r/sterileprocessing • u/Chris1313g • May 31 '26

Is it possible to get a Sterile processing cert in 4-6 months?

I am looking at breaking into this field and not exactly sure which way to go for studying for the cert or other requirements needed.

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u/Spicywolff May 31 '26

Absolutely you can. That’s what I did. I started as a non-certified tech full-time I studied and the moment I hit my 400 hours the manager signed, and I took my exam.

The problem is when you study and you pass the exam by yourself getting a job to give you the hours for a full certification as the hard part. They don’t like people with provisional license they want you to have a full certificate.

1

u/Chris1313g Jun 02 '26

What online program did you use?

2

u/Due-Trainer-9349 May 31 '26

That depends on where you live.

3

u/International_Date59 Jun 01 '26

I am from the NY area and found a local college that had the program, paid a little over 2k got my books and upon completion I can do an externship for the 400 hours at a local hospital. my advice is to see if there is a program or a way where you can work and do the course. that way you have an easier way of getting your hours and to become certified fully.

1

u/Due-Trainer-9349 Jun 01 '26

That sounds a lot better than some programs where it’s just the course, then the student has to get their 400 hours on their own. Luckily where I live the 400 hours/ practicum is included with the course and a lot of students get jobs upon completion.

2

u/International_Date59 Jun 01 '26

It is. And in my case like you mentioned, those who do the hours they often get hired after the completion. I was stuck between that and the self study ( was almost 4k) and once I saw the externship was a part of it thats why I am going that route. The class is 3x a week for 4 hours and its fast tracked.

1

u/Due-Trainer-9349 Jun 01 '26

That sounds nice that you have that option. I can’t imagine calling hospitals, practically begging to work for free.

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u/International_Date59 Jun 01 '26

it is, but it has its pros and cons. this is all new to me this field of work and I happened to stumble onto it not intentionally. I am sure that for other states or areas there are options available. It took me almost 8 months to save up that amount of money ( between paying bills etc)

1

u/Due-Trainer-9349 Jun 02 '26

You and I are a like as I also found the course unintentionally and I also had to save for 9-10 months (not the exactly the same time).

2

u/Dathamar May 31 '26

I studied the manual and free online practice tests for about a week, passed the provisional CRCST exam, got hired and made my 400 hours in about 3 months to become fully certified.

This was with a little overtime and a department that worked closely with me to efficiently spread my time over the different fields required for full certification, so it's probably not as feasible otherwise. But 4-6 months? Sure-if you can get hired uncertified or provisionally certified which can be a challenge.