Bridge from sterile processing to surgical technology with Herzing University
| Accreditation | CAAHEP accredited,† Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission |
|---|---|
| Format | Accelerated, hybrid delivery: online didactic courses + on-campus labs and on-site clinicals |
| Locations | Available in Louisiana; on-campus labs take place at our New Orleans, LA campus location |
| Eligibility | Diploma in Sterile Processing or equivalent program required; applicants with no prior sterile processing education may apply for our Direct Entry/Traditional Option |
| QuickPaths | Transfer credit, stackable credentials, and adaptive learning technology build a faster pathway to a higher education with Herzing University |
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Satisfaction rate
Our overall student satisfaction rate, according to the 2024 Herzing Graduate Survey.
From sterile processing to surgical tech: accelerate to the next level with Herzing University
The Associate of Science in Surgical Technology – Bridge program option is designed for sterile processing professionals ready to take the next step toward the operating room. Building on your existing knowledge and experience, the program helps you expand your skills and prepare for new responsibilities in surgical settings.
Through a hybrid format, you’ll complete coursework online while strengthening your abilities in hands-on lab environments and clinical settings. You’ll focus on sterile technique, instrumentation, surgical procedures, intraoperative support, and much more.
This program offers an accelerated pathway to grow your experience and build practical, job-relevant skills as you prepare to pursue opportunities as a surgical technologist.
Career-focused curriculum
Discover the crucial knowledge and skills required to succeed in your work and build a foundation for continued career growth.
Flexible schedule
You can take classes during the day or in the evening. We work hard to help you maintain school-life balance, striving to be as flexible as possible for busy non-traditional students.
Virtual services
Access to extensive virtual services, including academic advising, tutoring, support services, technical support and library services.
Lifelong support
We support your ongoing career advancement by providing comprehensive, personalized student services with lifelong career coaching.
Rolling admissions
No application deadlines to worry about. Apply when you’re ready and prepare to get started soon.
Courses & curriculum details
You’ll move through a structured learning experience designed to help you build knowledge, practice skills, and gain real-world experience. You’ll begin with academic coursework covering core surgical technology topics, as well as any needed gen eds.
Next, you’ll apply what you’ve learned in on-campus labs at the New Orleans Campus. These hands-on sessions introduce techniques in a controlled environment, helping you build confidence before entering a clinical environment.
The program culminates in 405 hours of supervised clinical training across three courses. You’ll observe procedures, assist surgical teams, and gradually take on more responsibility as you develop the skills needed to perform in a surgical setting.
Special gen ed grading requirements. You must achieve a “B” (80%) or better in no more than two attempts of Anatomy & Physiology I, A&P II, and Microbiology to continue in the program.
| Program | Months i | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Associate of Science in Surgical Technology - Bridge Option | 16 | 60 |
i. Average number of months for students to complete the program attending full-time
Full course list
Location
State eligibility
The hybrid Surgical Technology Bridge program option is offered through the Online Campus, with eligibility for students in Louisiana, home to our New Orleans Campus1:
Louisiana
Surgical Technology Bridge Option
Louisiana residents may apply; labs take place at our New Orleans campus.
Herzing University - New Orleans
3900 North Causeway Blvd Suite 800
Metairie, LA 70002
(504) 613-4295
Admissions requirements
The following general factors are considered prior to acceptance into the Herzing University Surgical Technology – Direct Entry/Traditional option:
- Prior education requirement. Applicants must have earned a Diploma in Sterile Processing or program equivalent.
- Minimum GPA requirement. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.50.
- Entrance testing. Applicants must achieve a minimum score of 65 on the HESI A2 entrance exam.
- Special criteria. Because the program includes direct patient contact in a clinical setting, you must complete drug testing, immunization and health checks, and accept and acknowledge select statements of policy – contact admissions for more details.
- Availability of time, personal commitment, and a professional attitude. We exist to help enthusiastic students fully committed to reaching their highest career goals. Our Surgical Technology faculty and leadership are dedicated to helping you reach them.
You will need to meet and interview with a Herzing University admissions advisor and complete an enrollment application to be admitted into the program.
If you have any additional questions regarding admissions into the program, please contact our admissions team.
What you need to know about transitioning from sterile processing to surgical technology
1. You’re building on a strong foundation
Your experience in sterile processing gives you a valuable understanding of instrumentation, sterilization, and workflow. This knowledge can help support a smoother transition into the operating room environment.
2. Your responsibilities expand in the OR
As a surgical technologist, your responsibilities grow to include setting up sterile fields, passing instruments, and supporting the surgical team during procedures. You become more directly involved in patient care during surgery.
3. Hands-on skills become even more critical
While you may already be familiar with instruments, you’ll develop additional technical skills through lab practice and clinical experience. These include sterile field management, surgical case flow, and intraoperative support.
4. Professional expectations grow in the OR
Fitting clinical hours into an already hectic life can be a challenge. In collaboration with your clinical preceptor, you will identify a schedule that works best for you.
5. Your earning potential can increase
Advancing into surgical technology may lead to higher earning potential compared to jobs in sterile processing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for surgical technologists nationwide is $65,810 per year ($31.64 per hour).*
Waived Enrollment Fee
Discover the educational pathway designed to maximize your career potential. Reach for greater heights with Herzing University.
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The Student Experience at Herzing
My journey definitely paid off! I’m looking forward to teaching the next generation of Dental Hygienists at a local Technical College -- they hired me before I even finished my program!
Rita M. Peters
Healthcare | Minneapolis CampusMy previous job was at a small doctor’s office and I was able to work in many different departments. My manager thought that I might like the billing/coding aspect and had me jump right in! After that, I loved it and always searched for ways to learn more. That’s when I decided to go back to school for medical billing and coding at Herzing University.
Courtney Gwin
Healthcare | New Orleans CampusThe number one thing I have learned is that Herzing is going to make sure you’re prepared for success both during and after the program.
McKenzie Klein
Healthcare | Minneapolis CampusI chose the medical assisting program to further my career in healthcare and that is exactly what happened!
Debrah Peterson
Healthcare | Brookfield/Milwaukee CampusI’d like to leave readers with this advice: go far, push forward and do not quit!
Antoinette Green
Healthcare | Atlanta CampusDisclosures
- Herzing University is approved to offer programs in an online learning modality through association with the main campus in Madison, Wisconsin.
* BLS pay estimates calculate the median annual wage for various occupations. Per the BLS the median wage for an occupation is: "The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount, and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey." Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2024. BLS median wage estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geographic market in which you want to work, and degree level and field, will affect career outcomes, including starting salary and earnings as an experienced employee. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the median salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, particular wage or salary, or other career growth.
Waived Enrollment Fee
Discover the educational pathway designed to maximize your career potential. Reach for greater heights with Herzing University.