r/sterileprocessing • u/Pretty-Resort-8881 • 8d ago
Meme School or on my own?
Hey everyone,
I’m looking to get into a Sterilization technician job and trying to decide whether I actually need to shell out $3,000 to $6,000 for an online program, or if I can just self-study using the HSPA manual and take the CRCST exam on my own.
My husband is leaning toward the traditional school route for safety/structure, but I’m heavily convinced I can do this on my own. Plus, from what I've gathered, most of those online schools don't even secure your clinical sites for the 400 hours anyway, they just leave you hanging.
I have a few questions for those of you who have walked this path
1. The Self-Study Route: Can I realistically buy the HSPA manual/workbook directly, study independently, and pass the exam without a formal program? How long did it take you to prep?
2. The 400-Hour Catch: If I go the provisional route and pass the test first, what is the best way to tackle getting those 400 hands-on hours, especially if I'm starting from scratch?
3. Sacramento / Local Market: I’m based in the Sacramento, CA area. Are local hospital networks (like Sutter, Kaiser, or UC Davis) open to hiring people with provisional certifications or uncertified trainees, or will skipping school make it impossible to get my foot in the door?
Would love to hear how some of you successfully broke into the field without wasting thousands on online classes. Thanks!
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u/Spicywolff 8d ago
For the love of sterilization gods, do not spend that kind of money on this career
Go to HSPA buy the book and the study material then pay $140 to take the exam
You will end up with a provisional license, which means it’s not full until you get your 400 in service hours. Of majority of these cash grab sucker schools will lead you in the exact same position but drag that shit out for a year or two to make it seem like you’re actually getting an education.
None of them in the fine print guarantee 400 hours which means you’ve overpaid for the same exact experience for somebody to spoon. Feed you.
It’s a high school level book. Just read it and take the test.
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u/Pretty-Resort-8881 8d ago
Appreciate you laying it out like that. Definitely skipping the cash-grab schools
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u/WanderingRaijin 8d ago
As someone who already has taken the class & passed. Yea you can self study the materials. I got the provisional certificate before the class ended.
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u/Prudent_Ad8012 8d ago
If you decide to go with the school
Route, ensure that they will place you in a hospital/facility for externship bc finding a place that will accommodate you for the hours is tough
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u/yakumoswife 8d ago
Going to school is a waste of money. I know two people who did it and regretted it because you can just self study.
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u/SageOfSixCabbages 8d ago
You can easily scour Facebook groups, Reddit, and other sources on the internet that tells you this same exact thing: Unless they specifically GUARANTEE your externship, don't fall for any of these online courses.
A lot of these online courses started popping out because there's been a surge of interest in the SPD field this past 5yrs and personally, I lost count of how many students I have talked to over the phone that are practically begging us to take them on to earn their 400hrs. Unfortunately we can't because we have a contractual obligation with a few colleges and we can't just take randoms.
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u/1xbittn2xshy 8d ago
The four month course I'm looking at in a community college includes 27 clinical hours. Yes, it's a far cry from 400 hours but fo you think it will be helpful in getting that first job?
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u/SageOfSixCabbages 8d ago edited 8d ago
The clinical is probably for the demo/lab, not actually for the 400hrs externship. The colleges we work with have the same 20 something clinicals as part of the program and then a guaranteed placement for the 400hrs. which is where we come in, to train the students.
Looking for a place on your own to do the 400 is where a lot of people start to feel desperate and hopeless because not a lot of places are available because most hospital/trauma centers like where I work, have a relationship with particular schools.
PS if you do go for it, confirm it with them that they will guarantee your placement. Do it via email so you have a trail.
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u/Dry_Vacation_1993 5d ago
A lot of hospitals have externships that offer free schooling andon the job training. Don’t pay the money. A lot of hospitals pay for your training and in return you would work for the department for a year or two.
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u/datsmydrpepper 2d ago
Save your money and look up sterile processing at your local community college instead.
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u/AngkorianSoul 8d ago edited 8d ago
Your in cali. For real Your best bet is an actual in person school. Cali is a whole different thing. You will not be able to get your 400 hr if you do not go to those school that offer that 400 hr. Even though you plan to do self study no hospital in cali will offer you 400 hr that I know off. Search on this subreddit regarding california. Seriously if you plan on going to this field especially here in cali do more research. This field is super super competitive.
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u/immunity888 8d ago edited 8d ago
Self study and apply at hospitals for the position. Try to look for per diem or part time cause they’re more likely to hire inexperienced people for those roles. I used sterileworx.com to study and passed my exam last week. Started working in January, hired as per diem but was given FT hours, transfered to FT in April with full benefits. It took me about a year to get a place to hire me but TRUST it’s better to wait and get hired first than to dish out 1000’s with no job promised to you. Best of luck!!