St. Norbert College Logo
Is an Online Certificate Right for You?
Take the Free Quiz
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
Overview
Program Details
Skills
Careers
Certification
Cost

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.
Take the Quiz!
Ready? %

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
Get Program Details

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 successful completion of your sterile processing and surgical technologist courses, you will be prepared to take the certification exams in this fast-growing field.
American Allied Health (AAH)
Surgical Technologist Certification
National Workforce Career Association (NWCA)
Surgical Technologist
Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA)
Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST)

St. Norbert College Surgical Technologist Certificate Program is recognized by the American Allied Health (AAH) and the National Workforce Career Association (NWCA). Students may also be eligible to sit for the National Healthcare Workers Association (NHCWA) provided they meet certain work experience requirements. In addition to successfully completing the certification exam, certified candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to maintain certification. 

Disclaimer: This Surgical Technologist program is not an associate degree and/or Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) - approved program, which requires a 1 to 2-year associate degree credit program. However, there are multiple employment opportunities for students in the following job titles including but not limited to:

  1. Surgical Technician (ST)
  2. Operating Room Assistant (ORA)
  3. Surgical Scrub Technician (SST)
  4. Peri-Operative Assistant (POA)
  5. Endoscopy Technician (ET)

Prospective students are advised that St. Norbert College cannot guarantee that any particular employer will require or accept any certification for employment purposes. Prior to enrolling, students should determine whether certification is needed or sufficient for the type of employment they are seeking.

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.
Get Program Details

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.
Ready to Get Started?

Complete an Application - It's Free!
The free and fast application process at St. Norbert College allows us to get to know you, your achievements and your aspirations.

Get Started
Need More Info?

Have a question for us? Reach out and we'll get back to you! Learn more about online learning and explore whether St. Norbert College is right for you.

Get Info Now
Not Sure If You’re Ready?

Take our Online Certificate Readiness Quiz. Our online quiz provides you with a personalized report to find out if an online certificate program is right for you.

Learn More
*Program length when completed in normal time.
**https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/phlebotomists.htm
100 Grant Street
De Pere, WI 54115
Menu
Follow Us
Copyright © 2025 St. Norbert College. All rights reserved.