Hospital Central Service Technology / Get Started Today

Step 2: Complete Your Admissions Application

If you’re new to GateWay or the Maricopa Community Colleges, or if you need to reapply, click the button below and follow the instructions to complete your admissions application:

Become a Student

• New Students: Click "Join Now" to create an account.
• Returning Students: Click "Log In" and enter your MEID and password. If you do not
  remember your MEID or password, select “Forgot your Username?” and/or “Forgot your
  Password?” for assistance.

What to Enter on Your Application:

Duo Two-Factor Authentication 

After completing your admission application, you will need to set up Duo two-factor authentication. Click on the link to set up your Duo two-factor authentication account.  

For further assistance, contact Enrollment Services at (602) 238-4350 or visit the Enrollment Services department at our Washington Campus  campus in person at 108 North 40th Street Phoenix, AZ 85034 

Step 3: Prerequisites

Before submitting your application, the following requirements must be completed:

• You must complete all prerequisite courses with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in those required courses.

Official Transcripts

Submit your official transcripts for all previous college coursework to the Admissions, Records, and Registration Office.

Transfer Course Credits

Step 4: Selective Annual Admission Process 

GateWay Community College Health Science programs follow a selective admissions process. The Hospital Central Service Program admits students on a first-come, first-served basis and currently maintains a waitlist.

How to Apply

To be considered for admission, applicants must:

• Complete all general education requirements with a minimum GPA of 3.0
• Submit an application in person, by mail, or via email to
  [email protected]

After your application is received, you will receive a confirmation email sent to your Maricopa student email account. Be sure to check this account regularly or set up email forwarding to your preferred inbox.

Important Reminders

• Waitlist status may change. Contact [email protected]
  for the most current information
• Keep your contact information up to date with GateWay’s Admissions and Records department
• All official program updates and communications are sent exclusively to your Maricopa student email

Staying informed and maintaining accurate contact information will help ensure a smooth admissions process.

Step 5: Program Application and Checklist

To view and apply for Hospital Central Service Technology, Click Here.

Email your completed documents to [email protected] using your official Maricopa student email address.

Step 6: Background Check and Fingerprint Clearance

After you are accepted into the program, you will receive detailed instructions from the Health and Safety Administrator on how to complete all required health and safety steps.

To begin the program, you must:

• Present a valid Level One AZ DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card
• Pass the MCCCD Background Check

Important Notes

• Students cannot be placed in clinical experiences unless all background and fingerprint requirements are met.
• You are responsible for any associated costs.
• Students are encouraged to apply for the fingerprint card early in the process. Please allow a minimum of eight weeks for DPS Level One processing.
• The AZ Fingerprint Clearance Card is valid for six years from the date of issue.
• Deadlines to complete the Health and Safety will be given by Program Director. 

Step 7: Enrollment 

Enrollment clearance is contingent upon successful completion of both the background check and the program application.

Program Admission

Applicants who are admitted to the program will receive an acceptance letter along with an acknowledgement form.

The acknowledgement form must be completed and returned by the deadline stated in the acceptance letter to secure your seat in the program.

Program Orientation

Attendance at New Student Orientation is mandatory for all Hospital Central Service Program students.

Details regarding the date, time, and location of orientation will be sent to your Maricopa student email account. Students are responsible for monitoring this email for all official program communications.

Step 7: Payment Options / Funding

You must have Financial Aid or a payment plan set up before your program start date.

Students who do not arrange payment in advance may be dropped from their classes for non-payment.

Financial Aid

Payment Plans

Scholarship Opportunities

Veterans Services

Important Reminders

★ Regularly check your Maricopa student email and Student Center for updates on payment balances and deadlines. 

★ If you’ve applied for financial aid, check for any pending "To Do List" items that may delay your award. 

★ Your seat in the program is not secured until your funding is confirmed. Failure to meet payment deadlines may result in being dropped from the program.

Can I apply previously earned college credits to this program of study? 

Previously earned college credits may be acceptable towards degree/certificate requirements however they should be checked for equivalency by the GateWay Community College Program Adviser. 

Are Military Veterans Given Priority for the Hospital Central Service Program?

Yes! GateWay Community College is proud to support military veterans in their educational journey.

Each Fall, the Surgical Technology Program reserves the first two seats in the cohort specifically for eligible military veterans. To be considered for one of these reserved seats, applicants must:

• Submit a copy of their DD214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)
• Complete all other Selective Admissions requirements

This initiative reflects our commitment to honoring your service and helping you transition into a rewarding healthcare career.

If I have a criminal record will that prohibit me from being able to enroll? 

A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from pursuing a career in Hospital Center Service. However, there are important requirements you must meet to participate in the clinical portion of the program:

Required Clearances:

• Arizona Level-One Fingerprint Clearance Card
   Issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety, this card is required by our clinical partners to ensure student eligibility for hospital-based training.
• Federal Office of Inspector General (OIG) Exclusion List
   Students must not be listed on the OIG’s Exclusion List, which identifies individuals barred from participating in federally funded healthcare programs
• Appeals Process: Appeals to obtain the required clearances may be considered by the appropriate health and safety regulatory agencies or departments. Students are encouraged to contact these agencies directly to inquire about eligibility and appeal procedures.

