Program Tips

Academic Advising & Student Success

Academic advisors assist students with developing education plans based on their graduation audit. Their goal is to plan the right pathway to graduation by maximizing students' potential and ensuring success based on the student's previous academic experience, career path, and responsibilities outside of being a student. Student success specialists assist students in overcoming barriers that many students encounter over their academic career. Their goal is to help students become academically successful by assisting with goal setting, interpersonal issues, success plans, and community-based referrals. More information can be found on Commons (Student Services).

Technology Requirements

Students must have access to a computer or device with a webcam and have reliable Wi-Fi at home or off-campus.

Library & Academic Support

The one-stop spot for academic help! Free academic help including drop-in tutoring, test preparation, research guidance, and technology support available online and face-to-face. More information is available in Commons.

Criminal Background Check

Upon starting the core program, students will be provided directions on how to request a criminal background check from a third party vendor. Please note that a fee will apply. Upon receipt of the criminal background check results, if a student has a criminal history, they will be advised of the possibility of being denied clinical placement. This denial could result in not being able to attend clinical(s) or graduate from the program. Additional background checks may be required during the student's enrollment in the program based on clinical site requirements. Students will be informed by CVTC if they need a criminal background check renewal.

Clinical Compliance

To be compliant with CVTC's partnering clinical agencies and the agencies' regulating bodies, for example the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), students must be prepared to abide by vaccination mandates and health and safety guidelines as directed by those bodies. Vaccination requirements and health documentation must be completed and on file in Clinician Nexus prior to entering the core courses of this program. CVTC will notify students at the appropriate time with a specified deadline. Students will receive an email invite from Clinician Nexus to create an account and upload their own clinical compliance documents. Students are responsible for maintaining their own records. 

CPR

Obtain and maintain current CPR certification through either the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. The certification required is BLS Provider or Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers. Proof must be verified with a current CPR card or an electronic certificate. Class rosters and letters from instructors or employers are not acceptable. Students are responsible for submitting proof of current CPR certification to Clinician Nexus prior to starting the core program. CPR certification must be kept current throughout the program. CVTC offers CPR-BLS Provider courses; find more information at cvtc.edu/seminars. 

Uniforms

Students are required to purchase uniforms/scrubs when they begin core courses and more information will be shared at the appropriate time.

Clinical Sites

Clinical sites include Eau Claire, Altoona, Rice Lake, Barron, and Menomonie or as assigned by the program director. 

Certification

Completion of the Sterile Processing Technician program will benefit individuals by allowing them to sit for the International Certification exam much sooner than if they trained on the job. Upon completion of clinical hour requirements, students completing this technical diploma may take the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association's "Central Service Technician" certification exam. Learn more about the CRCST certification. The primary objective of the program is to promote the education of healthcare sterile processing and distribution personnel through certification to ensure safe and effective levels of practice to protect the public.

Employment Opportunities

Employment opportunities may be available in dental offices, medical clinics, and hospitals within central services, anesthesia, materials management, or the surgical area.

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)

CPL offers CVTC students an opportunity to earn college credit toward an associate degree or technical diploma for previous knowledge and mastered skills directly related to program curriculum. Previous knowledge and skills may be the result of work or volunteer experiences, certifications, apprenticeships, military experience, and courses completed at other institutions. If a student wishes to attempt CPL for a course in progress, it is imperative that CPL is attempted within the first week of the class to be eligible for a tuition refund. More information can be found at cvtc.edu/CPL.

Financial Aid Consideration

This program does not qualify for financial aid.

Students with Disabilities

CVTC welcomes individuals with disabilities. We will provide and coordinate reasonable accommodations for all individuals with documented disabilities. Students that might benefit from accommodations during their college experience at CVTC can contact the Student Success and Accessibility team at 715-833-6234 or access@cvtc.edu to determine what accommodations they may be eligible for and what documentation may be required.

Title IX Pregnancy and Related Conditions

CVTC does not discriminate against any student based on pregnancy or related conditions and will fully comply with Title IX regulations. Related conditions include, but are not limited to, childbirth, breastfeeding/pumping, miscarriage, abortion, false pregnancy, and recovery from these or related conditions. Students who are pregnant or are experiencing related conditions are entitled to reasonable modifications to ensure equal access to CVTC's educational program and activity. Any student seeking reasonable modifications must contact the Student Success and Accessibility team at 715-833-6234 or access@cvtc.edu to discuss appropriate and available modifications based on their individual needs. Students are encouraged to request pregnancy-related modifications as promptly as possible.

Last Updated: February 24, 2026 @ 3:05 p.m.