Online Certificate

Sterile Processing and Surgical Technologist

Start a Career as a Sterile Processing and Surgical Technologist

4-6 Months*

To Complete

8-10 Hours

Weekly Commitment

Anytime

Enrollment

What is a Sterile Processing and Surgical Technologist?

The role of a Sterile Processing and Surgical Technologist is vital for the smooth operation of surgical procedures and the prevention of infections.

Their two main responsibilities include cleaning, sterilization, and distribution of surgical instruments and equipment, as well as preparing the operating room by setting up surgical instruments and equipment, sterile drapes, and sterile solutions.

Becoming a Qualified Sterile Processing and Surgical Technologist

Interested in a critical role in healthcare? The 100% online Sterile Processing and Surgical Technologist program from Bethel College trains you in both sterile processing and surgical technology. You’ll learn how to ensure surgical instruments are properly sterilized and ready for use, and how to assist in surgical procedures, making you an indispensable part of the surgical team.

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

Provided Courseroom Materials

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 Bethel College “Sterile Processing and Surgical Technologist Certificate Readiness Quiz”

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What You’ll Learn in the Sterile Processing and Surgical Technologist Program

After completing the Sterile Processing and Surgical Technologist program, learners will be able to:

Explain the role of the surgical technician in the operating room and as part of the surgical team
Use proper medical terminology based in human anatomy, physiology, and medical conditions
Explain proper infection control procedures and practices required in patient care and in the sterile surgical environment
Identify the surgical instruments, equipment, supplies, materials, and medications used in general and specialized surgical procedures
Explain the procedures performed in preparing the patient for a surgical procedure, caring for the patient during a surgical procedure, and caring for the patient after the surgical procedure

Sample Courses

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 population ages, they are expected to require more surgical procedures, increasing the demand for Sterile Processing and Surgical Technologists. Additionally, advances in medical technology have made surgeries safer and more common.

Careers to Explore

Sterile processing and surgical technologists work in environments where sterilization of medical instruments is required, including hospitals, outpatient care centers, laboratories and more.

As a graduate you may be eligible for these careers:

Patient Care Technician
Surgical and Sterile Prep Technologist
Clinical Medical Assistant
Personal Care Assistant

High Demand for Surgical and Sterile Prep Technicians

The demand for healthcare professionals, including Patient Care Technicians and Surgical and Sterile Prep Technologists, is expected to grow significantly. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2023 to 2033**.

Optional Volunteer Externship Opportunity

Learners who complete this program are eligible to participate in an optional volunteer externship opportunity with a local company/agency/organization whose work aligns with this area of study in order to gain valuable hands-on experience.

Get Certified as a Sterile Processing and Surgical Technologist & Stand Out to Employers

Upon successful completion of your sterile processing and surgical technologist courses, you will be prepared to take the leading national/industry-recognized certification exams essential to entry-level employment in this fast-growing 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 each of 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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Frequently Asked Questions

To become a Sterile Processing Technician, you need to complete a specialized training program that teaches you how to clean, sterilize, and prepare medical instruments for surgery and other procedures. Earning a certificate through a recognized program is often required to start your career.

Our Sterile Processing and Surgical Technologist Program provides in-depth training on sterilization techniques, infection control, surgical instrument handling, and healthcare safety standards.

Yes! A Sterile Processing Technician Certificate is essential for demonstrating your qualifications to employers. It also helps you meet industry standards and ensures you are prepared for the demands of the role.

Absolutely. This program is designed for individuals with little to no healthcare background. It offers foundational knowledge and skills to help you succeed as a Sterile Processing Technician or Surgical Technologist.

Graduates can pursue roles as Sterile Processing Technicians, Surgical Instrument Technicians, or Central Service Technicians in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and surgical centers. These roles are vital for maintaining sterile environments and ensuring patient safety.

Accreditation & Licensed Certifying Bodies

Our certificate programs are accredited by reputable institutions recognized in the industry. We partner with accredited organizations to ensure the quality and validity of our certifications.

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

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

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