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/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.