How many students are admitted into the program? 

The Hospital Central Service program admits up to 25 students during Fall.

I live outside Maricopa County. Is it possible for me to go to a clinical site closer to where I live?

Yes — the Surgical Technology Program at GateWay Community College does have clinical partners outside Maricopa County. However, all clinical placements must be arranged exclusively by the Clinical Coordinator to meet accreditation standards.

Requesting a Clinical Site Near You

If you live outside Maricopa County and would like to be placed at a clinical site closer to home:

• You may submit a written request to the Clinical Coordinator.
• Requests must include the specific hospital or facility you’re interested in.
• All placements are subject to availability, program requirements, and accreditation policies.

Important:

Students may not arrange their own clinical sites. Any placements made outside of the Clinical Coordinator’s process will not be recognized by the program.

When Is the Program Available? 

GateWay Community College is proud to be the only community college in the region offering a daytime Hospital Central Service program every Fall semester.

This consistent schedule allows students to plan ahead and begin their training in a structured, supportive environment.

Are There Prerequisites Required?

There are no formal prerequisites required to enroll in the Hospital Central Service program.

However, students must meet the general admission criteria for GateWay Community College. You may choose to complete Health Care Core (HCC) courses either before or during the program. These courses are required to graduate and successfully complete the program.

Is the Hospital Central Service Program Transferable to Other Health Programs? 

Yes — students who successfully complete the Hospital Central Service (HCS) program may be eligible to continue their education in other healthcare pathways.

Pathway to Surgical Technology

• HCS graduates may apply to the Surgical Technology Program through GateWay’s Selective Admissions process.
• Enrollment is limited and determined by community demand and available clinical placements.
• To qualify, students must complete all required prerequisites before applying.

Transfer to a Bachelor’s Degree

Completion of an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree that includes HCS coursework may allow students to transfer credits to Northern Arizona University (NAU) or other institutions, depending on their transfer policies.

What is the HCS154 clinical? 

HCS154 is the final, hands-on clinical component of the Hospital Central Service program. During this phase, students are placed in a hospital setting to work side-by-side with experienced Central Service Technicians, completing a total of 400 clinical hours.

 What You’ll Do:

• Gain real-world experience in sterile processing
• Perform tasks such as decontaminating, inspecting, assembling, packaging, and sterilizing surgical instruments
• Apply classroom knowledge in a supervised clinical environment

Certification Eligibility:

Upon successful completion of the clinical experience:

• Your hours are reported to the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA)
• You become eligible to sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam
• This international certification recognizes your competency and readiness to work in sterile processing roles across healthcare facilities

Which clinical sites are used? 

Clinical placements are arranged by GateWay Community College’s Clinical Coordinator based on community availability. Sites may include hospitals outside Maricopa County. Students must use assigned sites and may submit location requests in writing to the Clinical Coordinator.

Do you help with job search? 

GateWay Community College does not offer guaranteed job placement, but we provide comprehensive career support through our Career Center to help students prepare for employment after graduation.

Career Center 

Career Center Services Include:

• Resume and cover letter assistance
• Interview preparation and coaching
• Job search strategies and access to employment platforms
• Career fairs and employer networking events

Clinical Site Opportunities

Many students receive job offers directly from clinical sites where they complete their training, based on performance and staffing needs.

Professional Networking

Students are encouraged to connect with industry professionals through:

• The Pacific West Sterile Processing Association (PWSPA)
• Local and national healthcare events
• Online job boards and professional groups

Is There a Certification Exam for Hospital Central Service Technicians?

Yes — GateWay Community College’s Hospital Central Service program prepares students to sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam, administered by HSPA (Healthcare Sterile Processing Association).

Certification Details:

• Exam Cost: Approximately $140 (subject to change)
• Responsibility: Students are responsible for arranging and paying for the exam
• Application: Visit HSPA’s website to view the most current CRCST exam application and fee schedule

What Is CRCST Certification?

The CRCST credential recognizes technicians who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and experience required to:

• Decontaminate, inspect, assemble, and sterilize surgical instruments
• Maintain high standards of infection control and patient safety
• Work in alignment with U.S. healthcare practices and international ISO standards

Student Transfer Information 

GateWay Community College’s Hospital Central Service program does not accept transfer credits or transcripts from other sterile processing programs, including clock-hour or credit-based formats.

Due to the depth and rigor of our curriculum, including extensive lab check-offs and didactic exams aligned with HSPA standards, Credit by Evaluation is not available. Faculty are unable to conduct individual assessments equivalent to our program requirements.

Course Sequence By Term

Estimated Program Costs*

The estimated program costs are outlined below. Students are responsible for transportation, housing, and uniforms.  In the last semester, the student will be responsible for costs of his/her national board exam and state licensing. 

* https://www.maricopa.edu/students/tuition-payment-information/tuition-fees

Students who are dropped due to non-payment will not be readmitted to the program.