Surgical Instrument Technician Certificate Program
Advanced Certificate — Post-SPT Completion Track
The Surgical Instrument Technician Certificate Program is an advanced-level training course designed for individuals who have successfully completed a Sterile Processing Technician (SPT) program. This program focuses specifically on the identification, handling, testing, assembly, and surgical use of complex instruments used in operating rooms and procedure suites.
Building on foundational sterile processing knowledge, students will expand their expertise in surgical instrumentation systems, procedural setups, advanced instrumentation care, and surgical support logistics. This includes high-level instrument inspection, OR case cart setup, and communication with surgical teams.
Graduates of this program are prepared to take advanced certification exams and support operating rooms as skilled surgical instrument specialists.
Prerequisite
Successful completion of an approved Sterile Processing Technician Program (Must include coursework in decontamination, A&P, microbiology, sterilization, and wrapping techniques)
Learning Outcomes
Graduates will be able to:
Identify and differentiate surgical instrumentation by specialty.
Assemble complex instrument trays and set up case carts for surgical procedures.
Conduct thorough functional tests on surgical tools and powered equipment.
Apply specialty handling techniques for orthopedic, cardiovascular, neurosurgical, and laparoscopic instruments.
Communicate effectively with the surgical team to anticipate instrument needs.
Maintain records and follow surgical case logs using tracking systems.
Curriculum Outline (for Post-SPT Students)
| Module Code | Course Title | Clock Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SIT 201 | Surgical Instrumentation: Classification & Use by Procedure | 20 hrs |
| SIT 202 | Instrument Tray Assembly & Specialty Sets | 15 hrs |
| SIT 203 | Advanced Inspection, Testing, & Function Checks | 10 hrs |
| SIT 204 | Case Cart Configuration and OR Logistics | 10 hrs |
| SIT 205 | Specialty Instrument Handling: Ortho, Neuro, Cardio, Laparoscopy | 15 hrs |
| SIT 206 | Instrument Tracking & Communication with OR Team | 5 hrs |
| SIT 207 | Surgical Instrument Skills Lab | 20 hrs |
| SIT 208 | Clinical Externship (Optional/Recommended) | 40–80 hrs |
Total Instructional Hours (Excluding Clinical): 95 hours
With Clinical Externship: 135–175 hours
All theory hours are based on prior foundational training.
Certification Eligibility
Graduates may pursue Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS) credential through IAHCSMM or Certified Surgical Instrument Specialist (CSIS) through CBSPD.
Job Titles Upon Completion
Surgical Instrument Technician
Instrument Specialist
OR Instrument Coordinator
Specialty Instrument Reprocessing Tech
Instrument Room Tech
Career Path and Outlook
Career Advancement: From SPD technician → Surgical Instrument Specialist → Lead Tech → SPD Supervisor
Work Settings: Hospitals, Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs), Vendor Reprocessing Services, Specialty Clinics
Job Growth (2022–2032): +6% (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Salary Estimates (Northern California)
| Metro Area | Hourly Pay | Annual Range |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $33 – $42/hr | $68,000 – $87,000 |
| San Jose | $32 – $40/hr | $66,000 – $83,000 |
| Oakland | $30 – $38/hr | $62,000 – $79,000 |
| Sacramento | $28 – $35/hr | $58,000 – $73,000 |
Experienced Surgical Instrument Techs with specialty knowledge often earn more than general SPD techs.
Why This Add-On Program Is Valuable
Specialty Role: Focuses on advanced surgical instrumentation knowledge that general SPD training does not cover.
High-Pay Upskill: Unlocks higher-wage roles in surgical services.
Fast Completion: Short program length due to reduced theory hours.
Career Advancement: Can lead to OR tech pathways or leadership roles in surgical services.
Syllabus
The Surgical Instrument Technician Certificate Program trains students in the specialized skills required to inspect, assemble, maintain, and prepare surgical instruments for a wide range of medical procedures. Building upon foundational sterile processing knowledge, the program emphasizes advanced instrumentation, specialty surgical sets, and precision handling to support surgical teams and ensure patient safety. Please refer to the Program Description for the complete program outline and syllabus.
Reviews
After succeeding in becoming a certified Sterile Processing Technician, I was eligible to enroll in the next level of training—Milay Institute’s Surgical Instrument Technician Certificate Program. This advanced program built on my existing skills, with in-depth, hands-on training in handling, assembling, and preparing complex surgical instrument sets. The instructors’ real-world experience and guidance gave me the confidence to work directly with surgical teams, opening new doors for career advancement. – M.Oakenbrook
