ST 9000

Surgical/Sterile Processing Technician

Online Training

Gain industry certification as a Sterile Processing Technician and ultimately work in hospitals, surgery centers, clinics and other healthcare facilities.

How Our

Surgical/Sterile Processing Technician

Program Works

A surgical sterile processing technician wearing gloves and scrubs organizes and inspects surgical instruments laid out on a sterile drape in a hospital central-sterile department.
24 Weeks
Program Length
7,000
Projected Job Openings*
$
65k
Median Salary*
5-6%Faster than average
Projected Job Growth*

Program Overview

Certifications earned

NCCT TS-C
Tech in Surgery – Certified Certification
CRCST
Certified Registered Central Service Technician Certification

What Does a Surgical/Sterile Processing Technician Do?

A Surgical/Sterile Processing Technician receives, documents, packages, sterilizes, stores, and/or issues instruments, equipment, and supplies for patient care. In addition to the sterile processing responsibilities, the technician must also be able to assist in the care of patients of all ages before, during, and after surgical procedures by performing scrub duties and related functions as a member of the surgical team. The technician maintains patient safety, privacy, and confidentiality, and complies with legal aspects of patient care. The technician complies with sterilization standards for handling sharp or contaminated instruments.

  • 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

What You’ll Learn – ST 9000 Surgical/Sterile Processing Technician

In the Surgical/Sterile Processing Technician program, students will complete modules relating to professionalism in the healthcare setting, human anatomy, and medical terminology, and will cover the fundamentals of sterile processing and surgical technologist tools and procedures.

Students will be prepared for the Tech In Surgery Certification (TS-C) offered by the NCCT and the optional Certified Registered Central Services Technician (CRCST) certification offered by the HSPA.

Both certifications require the completion of hands-on clinical experience. TS-C candidates must complete and log a minimum of 125 surgical cases, which must be completed and reported to NCCT within two (2) years of passing the TS-C exam. Students are required to have a verified clinical site before enrolling in this program.

CRCST students must complete 400 hours of hands-on experience in a Central Services department within 6 months of passing the CRCST exam. Students are responsible for securing their clinical site to complete these requirements.

We strongly advise students to research target job posts from area employers and relevant state requirements, barriers, or restrictions prior to enrollment to ensure eligibility upon graduation.

Note: Some MedCerts programs are restricted in certain states or regions. Please review our State Restriction page to view what restrictions there may be in your state/region or residence of employment and ensure you are eligible for enrollment.

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Some MedCerts programs are restricted in certain states or regions. Please review our State Restriction page to see what restrictions there may be in your state/region or residence of employment to ensure you are eligible for enrollment. 

These restrictions may not apply to students taking programs through an employer, academic or government-sponsored model – including MyCAA, GI Bill® Reimbursement and Army or Coast Guard Credentialing Assistance. To determine eligibility, please confirm with your sponsor or review our military spouse MyCAA-approved or Military Credentialing Assistance-approved programs

Program Details

This Program Has Additional On Site Clinical Requirements
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Program Courses
Code
Course
Duration
Total Program Duration
  • Web browser with internet connection
  • Course registration & payment
  • English language proficiency
  • Employer/Clinical Sponsorship – Applicants to these programs MUST provide verification that an Employer or Clinical Site has agreed to accept the applicant in efforts to fulfill “surgical case” requirements required for Tech in Surgery (TS-C) certification before enrollment. With this Sponsorship, the student must be guaranteed to perform a minimum of required surgical cases completed and reported to NCCT within two (2) years of passing the TS-C exam.
  • The MedCerts Student Clinical Site Information Form must be submitted to MedCerts prior to enrollment.
  • Expert-led video based training
  • Competency assessments
  • National Certification exam fee
  • National Certification exam fee

The cost of all materials needed for this program are covered by MedCerts. They are not included in the tuition costs and are provided at no additional cost to students. However, students have access to these materials for a limited time frame aligned with their program. Access to these materials outside of this period is not guaranteed, and students may be responsible for costs associated with any extended access.

  • Dedicated Student Success Advisors
  • Tailored support based on performance & behavior
  • Exam preparation process
  • Career Services Advisor
  • CRCST requirements: 400 hours of hands-on experience in a Central Services Department within 6 months of passing the exam. Please visit the HSPA website for a breakdown of the specific disciplines.
  • TS-C requirements: 125 surgical cases completed within two years of passing the TS-C exam. Please visit the NCCT website for a breakdown of the specific cases required. NOTE: Sponsorship Acknowledgement Form must be signed by the clinical site agreeing to host the student for post program surgical cases before student can enroll.

Career Outlook

Medical Assistant holding a laptop

Phlebotomy Technician
Job Opportunities

Central Service Technician
$26,000 – $45,000
Average Earning Potential
Sterile Processing Technician
$26,000 – $45,000
Average Earning Potential
Surgical Technician
$33,000 – $58,000
Average Earning Potential
7,000
Projected job openings*
5-6%Faster than average
Projected job growth*
$
64,650
Median Salary*
*All job and salary information is pulled from the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2025 wage data external site and 2024-2034 employment projections external site. “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2024-2034). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.

Tuition Cost & Payment Options

Total Program Cost

$

6,000

What’s Included:

  • Expert-led video based training
  • Competency assessments
  • National Certification exam fee
  • National Certification exam fee

The cost of all materials needed for this program are covered by MedCerts. They are not included in the tuition costs and are provided at no additional cost to students. However, students have access to these materials for a limited time frame aligned with their program. Access to these materials outside of this period is not guaranteed, and students may be responsible for costs associated with any extended access.

Payment Options

Train now, pay over
time with Clasp

The MedCerts Education Loan made available through the Clasp Platform is a flexible, no-cosigner loan that isn’t dependent on someone else’s credit history, income, or willingness to take on shared financial responsibility.

Easy Monthly Payments
with Affirm

Enroll now, pay over time with Affirm, APR as low as 0%.

Pay your tuition
in Full

Paying in full is an option for those who prefer to pay their tuition in one upfront payment.

Additional Funding Options

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

FAQs

Disclaimers

  1. While MedCerts training and related target certifications may be accepted and/or approved by your state of residency, employers reserve the right to dictate pre-requisite education, experience, or certification/licensure requirements for their positions. We strongly advise students to research target job posts from area employers and relevant state requirements, barriers, or restrictions prior to enrollment to ensure eligibility upon graduation.

Surgical/Sterile Processing Technician