Explore Our TWO New Surgical Tech Programs: A Quick Tour

US News and World Report ranked surgical technologists as the 17th highest-paying job without a degree and the 23rd in Best Health Care Support Jobs. With stats like that, there’s no better time to pursue a career as a Surgical Technologist!

What is a Surgical Technologist?

Also known as Operating Room Technicians, Surgical Techs work alongside and support surgeons, nurses, and other members of the health care team during a surgical procedure. These professionals play an important role in preparing operating rooms, arranging equipment, preparing patients, and assisting doctors during surgeries. They also prepare patients for surgery by positioning, draping, washing, and disinfecting the incision site.

Surgical Technologists interact with patients prior to (pre), during (intra), and after (post) surgical procedures so it’s important for individuals to have both interpersonal communication skills and a strong stomach!

The position of Surgical Technologist offers lots of rewards. The job is ideal for those who are meticulous, work well in emergency situations, and want to be part of a highly-skilled team in an exciting, growing field. Whether you’re an entry-level job seeker or someone already working in allied health – like a Sterile Processing Technician – looking to upskill and advance into a new career, this job may be a great opportunity for you!

How to Become a Surgical Technologist?

Ready to start training for your future career? You’re in luck – MedCerts just launched two brand new Surgical Tech online certification programs. Our Surgical Technologist program is perfect for those looking to build upon their current allied health experience and our Surgical/Sterile Processing Technician program combines two high-earning, in-demand positions to create a foundation for a successful, lifelong career. Read on to learn more about these programs and how you can be trained, certified and working in 24 weeks or less.

Our Surgical Technologist Program

MedCerts Surgical Technologist career training is a comprehensive program that prepares you for a rewarding and in-demand career in clinical allied health. Over the course of 18 weeks, you’ll be immersed in simulated instruction of instrumentation and surgical skills, leveraging PeriopSims technology.

Through 3 core courses you’ll cover interacting with patients, understanding the human body and the areas of expertise that technologists need to master in the operating room:

• Professionalism in Allied Health (32 hours)

• Introduction to Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology (96 hours)

• Surgical Technology (160 hours)

After completing these courses, you’ll be prepared to take the Tech In Surgery–Certified (TS–C) exam, provided by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). To receive full certification, you’ll be required to work on 125 surgical cases.

Students in Idaho, Illinois, Massachusetts, Nevada, New York, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia shouldn’t enroll in the Surgical Technologist program, as it doesn’t meet state licensing or regulatory requirements for those states

What Is a Surgical/Sterile Processing Technician?

The Surgical/Sterile Processing Technician adds the skills of a Sterile Processing Technician to the Surgical Technologist training. Having the skills of these two in-demand industries will place you at the top of the hiring pool and help any hospital or healthcare organization meet their hiring needs.

What Does a Sterile Processing Technician Do?

These professionals receive documents, packages, and sterilize, store and issue instruments, equipment, and supplies for use in medical procedures. Other job duties may include, verifying and accurately document missing instruments, record sterilizer test results, ensure each instrument is in good working order prior to placing in tray for use, and effectively communicate with operating room personnel and others. They get to be a part of the surgical team, which means they have to prioritize confidentiality and safety, ensure legal compliance.

The Sterile Processing Technicians are the key players who prevent infection and the spread of disease and ensure the surgical instruments are sterilized and safe.

MedCerts Surgical/Sterile Processing Program:

The MedCerts Surgical/Sterile Processing Technician program is 24 weeks, totaling 384 hours, and includes the following four core courses:

• Professionalism in Allied Health (32 hours)

• Introduction to Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology (96 hours)

• Sterile Processing (96 hours)

• Surgical Technology (160 hours)

This program provides a great opportunity for those wanting to seek dual certification as a Sterile processing technicians. After completing the Surgical/Sterile Processing program, you’ll be eligible to take both the TS-C exam and the provisional Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam, provided by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) – both exams paid for by MedCerts. Complete CRCST certification is only obtained after the student has 400 hours of hands-on sterile processing experience. They must complete these within six months of passing the provisional certification exam.

Students in Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia shouldn’t enroll in the Surgical/Sterile Processing program, as it doesn’t meet state licensing or regulatory requirements for those states.

Who Is Eligible for these Programs?

Before starting MedCerts Surgical/Sterile Processing Technician program, make sure you understand the demands of the job and meet these key eligibility requirements.

You may have to stand for long periods and stay alert during prolonged operations. It’s important to understand that technicians may be exposed to blood and other bodily fluids and experience some unpleasant odors and materials. Because operations and procedures happen 24 hours a day, you’ll sometimes work odd hours and may have to be on call regularly. In addition, most places of work hiring for these roles will require that you have adequate psychomotor skills, vision and hearing, hand-eye coordination, and other fine motor skills to perform tasks correctly.

In order to qualify for MedCerts program, you must:

• Be 18 years of age or older

• Have a high school diploma or a GED

Why MedCerts?

Beginning a new career can be a daunting task; you need to know you’ll have all the right skills and qualifications to succeed.

MedCerts is your go-to resource for online healthcare education programs and credentialing for entry-level positions. We offer more than 40 career training programs within healthcare and IT, and they’re all completely online for convenience. Get started with MedCerts today to jumpstart your career!

Please Note: This program has additional enrollment requirements; view our program page to ensure eligibility prior to submitting information.