Surgical Technologist Certificate

Flexible, Online Learning
Complete your training on your schedule with a mobile-ready course format, perfect for busy adults or those balancing work and family.

Comprehensive Curriculum
Gain a strong foundation in medical terminology, anatomy, infection control, surgical instruments and the role of the surgical technologist in the operating room.

National Certification Preparation
Prepare to sit for industry-recognized certification exams.

All-Inclusive Program
Your tuition covers everything you need to succeed: textbooks, learning materials and 24/7 learner support.

Real-World Experience
Apply your skills in a clinical setting through an optional volunteer externship arranged with a local partner organization.

Career-Ready Skills
Prepare for roles such as Surgical Technologist, Operating Room Assistant or Endoscopy Technician.

No Admission to SFSU Required
You don’t need to be an admitted degree-seeking student to enroll. A high school diploma or GED is required.

After completing this program, you will be able to:

• Explain the role of the surgical technologist in the operating room and as part of the surgical team.
• Use proper medical terminology based in human anatomy, physiology, and medical conditions.
• Explain proper infection control procedures and practices required in patient care and in the sterile surgical environment.
• Identify the surgical instruments, equipment, supplies, materials and medications used in general and specialized surgical procedures.
• Explain the procedures performed in preparing the patient for a surgical procedure, caring for the patient during a surgical procedure and caring for the patient after the surgical procedure.
• Explain how to prepare the surgical environment for specific surgical procedures.
• Explain selected surgical procedures including the role of the surgical technologist.
• Discuss the medical laws and ethics related to surgical procedures and the surgical technologist position.
• Explain effective communication and patient care strategies used for a variety of surgical patients including those with special needs.

• Mobile-Ready
• National Certification Opportunity
• All Textbooks and Materials
• 24/7 Learner Support
• Certificate of Completion
• Clinical Externship Opportunity

Cost: $1,999
Length: 4 to 6 Months (6 months access plus possible 3-month extension)
When to Start: Self-Paced, Start Any Time

Payment Plan
Health Ed Today offers 3-, 6- and 10-month payment plans.

Payment Plan

Certification Opportunities
When you complete the Surgical Technologist Certificate Program at SFSU, you may be eligible to sit for a national certification exam if you meet the required criteria. Certification options may include:

• American Allied Health Surgical Technologist Certification
• National Workforce Career Association Surgical Technologist Certified
• National Center for Competency Testing Tech in Surgery Certified

Each certifying body sets its own requirements. You may need to complete a clinical externship, document hands-on scrub experience or verify employment experience. You are responsible for reviewing current eligibility requirements and maintaining your certification once it is awarded.

NCCT Tech in Surgery Certified Credential
If you plan to pursue the NCCT Tech in Surgery Certified credential, you must:

• Successfully complete the SFSU Surgical Technologist Certificate Program
• Receive your certificate of completion from SFSU
• Complete a mandatory externship and 125 surgical cases
• Submit required documentation to NCCT, including verification of critical skills

When you complete this program, you qualify under the Graduate Pathway described by NCCT. You should review all current eligibility criteria and required forms on the NCCT website before you apply.

This program is not an associate degree program and is not approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.

Career Paths
After you complete the program, you may pursue roles such as:

• Surgical Technician
• Operating Room Assistant
• Surgical Scrub Technician
• Perioperative Assistant
• Endoscopy Technician

Each employer sets its own hiring and certification requirements. SFSU cannot guarantee employment or that a specific certification will be required or accepted. Before you enroll, you should confirm the requirements for the positions you plan to pursue.

You may choose to take part in an externship with a local organization in your field to gain hands-on experience. Externship sites may require additional documentation such as health records, immunizations, drug screening or background checks. After completing your program, you can contact the Health Ed Today Externship Coordinator at mentor@healthedtoday.com to arrange placement.

Create an SFSU ID and follow the email instructions to obtain an SFSU Password.

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SFSU's College of Professional & Global Education offers this course in partnership with Health Ed Today. Visit the Health Ed Today pre-registration page to enroll.

Register with Health Ed Today