STERIS Corporation Launches STERIS University

STERIS Corporation announces the launch of STERIS University (http://university.steris.com), a content-rich healthcare-focused education platform that is the most comprehensive in the companys history. This new education portal is the connection point for relevant continuing education curricula specifically developed for CS technicians and managers, perioperative personnel, infection preventionists, gastroenterology staff, clinical engineering professionals, architects, and other healthcare professionals interested in enriching their base of knowledge or moving into leadership tracks.

"Since its earliest days, STERIS has provided quality education, based on best practices, to clinicians and healthcare personnel," says Richard Schule, STERIS University co-chair and director of clinical education for STERIS Corporation. "Today, however, we are making STERIS education history by establishing STERIS University and its faculty as the leading high quality source of timely and relevant technical, clinical and science education that can be used as a resource to support department education and to prepare for national certifications. In addition, we have established a unique academic advisory board of independent industry experts and thought leaders who will continually evaluate the curriculum to help maintain its quality and relevance."

Bob Straub, STERIS University co-chair and learning and development manager, adds, "Although healthcare continues to advance at a rapid pace, any healthcare professional with a thorough understanding of healthcare basics can effectively support their functions best practices, even if those practices change over time because of medical innovation or new scientific discovery. STERIS University can be considered the "knowledge factory" for key process, science and safety fundamentals that healthcare professionals and providers need."

STERIS University is setting many precedents, the highlight of which is the STERIS University Academic Advisory Board (AAB). This body of astute and experienced healthcare industry leaders is comprised of professionals from academia, clinical engineering, accreditation, government and military, gastroenterology, infection control, perioperative service and sterile processing backgrounds. Their guidance will help STERIS University monitor the existing core curriculum, define future education development and direction, and play an important role in the quality assurance of all programs.

Other STERIS University firsts include:

- The largest catalogue to date of STERISs highly flexible adult learning opportunities, including webinars, seminars, online instruction, published papers and self-study articles, all in one easily accessed location. Education comes to learners at their convenience.

- A large portfolio of 100-level foundational courses that focus on the science and processes behind healthcare technologies. As STERIS University expands its offering there will be four educational tracks with increasing levels of detail, sophistication and leadership training that can provide ongoing, progressive education for various healthcare departments. In addition, STERIS University remains the first and only medical device manufacturer providing Learning Units to healthcare architects through collaboration with the American Institute of Architects.

- A quality management system for all educational offerings that emphasizes a sequential process approach to learning and evaluation of performance. The STERIS University quality system identifies the criteria needed to meet the credentialing requirements; provides the necessary information and resources to effectively operate and manage the process; monitors, measures and analyzes the process; and implements actions to assure planned results and continual improvement of the curricula.

STERIS University is a living site; it will continue to expand its capabilities and educational offerings. Curricula will be adjusted and enhanced through ongoing contact with healthcare providers and input from the STERIS University AAB; and new delivery methods, channels and media will be evaluated continually for their relevance to the healthcare community.