Financial aid (may be available)
Financial aid (may be available)
Financial aid (may be available)
Financial aid (may be available)
$3,199 total
$650 total
$199 total
Anderson University in Indiana offers a specialized vocational school program focused on healthcare certifications, specifically in Sterile Compounding & IV Aseptic. The program equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge through a combination of theoretical and practical training. Students gain hands-on experience in a simulated healthcare environment, emphasizing safety protocols and quality standards. The program also emphasizes the importance of communication and teamwork in the healthcare field. With experienced faculty members providing guidance and support, Anderson University prepares students for successful careers in healthcare through a comprehensive and industry-focused curriculum.
$4,000 total
Our Sterile Processing Technician training program is designed with job readiness in mind! Through flexible online classes, you’ll learn the skills that are essential to being successful on the job while also preparing to sit for industry certification.
No cost info
A career as a Sterile Processing Technician represents a path to success in the fast-growing healthcare industry! As the healthcare field continues to grow, so does the need for Sterile Processing Technicians who prepare and provide the clean, sterile, properly functioning instruments used daily in surgeries and medical procedures. Sterile Processing Techs, also known as Central Sterile Processing Technicians, will have consistent job opportunities, they are essential to surgical centers and operating rooms all across the country and around the world. Surgical procedures that treat a vast number of health conditions are more prominent than ever. The increase in procedures has led to an equal increase in demand for the job skills of Sterile Processing Technicians.
$979 total
Our online Sterile Processing Technician Career Diploma can help students prepare for entry-level jobs as sterile processing technicians. Additionally, graduates have the opportunity to become industry certified by sitting for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) Certification exam offered by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA).
$899 total
The Sterile Compounding & IV Aseptic certification class offered by Americation Career & Training School is an online course that provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to become a certified sterile compounding technician. This class covers topics such as aseptic technique, USP 797 and USP 800, and the proper use of personal protective equipment. Upon completion of this course, students will receive a certification from Americation Career & Training School, located in New Jersey.
$1,200 total
If you're looking for a fast track to a well-paying and essential healthcare career in Sacramento without years of college, becoming a Sterile Processing Technician is a fantastic choice. These crucial behind-the-scenes professionals earn a median salary of $76,570 per year in the Sacramento metro area and are vital to patient safety in every hospital and surgical center. This guide breaks down the exact steps to get you through a local or online training program, certified, and into a high-demand hospital job in just a few months.
A sterile processing technician (also called a central service technician or medical equipment preparer) is responsible for ensuring all surgical tools and medical equipment are meticulously cleaned, sterilized, functional, and ready for use. They are the backbone of infection control in any healthcare facility.
Core responsibilities include:
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2023 data, the Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade metropolitan area is a strong market for Sterile Processing Technicians.
This high earning potential, combined with a short training period, makes it one of the most efficient paths to a stable and well-compensated healthcare career.
Follow these steps to start your career as a Sterile Processing Technician. The entire process, from starting your training to getting certified, can take as little as 4 to 10 months.
Enroll in a Sterile Processing Technician certificate program. While local community colleges do not currently offer dedicated SPT programs, Sacramento residents can choose from several excellent vocational schools and online providers. These focused programs provide the essential knowledge of microbiology, decontamination, and sterilization required for the job.
Explore and apply for sterile processing technician programs with Dreambound today.
To achieve full national certification, you must complete 400 hours of hands-on experience in a sterile processing department. It is important to note this is a requirement set by the national certifying body (HSPA), not by California state law. Many training programs help coordinate this clinical externship at a local hospital or surgical center.
After completing your training, you must pass a national certification exam. While not a state license, virtually all Sacramento employers require this credential. The two main certifications are:
You can take the exam to become provisionally certified before completing your 400 hours, but you must finish the hours within six months to gain full CRCST certification.
As with most healthcare roles, you must be able to pass a criminal background check and drug screening. With your national certification in hand, you'll be ready to apply for jobs at major Sacramento-area employers like UC Davis Health, Sutter Health, Kaiser Permanente, and Dignity Health.
While Sacramento's community colleges like American River College and Carrington College do not currently offer Sterile Processing Technician programs, several excellent vocational and online options are available to area residents.
This local adult education provider offers an online SPT course that prepares students for national certification. The tuition is approximately $2,995 and includes an exam voucher.
MedCerts offers a fully online Sterile Processing Technician program designed for students who need flexible scheduling.
The program includes video-based training, a Central Service Technician Manual textbook, competency assessments, student success advisors, exam prep support, and one year of post-program career services access.
Nearby institutions and national online schools provide certificate programs with tuition typically ranging from $2,000 to $4,000. These programs are designed for working adults and often offer flexible online coursework combined with assistance in finding a local clinical externship.
Financing your education is achievable through several avenues.
You can complete the classroom portion of your Sterile Processing Technician training online. This is an excellent option for students who need flexibility.
These hybrid programs allow you to study the theoretical material—such as microbiology, infection control, and instrumentation—through a self-paced online platform. However, you must still complete the mandatory 400 hours of hands-on clinical experience in person at a local hospital or surgical center to qualify for full certification.
Accredited online programs are often the fastest path, with some allowing you to complete the coursework in as little as four months before starting your clinical externship.
Sterile Processing Technicians work behind the scenes in the sterile core of medical facilities. The job is stable, in high demand, and essential for patient care. In Sacramento, the biggest employers are:
While the state of California does not issue its own license for Sterile Processing Technicians, national certification is the industry standard and a firm requirement for nearly every employer. Certifying bodies like HSPA require 400 hours of hands-on experience, making certification a practical necessity to work in the field.
Yes, it is an excellent career choice in Sacramento. The profession offers a high median salary ($76,570) for the level of training required, strong and stable demand from major local hospital systems, and a quick path from starting school to full-time employment.
Becoming a Sterile Processing Technician is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to launch a rewarding healthcare career in Sacramento. With a median salary over $75,000, strong local demand, and training that takes less than a year, now is an excellent time to get started.
Ready for your healthcare career? Explore and apply for sterile processing technician classes with Dreambound today.
Looking for other medical careers? Check out:
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Dreambound has over 70 programs across healthcare, technology, business, and industrial trades. This includes programs such as Medical Billing, Cybersecurity, and welding.
Some of our schools offer financial aid for those who qualify. Many others offer payment plans, where you can pay the cost of class over time.
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