Online Certificate

Sterile Processing & Surgical Technologist Certification Training Course

Start a Career as a Sterile Processing & Surgical Technologist

4-6 Months*

To Complete

8-10 Hours

Weekly Commitment

Anytime

Enrollment

What is a Sterile Processing and Surgical Technologist?

Surgical and Sterile Processing Technicians play a key role in supporting surgical teams, working under the guidance of the surgeon and in accordance with state regulations and hospital protocols.

These professionals are responsible for preparing the operating room, ensuring that all sterile instruments, equipment, supplies, and medications are properly set up. They also verify that all equipment is correctly positioned and functioning as required for the procedure.

Becoming a Qualified Sterile Processing and Surgical Technologist

St. Norbert College provides a thorough online program in Sterile Processing and Surgical Technology, aimed at equipping you with the critical knowledge and practical skills needed for a career as a surgical technologist. The program covers key concepts related to the operating room environment and your role within it.

Throughout the course, you will engage in a mix of lectures, interactive labs, and site visits to local healthcare facilities for real-world experience.

You will learn

Medical Terminology, Anatomy, and Physiology

Microbiology and Infection Prevention

Transport, Cleaning, and Decontamination

Sterile Storage and Transport

Requirements

Undergraduate degree or a high school diploma
Web browser with internet connection
Course registration & payment

Key Course Features

Expert-led video based training
Competency assessments
National Certification exam fees (Surgical Technologist Certification Exam)

Is a Career as a Sterile Processing and Surgical Technologist Right for You?

Take the St. Norbert College “Sterile Processing and Surgical Technologist Certificate Readiness Quiz”

This fun, online quiz takes just 3 minutes to complete and provides you with a personalized report to find out if a short-term online certificate program is right for you. The report identifies your strengths and social style, plus the training and positions you’re best suited for.

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Key Skills Gained in Our Sterile Processing and Surgical Technologist Program

Describe the responsibilities of the surgical technician within the operating room and as a member of the surgical team
Apply accurate medical terminology related to human anatomy, physiology, and medical conditions
Outline the infection control protocols and practices essential for patient care and maintaining a sterile surgical environment
Recognize the surgical instruments, equipment, supplies, materials, and medications used in both general and specialized surgeries
Detail the procedures involved in preparing a patient for surgery, assisting during the procedure, and providing post-surgical care

Sample Courses Include:

Medical Terminology, Anatomy, and Physiology
Transport, Cleaning, and Decontamination
Sterile Storage and Transport
Monitoring and Record Keeping
Central Services Support and Management

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What Can You Do with a Sterile Processing and Surgical Technologist Certificate?

As the healthcare industry expands and the need for properly sterilized medical equipment in various procedures remains essential, the demand for sterile processing technicians is anticipated to increase.

Careers to Explore

Sterile processing and surgical technologists are employed in settings where the sterilization of medical instruments is crucial, such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, medical laboratories, and other healthcare facilities.

As a graduate, you may be eligible for these careers:

Sterile Processing Technician
Medical Equipment Coordinator
Clinical Medical Assistant
Patient Care Technician
Surgical and Sterile Prep Technologist

Demand is High for Sterile Processing and Surgical Technologists

The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 6% growth in employment for Patient Care Technicians and Surgical and Sterile Prep Technologists from 2023 to 2033. By entering this field, you will develop essential skills and knowledge in a profession with high demand and ample career prospects.

Optional Externship Volunteer Opportunity

Upon completing the program, students have the opportunity to engage in an optional volunteer externship with a local company, agency, or organization related to the field, allowing them to gain practical, hands-on experience.

Get Certified as a Sterile Processing and Surgical Technologist & Become a Top Standout to Employers

Upon successfully completing the Sterile Processing and Surgical Technologist courses through St. Norbert College, you will be ready to sit for the industry's leading certification exam, a key step toward securing employment in this rapidly expanding field, including:

American Allied Health (AAH)

Surgical Technologist Certification

National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)

Tech in Surgery TS-C (NCCT) Certification

Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA)

Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST)

You will receive a complimentary voucher for these certification exams.

Certification Information

Prospective students who wish to pursue the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) Tech in Surgery (TS-C) National Certification are required to:

Complete an NCCT approved program.
Sit for and successfully pass the NCCT (TS-C) Certification – Surgical Technology Certification – National Center for Competency Testing
Achieve 125 scrubs over 2-year period. These 125 successful scrubs can be completed from employment on-the-job or through a clinical externship experience.
Candidates are required to complete a total of 125 cases, with a minimum of 90 as the 1st scrub. Case mix should include 30 to 50 general surgeries and 75 to 95 in at least three (3) different specialties.

Note: a full description of the NCCT TS-C eligibility requirements can be found on the following links:

Link to NCCT eligibility: TS-C Route.pdf

NCCT Competency Form: TS-C qualification by experience Form 2025 11132024

Regardless of if you elect to pursue national certification or not, if you enroll and successfully complete this program, assuming you pass a background check and drug screen, you will have guaranteed access to our Ready to Work (RTW) Externship and Job Placement services. All students who successfully complete this program (and pass a background check and drug screen) will have guaranteed access to the RTW Externship or Job placement services at no additional cost.

How Much Does a Sterile Processing and Surgical Technologist Certificate Cost?

$4,000

Total Tuition

Connect with an admissions representative to explore payment plans available to you.
Payment Plan Details: Enrollment requires a minimum deposit of $500. Installment payments will begin 30 days after the course start date.

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Is a Rewarding Career as a Sterile Processing and Surgical Technologist Right for You? Get More Info…

At St. Norbert College, you can gain the skills to make a positive impact while advancing your career. Get the details and see how St. Norbert College can help you move forward.

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