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New Online Course Prepares You for a Career as a Surgical Technician

San Francisco State University now offers an online course that helps you train to become a surgical technician. This course gives you the skills you need to work in an operating room and be part of a healthcare team.

As a surgical technician, you help prepare the operating room, set up tools and equipment, and assist the surgeon during procedures. You also learn how to keep everything clean and safe for the patient. The course is flexible and designed for busy adults.

In this online course, you will learn how to:

• Use medical terms and understand basic anatomy
• Keep a sterile and safe surgical area
• Identify and handle surgical tools and equipment
• Support patients before, during and after surgery
• Work as part of a surgical team

The course takes about four to six months to finish. You only need a high school diploma or GED to enroll. When you complete the course, you’ll be ready to take a national certification exam. You may also qualify for a volunteer externship to gain hands-on experience in a real medical setting. Books, materials and 24/7 support are included.

Learn More

Find out more about this new online course on the Surgical Technician website.

New Online Course Trains You for a Career in Sterile Processing

San Francisco State University is now offering an online course that prepares you to become a sterile processing technician. This flexible program is designed for adults who want to start a healthcare career without needing prior experience.

As a sterile processing technician, you will help keep patients safe by cleaning and sterilizing surgical tools and medical equipment. You will learn how to prevent infections, follow safety rules and support hospital staff by making sure everything is ready for procedures.

Course benefits include:

• 100% online and mobile-friendly learning
• All textbooks and materials included
• 24/7 access to support and resources
• Optional volunteer externship for hands-on experience
• Preparation for a national certification exam
• No prior medical experience required

You will study medical terms, anatomy and infection control. You will also learn how to handle equipment and follow rules that help protect patients and healthcare workers. The program includes an optional volunteer externship, giving you the chance to get hands-on experience in a real medical setting.

The course takes about four to six months to complete and is fully online. You can study at your own pace and get support when you need it. After finishing the course, you will be ready to take a national certification exam and apply for jobs in hospitals, clinics or outpatient centers.

This course is open to anyone with a high school diploma or GED. It offers a simple path into the growing healthcare field and gives you the skills to start making a difference right away.

Earn Your Degree to Earn More

A recent CEOWORLD article highlights what many professionals already know: finishing your bachelor’s degree can make a big difference in your income, especially in states like California. The report found that workers with a bachelor’s degree in California earn about $23,700 more each year than those without one—the highest increase in the nation.

Online Bachelor’s Degree Completion Programs

If you’ve already completed some college, you can take advantage of this opportunity by finishing your degree online through San Francisco State University. SFSU offers three fully online degree completion programs that help you build knowledge, confidence and career options while keeping your schedule flexible.

Invest in Your Future

Completing your bachelor’s degree expands your career choices and increases your earning potential wherever you live. California continues to lead the nation in financial returns for college graduates, and SFSU’s online degree programs make it possible for you to reach that goal from anywhere.

Learn More and Apply Now

Learn more about online degree completion programs at SFSU, and apply now to start in fall 2026.