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 with a current and valid government-issued
    photo identification
    • Driver’s License, Driver’s Permit, Passport, Student visa, Federal ID, state
      ID, etc.
  • Must pass background check and drug screen
  • Minimum level of Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR training with the American Heart
    Association (AHA)
    • BLS will not be accepted by any other organization, such as the American
      Red Cross.
  • Must show proof of immunization for the following diseases:
    • Varicella (Chicken Pox)
      • two-shot series or titer with labs
    • MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)
      • two-shot series or titer with labs
    • Hepatitis B
      • two or three-shot series or titer with labs
    • Tetanus (Tdap; Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) within the last 10 years
    • Seasonal Flu shot
    • Negative Tuberculosis (TB) Test within the last 12 months
      • QuantiFERON-Gold (Preferred)
        OR
      • PPD/T-spot
        OR
      • Chest X-ray with a physician’s statement
    • Students must meet all requirements of their assigned Clinical/Internship/Practicum placement site, which may include specific vaccinations and/or other requirements not listed here.

Learn more about apprenticeships

Traditional Pathway

The Sterile Processing Program at Front Range Community College uses a competitive admissions process based on a first-come, first-served model. Admission is secured only after completing all preregistration requirements, including passing both a background check and drug screen. Please note that the number of admitted students may be limited due to clinical site availability.

The two cohort start dates per year are in January and August. Please complete each step listed below to begin.

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.

Apply to FRCC

Step 2: Complete Program Interest Form

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

  • Program outline
  • SP Clinical Packet 1
  • Pre-registration link to begin Part One of the process (you will complete this in
    step 3)
  • SPI Student Handbook (there is no need to sign and return the last pages at this
    time)
  • Access to our Student Information PowerPoint

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

Program Interest Form

Step 3: Begin The Application Process

  1. Once you’ve completed steps 1 & 2, you will need to review the emailed information packets and checklist carefully and begin to gather documents. To complete this step you will need the SP Clinical Packet 1 and will be utilizing the preregistration link during the appropriate application period to submit the required documents.
    • 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.
  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

Application period: A two-step process

  • Step 1: Submit your application documents within the application period
    • Spring 2026: 9/15/25 to 10/17/25
    • Fall 2026: 3/26/26 to 4/17/26
  • Once submitted, you will receive a review email from the clinic coordinator
    • Some applicants may need to provide additional documentation prior to
      moving to Step 2.

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. 

  • There is a fee of $74.99 + $2.99 service fee for the background check and drug screen
    package at the cost of the applicant
  • After applicants have cleared the background check and drug screen, they will receive a
    confirmation email from the Clinic Coordinator that their application is complete.
  • Retain a copy of all documentation for your records. You will be notified of your
    placement status via the email(s) given in the interest form, no later than 30 business
    days after the application deadline.
  • Incomplete applications will not be processed. Additional materials provided after the
    posted deadline will not be accepted.

Step 5: Register for Classes

Once all the steps above are completed you will receive a welcome email from the program director. This email will give instructions on next steps as well as how to register for the program.
*NOTE* You are not guaranteed a seat until you receive the welcome email stating your spot has been reserved!

Traditional Pathway Information and Q&A

What documents must be attached to the preregistration form?

  • Immunization Record
  • Release of Medical Record 
  • Centura Form 
  • A valid government-issued photo ID
  • BLS with AHA (American Heart Association)
  • Background Check
  • Proof of Drug Screen

Note: you must complete the program interest form in order to receive your preregistration packet and gain access to the preregistration form.

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 immunizations or other requirements are required for this program

  • Must be at least 18 years of age with a current and valid government-issued
    photo identification
    • Driver’s License, Driver’s Permit, Passport, Student visa, Federal ID, state
      ID, etc.
  • Must pass background check and drug screen ($76.99 cost)
  • Minimum level of Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR training with the American Heart
    Association (AHA)
    • BLS will not be accepted by any other organization, such as the American
      Red Cross.
  • Must show proof of immunization for the following diseases:
    • Varicella (Chicken Pox)
      • two-shot series or titer with labs
    • MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)
      • two-shot series or titer with labs
    • Hepatitis B
      • two or three-shot series or titer with labs
    • Tetanus (Tdap; Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) within the last 10 years
    • Seasonal Flu shot
    • Negative Tuberculosis (TB) Test within the last 12 months
      • QuantiFERON-Gold (Preferred)
        OR
      • PPD/T-spot
        OR
      • Chest X-ray with a physician’s statement
    • Students must meet all requirements of their assigned Clinical/Internship/Practicum placement site, which may include specific vaccinations and/or other requirements not listed here.

Note: after completing the program interest form, you must upload immunization and other requirement documents to the preregistration form.

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