Scrub technicians can attend any of the 400 accredited training programs recognized to train surgical technologists by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). High
school diplomas are almost universally required for admissions.

Programs can last from 9-to-24 months and can culminate in a certificate, diploma, or associate degree. Education focuses on classroom education and supervised hands-on experience. Topics covered within these programs include anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, ethics, and medical terminology. Further, training for all tasks (as enumerated above) will take place during the program.

Scrub technicians should be certified by the Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist. Certification can be acquired by taking and passing the national certification exam. Upon completing a CAAHEP-accredited program and passing the exam, an individual becomes designated as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST). To retain certification, it must be renewed every four years.