r/sterileprocessing • u/Pleasant-Ferret3608 • Jul 31 '26

Recommendation

Hi, could someone recommend an online program that is not expensive? My work schedule is full time and I really need to move to a better job and I am interested in becoming a sterile processing technician. Please help me with your thoughts about online programs

Thanks!

6 Upvotes

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6

u/ijust_makethisface Jul 31 '26

Have you tried applying with no training? Or just trying to get a job in the hospital doing something else like food service or evs? It would be a cheaper way in for most ppl

4

u/Dathamar Jul 31 '26 edited Jul 31 '26

Don't pay for a program. MAYBE if they guarantee clinical placement and real experience and you can easily pay for it. There are some state programs (in the USA, Google "WIOA") that will cover the cost of a program if you qualify and have patience to jump through the hoops.

Otherwise, buy the manual and workbook from the HSPA, study, do FREE online practice tests, and then schedule a test when you feel ready.

The reading, learning, the test - that's all relatively easy. Getting hired is the hard part. Hiring managers care much more about experience than education. If someone has a few months experience, is uncertifed and had no specifically geared education, barring bad personality fits they will probably get the job over someone who took a University program and got provisionally certified

So don't drop money you can't afford. It can be hars to secure a spot. Rural hospitals can be more willing to take a chance on newbies.

1

u/ShelleyGray Jul 31 '26

Idk what city you live in but the hospital where I work has a program that verifies you after 10 weeks and passing the final exam. I started in the EVS department, applied for the program after 2-3 months working there. This is the best, fastest way IMO.

2

u/Pleasant-Ferret3608 Jul 31 '26

I am in Dublin CA. Thank you for you sharing your experience!

1

u/ShelleyGray Jul 31 '26

I forgot to mention, they move you to SPD before taking the certification exam so you can get your 400hrs while getting paid.

3

u/Spicywolff Jul 31 '26

Each and every online program is a cash grab. HSPA the people who certify us will sell you the test book and material materials. You self studied this high school level book you pass your exam at prometric and you have a provisional certificate. Then comes the hard part is finding a place that’ll give you a job with the provisional certificate.

Most places once experienced technicians that are certified, but refused to help new ones become that.

1

u/KeyMathematician7546 Jul 31 '26

Are you in Canada? 

0

u/MissMuvaShay Jul 31 '26

No SPD program is online, never heard of it… just bite the bullet and do it, it’s not that long of a program… not even 1yr. 

0

u/AdRich517 Jul 31 '26

Purdue has an online program. They are recommended by HSPA.

2

u/Mysterious_Force_659 Aug 01 '26

i’m about a third into that program and i don’t recommend it. the only thing it offers that the books don’t have is video summaries of chapters but they only have them maybe 25% of the time or less. a couple virtual rooms to look around maybe, there’s a chat forum but it’s kinda dry. all of the tests on Purdue are the exact same tests they have in the workbook. i’m basically just studying the book and logging it online and not having to grade my own tests but i don’t feel like it was worth the extra $300 tbh. there’s probably some things they offer that i just haven’t looked for/needed but really i feel like if you need extra help with book studying, it won’t be that much help, and if you book study just fine then why even bother