Be Part of the Surgical Team – Without Becoming a Surgeon!
Train for a Career in Surgical Technology or Sterile Processing Technology at High Desert Medical College
Have you ever thought about working in surgery, but don’t want to become a surgeon? Surgeons may perform the procedures, but they couldn’t do their jobs without an entire team of skilled healthcare professionals supporting them. Two important members of that team are Surgical Technologists and Sterile Processing Technicians. While their responsibilities are different, both play essential roles in supporting surgical care. At High Desert Medical College (HDMC), you can start training for your place on the surgical team! HDMC offers both Surgical Technology and Sterile Processing Technician programs. Both programs are enrolling now, with classes starting this fall. Choose your path and take the first step toward your healthcare career today!
Which Surgical Career is Right for You?
Sterile Processing Technicians: Get Everything Ready for Surgery
Before a surgical procedure can begin, the surgical team needs properly cleaned, sterilized, processed, and prepared instruments. That’s where Sterile Processing Technicians (SPTs) play a vital role. Sterile Processing Technicians work behind the scenes to help ensure medical equipment and surgical instruments are ready when healthcare professionals need them. Their responsibilities may include cleaning, decontaminating, sterilizing, assembling, storing, and distributing surgical instruments and medical equipment while following infection-control and safety practices. It’s detailed, precise work that plays a critical part in supporting surgical teams and healthcare facilities.
At HDMC, our Sterile Processing Technician program teaches students:
- Infection prevention and decontamination
- Surgical instrumentation
- Sterilization methods and procedures
- Quality assurance
- Inventory management and professional communication
- Processing and distributing reusable surgical instruments
Surgical Technologists: Be There During the Procedure
While Sterile Processing Technicians help prepare for surgery, Surgical Technologists help support the team during surgical procedures. Surgical Technologists prepare operating rooms, arrange instruments and equipment, help maintain the sterile field, and respond to the needs of the surgical team during procedures. If you want a healthcare career that puts you closer to the action, this could be the path for you.
In HDMC’s Surgical Technology AAS program, students learn about:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Pathophysiology
- Aseptic techniques
- Surgical instruments and equipment
- Creating a safe perioperative environment
- Monitoring and providing for patients’ needs during surgery
- Anticipating and responding to the needs of the surgical team during procedures
Get Hands-On Healthcare Career Training at HDMC!
Both of these career paths require more than learning from a textbook. To be prepared for your future position, you’ll want opportunities to practice what you’re learning. At HDMC, our programs combine classroom instruction with hands-on laboratory training, allowing students to develop practical skills under the supervision of experienced instructors. Programs also incorporate clinical externship experiences, giving students an opportunity to apply their skills in real-world healthcare environments.
HDMC’s Sterile Processing Technician program can be completed in as few as 32 weeks (full-time schedule). The Surgical Technology AAS program is an Associate Degree program, so it is more comprehensive and has a longer program length. The Surgical Technology program can be completed in as few as 62 weeks (full-time schedule), and graduates receive an Associate of Applied Science degree in Surgical Technology.
The Surgical Technology AAS program was recently expanded to the Bakersfield campus, making it now available at all three HDMC campuses. Surgical Technology classes are beginning at all three HDMC campuses beginning this fall. Students interested in Sterile Processing Technology can also get started soon, with classes beginning in September.
Surgical Technology vs. Sterile Processing Technology: Which Is Right for You?
Both of these career paths provide critical support to surgical teams, but which is right for you? If you enjoy organization, precision, infection control, and working behind the scenes, Sterile Processing Technology may be a great fit. As a sterile processing technician, you can play an important role in making sure surgical professionals have properly processed instruments and equipment when they need them. But, if you want to be physically in the surgical environment supporting the team during procedures, consider Surgical Technology. Surgical technicians play a direct role in supporting surgical procedures. In summary, sterile processing technicians prepare for the procedure while surgical technologists support the team during the procedure – both are critical to surgical care teams.
Find Your Place on the Surgical Team at HDMC!
You don’t have to become a surgeon to pursue a career that contributes to the surgical process. At High Desert Medical College (HDMC), you can choose the training path that fits your interests and career goals. HDMC also provides Career Services to support students and graduates with resume development, interviewing, job searching, networking, and placement assistance. Financial aid is available to those who qualify. With Sterile Processing Technician classes beginning in September and Surgical Technology classes starting this fall, now is a great time to explore your options. Call (888) 633-4362 or contact HDMC Admissions to learn how you can get started today!