Fayetteville Technical Community College’s High School Central Sterile Processing Program aims to bridge the gap between secondary education and the healthcare industry. Students gain the essential skills needed to thrive in one of the most critical areas of healthcare – Central Sterile Processing.
As the demand for highly trained sterile processing professionals continues to grow, FTCC’s program offers a practical solution to build a skilled workforce pipeline. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for sterile processing technicians will continue to grow at an increasing rate.
The High School Central Sterile Processing Program is the first of its kind in our service area. It offers high school seniors in the Cumberland County School District a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a highly specialized field.
Through classroom instruction and practical training, students will learn the intricate processes involved in cleaning, sterilizing, and managing surgical instruments and equipment. The program will allow high school seniors an excellent foundation for those interested in exploring and advancing into other healthcare roles, as the program provides a solid footing in infection control and patient safety. In addition, allowing students to have a stackable credential, such as the certification in sterile processing, instills a sense of accomplishment and confidence.
High school graduates enter the workforce knowing they have valuable, validated skills they worked hard to attain, achieved personal growth, and obtained a sense of pride in their achievements. More importantly, this confidence can positively impact their academic motivation and self-esteem as they prepare for life after high school.
This innovative program has received enthusiastic support from local hospitals that recognize the importance of training a new generation of healthcare workers to address the current and future workforce gap.
The program is also a vital community resource, strengthening the healthcare system by preparing skilled entry-level professionals. In addition to gaining job-ready skills, students are also able to save on college tuition costs through the dual-enrollment structure established between FTCC and Cumberland County Schools. This format offers significant financial advantages for both families and students, which allows students to earn college credits for free or at a reduced rate while still in high school.
As the department chair for this program, I can share with potential students that this program is a game-changer for high school seniors.
It opens doors for dual enrollment, allowing seniors to earn high school and college credits before graduation and thereby save themselves and their parents significant dollars in achieving a college degree. The bottom line is our graduates gain real-world experiences, a professional certification, and complete a pathway into a growing and high-demand, good-paying career.
Students interested in enrolling in the program are encouraged to contact FTCC’s Department of Surgical Services or Student Services.
As the program continues to grow, it is expected to serve as a role model for other communities that are looking to address the healthcare workforce shortages through innovative educational initiatives.
These initiatives exemplify how education and industry collaboration can open the doors for unlimited possibilities for young professionals while strengthening the healthcare system. I invite you to reach out at herringt@faytechcc.edu or contact an admissions counselor who specializes in assisting students interested in healthcare programs of study at healthproadmissions@faytechcc.edu.