CENTRAL SERVICE TECHNOLOGY
Provide Vital Support
Students who become Central Service Technicians are key to the healthcare system including hospitals and clinics throughout San Diego County. These professionals clean and sterilize vital instruments and equipment used throughout the healthcare facility for patient care.
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The Central Service Technology (CST) Program trains students in proper sterilization of surgical instruments and handling of medical equipment. Central Service Technicians work primarily in the Sterile Processing Department or Central Service Department and work with medical supplies, equipment, and processing of surgical instruments. Upon satisfactory completion of the program, the student is eligible for a Southwestern College Certificate of Proficiency and to take the International Certification Exam. The salary of a Central Service Technician ranges from $21 to $35 per hour, and can vary based on experience, educational background and from facility to facility.
The program requires that students have the ability to communicate effectively in the English language (comprehension, verbal and writing skills). This is based on requirements from clinical facilities as English is the working language in San Diego healthcare facilities.
Course Description
The course covers introduction to central service. Topics include microbiology, aseptic technique, disinfection, decontamination, sterilization, and wrapping/packaging of surgical instruments; review of body systems and surgical instruments; medical terminology, safety, risk management, regulations, inventory management, ethical responsibilities, and communication skills. Laboratory experience supports the introduction to the hospital Central Supply Unit and the role of the Central Supply Technician.
The program consists of three courses. Each course is nine-weeks in length (for a total of 27 weeks) and is limited to 20 students per course.
- ST-10A is two evenings a week on Tuesday & Thursday from 5:45 pm - 9:35 pm and Saturday from 8:00 am - 11:50 am for nine weeks.
- ST-10B & ST-10C courses are 200 hours each in the laboratory (hospital setting).
Admission Procedures
The Central Service Technology (CST) Program accepts 10-20 students every fall semester. The program does not have prerequisites. Submit your CST application packet during the application period. Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received. Complete application packets will be given first priority.
- Download and review the Central Service Technology Program Checklist & Application (PDF) for details on all that is needed to apply.
- The required documents and forms on pages 1-2 of the checklist must be submitted by the application deadline.
- If you are offered a seat in the program, additional documents and forms listed on page 3 will be submitted by specific dates provided to you by the Nursing & Health Occupation Programs (NHOP) Office.
Letters of acceptance will be emailed to SWC email accounts after the application deadline, and after all applications have been reviewed. Notifications will not be sent to personal email accounts.
All accepted students are expected to meet on the first day of class. Students who fail to meet on the first day of class will have to re-apply for the next available course.
Fall 2025 Application Period
Central Service Technology Program application packets will be accepted:
April 8 - May 2, 2025
The application packet can be submitted in person or by U.S. Mail. If sending by mail, application packet must be postmarked by the deadline to be considered. Submitting an application does not guarantee entry into the program. Students admitted to the program will start in fall semester (August).
Application Documents & Instructions
Use the Central Service Technology Program Checklist & Application (PDF) on pages 1-2 as a guide to help you prepare and gather all required documents and forms to apply for the program.
Update related to CoVid-19 vaccine: Major Healthcare Systems in San Diego County require students and faculty to be fully vaccinated for Covid-19. Students and faculty must have the most recent Covid-19 booster recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Applicants to any Nursing and Health Occupations Program (ADN, VN-Step-up, VN, CNA, Acute Care CNA, Surgical Technology, Central Service Technician, and Operating Room Nurse) will be required to submit proof of vaccine status and most recent booster at time of application (Rev. 10-10-24).
- Central Service Technology Program Checklist & Application (PDF) (Updated 02-10-25)
- Physical Exam and Immunization Forms (PDF)
- Program Information & Application Period (PDF) (Updated 02-10-25)