Advance Your Surgical and Sterile Processing Career

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Ready to begin your career journey or have more questions? Connect with a Workforce Training Specialist today!
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4-6 Months

PROGRAM LENGTH

$4,000.00*

Payment Plan Available

TOTAL TUITION

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

What Does This Job Do?

Surgical and Sterile Processing Technicians are vital members of the surgical team. They ensure the operating room is fully prepared by setting up sterile instruments, equipment, supplies, and medications before surgery begins. During procedures, they assist with tasks such as patient transport, positioning, prepping the surgical site, and supporting the surgeon directly. 

On the sterile processing side, these professionals are responsible for cleaning, decontaminating, assembling, sterilizing, and distributing surgical instruments and equipment used in patient care. Their work is essential for infection prevention and patient safety. This dual-skill career offers an exciting opportunity to work in high-stakes healthcare environments while building deep knowledge of surgical procedures and sterile protocols. 

Where Can You Work?

Surgical and Sterile Processing Technicians are in demand across a range of clinical settings. They may work in hospital operating rooms, outpatient surgical centers, endoscopy units, or central sterile departments. Additional opportunities exist in dental surgery centers, ambulatory care, and even medical device companies. These technicians are key contributors in any setting where surgical procedures and sterilized instruments are required, offering flexibility and room for specialization.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED

Web browser with internet connection

Course registration & payment

Oral and written English proficiency is a requirement for course participation and certificate examination. 

Training Materials Provided

Expert-led, video-based training

Competency assessments

National Certification Exam Fee 

STERILE PROCESSING & SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST

Outcomes

As a Surgical and Sterile Processing Technician, you’ll be trained in essential clinical and technical skills that support surgical teams and ensure the safety of every procedure. With growing demand for sterile processing and surgical tech professionals, this program provides a powerful pathway into the operating room or central service department. 

You’ll develop skills in: 

  • Setting up and maintaining a sterile surgical environment 
  • Assisting with patient preparation and intraoperative care 
  • Decontaminating and sterilizing instruments and equipment 
  • Managing surgical inventory and supplies 
  • Understanding microbiology, infection control, and PPE standards 
  • Navigating healthcare regulations and safety protocols 

Upon completion, you’ll be equipped for immediate employment in both surgical and sterile processing roles, making this a versatile and impactful healthcare career. 

Skills Learned

After completing this program, learners will be able to: 

  • Explain the role of the surgical technician as part of the operating room team 
  • Use medical terminology related to anatomy, physiology, and common conditions 
  • Practice proper infection control in both patient care and sterile environments 
  • Identify and handle instruments, equipment, and supplies for various surgical procedures 
  • Prepare and assist patients throughout all phases of surgery 
  • Understand laws, ethics, and communication strategies in the surgical setting 
  • Perform essential sterile processing tasks: decontamination, inspection, packaging, and sterilization 
  • Implement safety protocols for handling regulated medical waste and bloodborne pathogens 
  • Apply OSHA guidelines for PPE and workplace safety 
  • Understand chemical disinfection processes and prepare equipment for clinical use 

STERILE PROCESSING & SURGICAL TECHNOLOGISTJOB POSSIBILITIES

Operating Room Assistant  

Surgical
Technician

CERTIFICATION INFORMATION

After completing this program, learners will have the option to take the leading national/industry-recognized certification exam(s) essential to entry-level employment in this fast-growing field. 

  • American Allied Health (AAH) – Surgical Technologist Certification 
  • CRCST – Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) 
  • Certification Board of Sterile Processing (CBSPD) 
  • National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) – Surgical Technologist (STC) 
  • National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) – Sterile Processing Technician (SPTC)

DO YOU NEED HELP PAYING FOR YOUR CERTIFICATION PROGRAM?​

Many employers offer education assistance programs with tuition reimbursement. Schedule a call with an enrollment advisor to learn more. 
 

PROGRAM COMPARISONS

PROFESSIONAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Community College
Program & Tuition Cost
$5,000 average
Up to $20,000
Exam Fees, Books & Materials
Included
Up to $750
Job Ready In
3–6 months
24–48 months
Schedule Flexibility
On-demand 24/7
Set class schedule
Travel Requirements
None: 100% online
On-campus classrooms
Student Support
Personal Advisors: text, call and email access
Professors: scheduled office hours
Career Coaching
Exam-tailor + soft-skill training to build well-rounded careers
Exam-based + prerequisites and electives to meet credit
Content Delivery
3D animations, immersive environments, interactive activities, game-based learning
Professor lectures

MEET YOUR WORKFORCE TRAINING SPECIALIST!

April is your Workforce Training Specialist. She is here to help you understand the program, payment options, and succeed! Get in touch with her to learn more about the program, Professional Workforce Development, and how to achieve your workforce development goals!

FAQ

These professionals play a dual role in patient care and surgical support. They help prepare the operating room, assist during procedures, and ensure all instruments are cleaned, sterilized, and ready for safe reuse.

Yes. The program is delivered online with self-paced modules, giving you the flexibility to learn at your convenience. However, some certifications may require hands-on experience or clinical hours post-training. 

No prior experience is required. This entry-level program is designed to provide all the foundational knowledge and practical skills you need to launch your career.

Graduates may be eligible to sit for exams offered by organizations such as AAH, HSPA, CBSPD, NHCWA, and NWCA, provided they meet additional requirements like clinical experience. 

No, but this certificate program focuses on practical, career-ready training that prepares you directly for employment in surgical and sterile processing roles. 

Interested In Another Program?

Andrews University, located in Berrien Springs, Michigan, provides the highest quality training in order to best serve students and surrounding communities. Our specialized career training programs provide up-to-date and in-demand skills, preparation and certification, ensuring that everyone who completes our programs is of the highest caliber.

Visit Andrews