The International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM) began formal certification of CS technicians in 1971 to provide a mechanism for individuals to be recognized as having the necessary competence to perform their duties as Central Service professionals.
According to Natalie Lind, CRCST, CHL, FCS, IAHCSMM’s Education Director, the organization continues to fulfill its mission of providing resources that enhance the knowledge of Central Service/Sterile Processing professionals.
“We determine content for our materials using industry standards and guidelines, regulations, changes and hot topics,” said Lind. “We also rely heavily on input from our members and conduct regular surveys to identify areas of need.”
IAHCSMM recently partnered with some of the leading experts in the endoscope reprocessing field to develop a user-friendly text specifically designed for those responsible for endoscope reprocessing. Upcoming education projects include a complete revision of IAHCSMM’s Instrument Resource text, and a revision of the Central Service Leadership Manual.
On the certification front, IAHCSMM is developing a new certification, Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER), which will be available later this year. In addition to the upcoming CER certification, IAHCSMM also offers four other certifications:
- Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST): The accredited introductory certification for CS Professionals
- Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS): A secondary certification focusing on medical instrumentation
- Certified Healthcare Leader (CHL): A secondary certification for CS Management
- Certified Central Service Vendor Program (CCSVP): A certification specifically for CS Vendors
Lind adds that IAHCSMM continues to develop educational resources in conjunction with other providers to offer a variety of learning formats and topics to CS/SP professionals.
For example, IAHCSMM has partnered with Envision to provide educational videos specifically for sterile processing and CS staff (17 videos have been developed in the past few years). New videos that will be offered in 2017 include:
- 10 Steps to Flexible Endoscope Reprocessing
- High-Level Disinfection; Monitoring and Documentation
- Interpreting Guidelines, Standards and IFU
In addition, IAHCSMM and Purdue University have an educational partnership that dates back to the 1970s. That partnership includes both online courses and continuing education lessons. The IAHCSMM team is currently assisting Purdue University with a revision of their online course, which is based on the Eighth Edition of the IAHCSMM Central Service Technical Manual.
IAHCSMM also partners with C-Step for the development of online continuing education offerings.
Kara Nadeau | Senior Contributing Editor
Kara Nadeau is Sterile Processing Editor for Healthcare Purchasing News.
