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Surgical & Sterile Technology

Surgical & Sterile Technology

In this program, you are introduced to diverse careers in the surgical field. You will begin with foundational skills in safety and sterilization to prevent healthcare-associated infections. You will learn the identification and use of surgical instrumentation and supplies and the decontamination, inspection, and assembly of surgical instruments. You will learn human anatomy/physiology and medical vocabulary associated with medical records. You will gain clinical skills by learning operating room support procedures like sterilization, passing surgical instruments, and preparing patients safely for surgery.

A healthcare worker wearing a red scrub top, blue surgical cap, face mask, and gloves packages medical supplies in a facility.

Career Expectations

  • Stand for long periods of time
  • Use small/precision sterilization tools/equipment
  • Follow clearly defined sequential procedures
  • Communicate/document sterilization processes
  • Learn how to fulfill multiple roles within departments
  • Adapt quickly to changing environments
  • Routinely work with others in teams
  • Understand patient privacy rights
A team of medical professionals in blue scrubs and caps prepare equipment in an operating room.

Ohio Department of Education & Workforce Development Courses

Year 1

  • Medical Terminology 
  • Health Science and Technology 
  • Principles of Allied Health Medicine

Year 2

  • Surgical Support
  • Health and Science Capstone

 

View complete course guide here

Next Ready Skills

At Great Oaks, you’ll do more than learn a trade; you’ll master NextReady skills like clear communication and problem-solving that help you get hired. You will get a head start on building a professional reputation for being dependable, adaptable, and technically skilled before you even graduate

Effective Communicators

Use diagnostic listening, follow documentation standards, provide technical feedback, and engage in surgical collaboration to maintain safety.

Critical Thinkers

Locate and organize reliable technical information, manage operational risk, and engage in process reflection.

Adapt­able Navigators

Adapt to medical advancement, shift roles within the sterile team as necessary, and adjust quickly when complications arise.

Account­able Employees

Uphold trust integrity, take decision ownership, practice workplace respect, and maintain ethical standards.

Skilled Professionals

Set a positive example through workplace conduct, take pride in precision and master complex skills to compete in the fast-paced surgical workforce.

Bottom Line: If you want a critical role in healthcare, take pride in ensuring every tool is perfect, and want to be the vital link that makes surgeries possible, Surgical & Sterile Technology may be right for you.

Contact the Instructors

Megan Bottkol

Diamond Oaks

Danyell Terry

Scarlet Oaks