Professional Development
Surgical/Sterile Processing Technician
What does a Surgical/Sterile Processing Technician do?
A Surgical/Sterile Processing Technician combines the duties of a Surgical Technologist and a Sterile Processing Technician. This position receives, documents, packages, sterilizes, stores, and/or issues instruments, equipment and supplies for patient care as well as assists the surgical team and deals directly with the patient.
Where Can You Work?
A surgical/sterile processing technician most often works in hospitals or hospital systems with operating rooms.
Length
24 Weeks
Requirements
High School Diploma or GED
Web browser with internet connection
Program applicants must meet ONE of the following requirements:
- Associate’s degree, or higher
- Enrolled in college/university-level degree program related to medical field Hold current certification in Sterile Processing, or related field.
- Min. two (2) yrs related experience: Surgical technology experience not required, but must be w/in clinical/medical/healthcare environment. Direct patient care experience required.
- Employer Sponsorship: Sponsorship Acknowledgement form signed by prospective employer agreeing to host graduate for post-program surgical cases (scrubs) as full-time/part-time employee, extern, or apprentice – required to attain TS-C certification.
Training Materials Provided
- Expert-led video based training
- eBook: Surgical Technology
- Textbook: Central Service Technician Manual
- Competency assessments
- National Certification exam fee
Cost
$6,000
Clinical Requirement
A clinical component is required for this program. We will assist students enrolled in this program find a clinical location. If you have any questions about the clinical requirements of this program, please discuss them with your Training Specialist.
Surgical/Sterile Processing Technician
Healthcare employment is projected to grow by 13% from 2021 to 2031, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This means that over the next decade there will be nearly 2 million new positions available for those interested in healthcare.
Upon completion of this training, you’ll be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the soft skill expectations of an allied healthcare professional
- Grasp the importance of customer service, communication skills and professionalism
- Sterilize medical equipment and instruments
- Support the needs of the surgeon
- Clean, decontaminate and disinfection
- Documentation and records management
- Distinguish preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative duties
Courses - 24 Weeks
- Professionalism in Allied Health
- Introduction to Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology
- Sterile Processing
- Surgical Technology
Program Preview
Surgical/Sterile Processing Technician Job Possibilities
Pharmacy Technician
$19,000 – $49,000
ESTIMATED SALARY
Patient Services Representative
$24,000 – $48,000
ESTIMATED SALARY
EMR and EHR Assistant
$35,000 – $74,000
ESTIMATED SALARY
Certification Information
Upon completion of your training, you’ll be qualified to earn your certification as a Tech in Surgery – Certified (TS-C) by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) and the Certified Registered Central Service Technicians (CRCST) through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).
This program does not meet state licensing or regulatory requirements for Surgical Technologists in the following states: CT, ID, IL, MA, NV, NY, SC, TN, TX, VA, and OR.
The Tech in Surgery
Certified by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) showcases your knowledge of science and medical topics as well as surgical technical skills and safety regulations
Certified Registered Central Service Technicians
The Certified Registered Central Service Technicians certification proves that you are knowledgeable enough to adhere to the safety protocols necessary to work as a sterile processing technician.
Issuing Authority
Payment Options
Pay in full using any major credit card, PayPal, or Venmo. Select “credit card” as your payment option.
Apply for PayPal Credit and pay zero interest if your balance is paid in full within 6-months. Complete a quick application and you’ll receive a credit decision within seconds.
Program Comparison
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Emerge Education
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Community College
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|---|---|---|
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Program & Tuition Cost
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$4,000 average
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Up to $20,000
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Exam Fees, Books & Materials
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Included
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Up to $750
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Job Ready In
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3–6 months
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24–48 months
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Schedule Flexibility
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On-demand 24/7
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Set class schedule
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Travel Requirements
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None: 100% online
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On-campus classrooms
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Student Support
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Personal Advisors: text, call and email access
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Professors: scheduled office hours
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Career Coaching
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Exam-tailor + soft-skill training to build well-rounded careers
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Exam-based + prerequisites and electives to meet credit
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Content Delivery
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3D animations, immersive environments, interactive activities, game-based learning
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Professor lectures
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Meet Your Training Specialist
Lauren Holubec is your Training Specialist. She is here to help you understand the program, payment options and succeed! Get in touch with Lauren to learn more about the program and how to achieve your career goals. If you are a manager interested in group enrollment, please contact Lauren directly so she can assist you with the enrollment process.
FAQ
You will complete the courses in this program over 24 weeks, making students job-ready in 5.5 months. The program is flexible, allowing for assignments to be completed anytime, from anywhere, 24/7.
No, these courses do not count for college credit
Yes, our training program is fully online and asynchronous.
