Date revised: 1/14/2026
Program Information
This Sterile Processing (STPR) Certificate of Completion is designed to prepare individuals to function competently in the central service department of a healthcare facility. No healthcare experience or previous college education is needed to enroll in these courses. Duties include, but are not limited to, processing of patient care equipment, supplies, and instruments for use in all departments. Sterile Processing Technicians play a crucial role in decontamination, cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, and distribution of medical/surgical supplies. Those who successfully complete this curriculum may become a certified Sterile Processing Technician by taking the National Certification Board for Sterile Processing & Distribution exam. Students will complete approximately 128 externship hours in STPR 148.
| Certificate Length & Courses | Course Format | Entrance Requirments | Semesters Offered | Approximate Cost (2025-2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 semester:
STPR 145
Rund 1st 8-weeks of semester
STPR 148
Runds 2nd 8-weeks of semester
|
Face-to-Face |
Placement Levels:
READING 5
WRITING 4
Age Restriction:
18+
|
Spring |
$1,480.50 *in-district tuition rates
|
*For a detailed look at course costs including tuition rates for all residencies, check out LCC's Tuition Cost Estimator.
All courses must be passed with a minimum grade of 2.5 to earn the certificate. Students must comply with the guidelines outlined in the Environmental Conditions-Standard Precautions section of this document. For more information on this curriculum and career, visit the Surgical Technology & Sterile Processing Program page.
Registration Process
You must be an LCC student to be eligible to complete these courses. Enrollment is on a firstcome-first-serve basis. Due to the nature of legal requirements of some of our clinical partners, some of our programs require a minimum age of 18; please inquire with the program director before registering for classes to ensure that you will be able to proceed with all program requirements.
- If you are not currently and have never been an LCC student, apply to the college. It’s FREE!
- LCC has 3 semesters – Fall, Spring, and Summer. Students can view class offerings and enroll in courses using the Banner system. Visit LCC’s Registration page for a registration guide on how to sign-up for classes. When searching for a course in Banner, STPR classes are in the “Sterile Processing” subject area.
Academic Advisors are available in the Gannon building StarZone. To schedule an appointment, visit the Academic Advising.
Check out LCC’s Academic Calendars for important dates.
Criminal Background Check
In order for these courses and programs to be in compliance with Michigan Public Act 26 of 2006, a Criminal Background investigation is required for all students. Directions for completing a Background Check, which may include fingerprinting and drug testing, will be given once classes begin. Please note digital fingerprinting may also be required by the State of Michigan at the time of application for career licensure. To comply with State and Federal statutes, clinical/externship privileges will be denied for any of the following:
- Any felony conviction within 15 years + three years’ probation prior to application.
- Any misdemeanor within 10 years prior to application that involved or is similar to
the following:
- Abuse, neglect, assault, battery
- Criminal sexual conduct
- Fraud or theft against a vulnerable adult (as defined by the Michigan penal code)
It is the student’s responsibility – prior to pursuing the program – to know whether they are prohibited from providing clinical services.
The Michigan Workforce Background Check Program provides detailed information regarding the types of crimes and their implications to employment suitability in health care facilities and agencies.
Any student who has been charged with a felony or a misdemeanor crime after admission to the program must contact the Program Director within 72 hours of the charge. Students convicted of certain crime(s) may become ineligible for clinical/externship privileges and/or professional certification/licensure, and therefore, may be dismissed from the Program.
Environmental Conditions - Standard Precautions
Applicants must be aware students in this program and profession will be exposed to blood, body tissues, and fluids. There is the potential of exposure to electrical hazards, hazardous waste materials, radiation, poisonous substances, chemicals, loud or unpleasant noises and high stress emergency situations. Students enrolled in this program and career path are at risk for exposure to blood and body fluids and transmission of blood-borne and other infectious diseases, including HIV. The Americans with Disabilities Act forbids discrimination against patients with infectious diseases; therefore, students are required to treat all patients assigned, regardless of the disease-state of the patient. Standard precautions must be followed when treating each patient.
Age Restrictions
Due to the nature of legal requirements of some of our clinical partners, some of our programs require a minimum age of 18; please inquire with the program director before registering for classes to ensure that you will be able to proceed with all program requirements.
Immunizations and Clinical Requirements
Students participating in STPR courses with clinical and/or externship components are required to present evidence from a licensed healthcare provider that they have completed ALL of the following immunizations. Exemptions are not accepted.
- Hepatitis B
- Influenza (flu)
- Tdap
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)
- Varicella
Participants must also provide the following documentation:
- TB test results showing they are free from infection
- PRN health care provider release form
- Results of a Background Check
These requirements are in accordance with professional standards and third-party clinical/externship site requirements. Students are responsible for the cost associated with obtaining immunizations, physicals, BLS certification, and any other items relating to clinical/externship eligibility. Clinical/Externship hours must be completed in-full in order to successfully complete the course and/or certificate. Students who have not met all of the required clinical/externship requirements, including vaccinations, are not eligible to participate in these courses and certificates.
More information about these requirements and how to submit them will be provided once the course begins; do not submit these documents prior to being instructed to do so by program administration. Contact the Program Director for questions regarding clinical/externship requirements.
For most students the easiest way to verify your current vaccination status is to visit the Michigan Immunization Portal and access your State of Michigan immunization record from the Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR). Students are encouraged to consult with their healthcare provider before pursuing these courses to ensure they can meet the immunization and physical requirements.
Allergies
Latex sensitivity and allergy has grown as a health care concern in recent years. Beginning one’s professional life with a latex allergy presents unique problems because of the increased need to don gloves in both medical and non-medical settings, and unavoidable direct contact with products containing latex rubber (gloves, syringes, tubing, etc.), or by inhaling powder from latex gloves. Applicants with latex sensitivity and allergy are therefore encouraged to consult with their primary care physician to ensure their health and safety while participating in the program.
Insurance
Be aware Lansing Community College does not provide accident and health insurance coverage for students. The College provides liability insurance coverage for students in practicum for injuries and damages they cause to others. It does not cover injuries students sustain as a result of their own actions. Students must use personal funds or personal medical insurance as a primary medical coverage payment if accident or injury occurs or if emergency treatment is required.
Chosen/Preferred Name
LCC has adopted a policy providing all members of the campus community the opportunity to use their chosen or preferred name in records and communications across the campus. A chosen/preferred name refers to a first name which is different than the legal first name. Students may request this option via their LCC profile. The student's Chosen/Preferred Name may be used in many contexts, including class rosters, ID Cards (by request), Desire to Learn (D2L) course sites, and more. However, LCC is legally required to use a student's Legal Name for some things. This includes at all clinical and externship sites, on immunization and medical records, official transcripts, diplomas, financial aid records, and more.
Contact Program
Questions about the application process and/or about your application status, should
go to:
Surgical Technology & Sterile Processing Contact Information