DCCC to Graduate Inaugural Class in Central Sterile Processing Program

The new Central Sterile Processing program at Davidson County Community College will graduate its first class during the college’s May 14 commencement on the Davidson Campus. The Davie Medical Center – Mocksville surgical suite serves as the host site for the program, allowing students direct training with actual medical equipment used in hospitals.

All program graduates, who have chosen to continue in the profession, will be employed by local hospitals. These students plan on completing the national certification exam in early May.

“I loved learning all the instruments and having firsthand experience in the lab and in clinical,” says Melissa Oldham, one of seven students who started the program last fall and will be graduating.

The Central Sterile Processing certificate program prepares students to properly disinfect, prepare, process, store and issue both sterile and non-sterile supplies and equipment for patient care. Students learn how to operate sterilizing units and monitor the sterilization process.

“We are very honored to be graduating the first class of the Central Sterile Processing program here at Davidson County Community College. It has been an exciting year in our new location,” says Renee Fortenberry, program director/faculty for the program. “Our hands-on lab, along with a structured clinical experience from our supportive hospital affiliates, has helped us to provide an outstanding educational opportunity and achieve our program goals.”

Employment opportunities for those with central sterile processing credentials include opportunities in surgery centers, dialysis facilities and central processing units in hospitals. Students in the program complete clinics at area hospitals, helping to further prepare them for the workforce.

“We would like to express our gratitude to the surrounding hospitals for their help and support in the success of our students,” says Dee Anne Edwards, instructor for Central Sterile Processing. “We look forward to the future of the program as it continues to grow and expand.”

For additional information about the Central Sterile Processing program, contact Fortenberry at 336-249-8186, ext. 6477.

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Photo: Faculty and members of the first DCCC Central Sterile Processing graduating class from left to right Renee Fortenberry (director), Dee Anne Edwards (instructor), Retina Dingle, Elizabeth Butcher, Melissa Oldham, Riley Essick, Patricia Dunn, Samantha Griffin, Meredith Dinkins (not pictured).