and Endoscope Reprocessing Technicians are critical to infection prevention and surgical safety. They ensure medical instruments are properly cleaned, sterilized, and maintained.
Key Responsibilities:
• Decontaminate surgical instruments using specialized equipment and chemicals
• Operate and maintain sterilization devices (e.g., steam autoclaves)
• Inspect instruments for damage or wear
• Prepare and distribute equipment for surgical procedures
• Clean and reprocess endoscopes per manufacturer and industry standards
• Perform quality assurance and infection control procedures
National Center for O*NET Development. 31-9093.00 - Medical Equipment Preparers. O*NET OnLine. Retrieved May 4, 2024, from https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/31-9093.00
Gwinnett Tech does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, sex, religion, disability, age, political affiliation or belief, genetic information, veteran status, or citizenship status. For compliance concerns, contact Lisa Richardson, Section 504/ADA, Title IX and Equity Coordinator, at lrichardson@gwinnetttech.edu, 678-226-6691, Building A, Office 515.
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