Surgical/Sterile Processing Technician Online Certification Training Program—Frequently Asked Questions
A Surgical/Sterile Processing Technician is responsible for sterilizing, packaging, and managing surgical instruments and equipment. They work in hospitals, surgery centers, and clinics, ensuring that all surgical tools are properly cleaned, decontaminated, and stored. They also assist in the care of patients before, during, and after surgical procedures by performing scrub duties and related tasks
The career outlook for Surgical/Sterile Processing Technicians is very positive, with available jobs expected to grow by 5% over the next ten years.
Salaries can range from $37,000 to $101,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the specific office or clinic.
To start your career journey as a Surgical/Sterile Processing Technician,, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, provide the Sponsorship Acknowledgement form signed by prospective employer agreeing to host the graduate for post-program surgical cases (scrubs) as a full-time/part-time employee, extern, or apprentice (required to attain TS-C certification), complete a formal training program such as MedCerts, pass the TS-C exam offered by the National Center for Competency Testing, and the CRCST exam offered by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association. Students who pass the TS-C exam are required to complete the following hands-on requirements within two years of passing the NCCT exam. Students are responsible for securing their clinical sites:
- A minimum of 30 (maximum of 50) scrubs in general surgeries and
- Minimum of 75 scrubs in at least three (3) of the following areas
- Gynecology
- Genitourinary
- Cardiovascular
- Neurosurgery
- Obstetrics
- Thoracic
- Peripheral Vascular
- Ophthalmology
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Plastic/Reconstructive
- Other (please specify)
- Orthopedic
- Diagnostic Scopes (Maximum of 15)
Students who pass the CRCST exam are required to complete a total of 400 hours of hands-on experience in a Central Services (CS) department in the following categories. Students are responsible for securing their clinical sites:
- Decontamination (120 hours)
- Quality Assurance Processes (24 hours)
- Preparing and Storing Instruments (120 hours)
- Storage and Distribution (24 hours)
- Sterilization and Disinfection (96 hours)
- Equipment (16 hours)
In the MedCerts online Surgical/Sterile Processing Technician training program, you will learn a comprehensive range of skills, including sterilization techniques, surgical instrument management, decontamination procedures, surgical suite preparation, infection control, patient care during surgical procedures, legal and health regulations compliance, and maintaining surgical equipment.
To enroll in the MedCerts Surgical/Sterile Processing Technician training program, you need a web browser with an internet connection, course registration and payment and verification of an Employer or Clinical Sponsorship. This sponsorship must confirm the applicant can fulfill the “surgical case” requirements for the Tech in Surgery (TS-C) certification. Additionally, the MedCerts Student Clinical Site Form must be submitted prior to enrollment.
Tuition is competitively priced at $6,000. The cost includes all of your materials and registration fees for your CRCST and TS-C examinations.
Yes, payment plans are available as low as $519 per month. Additionally, students may qualify for government funding and scholarships.
While MedCerts does not offer financial aid, students may be eligible for options through government grant-funded programs like:
The total program duration is 24 weeks if completing 15-20 hrs of coursework per week.
The program is developed with collaboration from industry-recognized subject matter experts and includes interactive simulations, interviews with real-world experts, game-based learning, and more, catering to every type of learner.
Yes, the program includes a strategic exam preparation process and dedicated Student Success Advisors to provide tailored support based on performance.
The program includes expert-led video-based training, competency assessments, and the national certification exam fee. All materials needed for the program are covered by MedCerts.
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.
We’re not institutionally accredited as a training provider, but the certifications you’ll earn in this program are accredited through the exam-issuing authorities, the NCCT and HSPA. So while our school itself doesn’t hold accreditation, you’ll earn an accredited certification upon passing your national exams and completing clinical requirements.
To become fully certified, students who pass the TS-C exam are required to complete the following hands-on requirements within two years of passing the NCCT exam. Students are responsible for securing their clinical sites:
- A minimum of 30 (maximum of 50) scrubs in general surgeries and
- Minimum of 75 scrubs in at least three (3) of the following areas
- Gynecology
- Genitourinary
- Cardiovascular
- Neurosurgery
- Obstetrics
- Thoracic
- Peripheral Vascular
- Ophthalmology
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Plastic/Reconstructive
- Other (please specify)
- Orthopedic
- Diagnostic Scopes (Maximum of 15)
To become fully certified, students who pass the CRCST exam are required to complete a total of 400 hours of hands-on experience in a Central Services (CS) department in the following categories. Students are responsible for securing their clinical sites:
- Decontamination (120 hours)
- Quality Assurance Processes (120 hours)
- Preparing and Storing Instruments (120 hours)
- Storage and Distribution (24 hours)
- Sterilization and Disinfection (16 hours)
