Our mission is to provide a premium education, especially in Sterile Processing. Our programs are designed from over 30 years of industry experience. We provide the most flexible schedule to take our courses, wither in person, virtually via Webex (like zoom), or undependable online. Our passing rate is 90-95%. Compared to the companion at this price, we offer the most support.

Sterile processing is the cleaning, inspecting, disinfection and/or sterilization of medical devices used during a surgical procedure.

Sterile processing is a very stressful job, and thankless. Working as a sterile processing tech can be difficult, but can also be rewarding.

The time it takes to become a sterile processing technician is relatively short for a career in health care. You can make a good salary, often with excellent benefits, without going into much educational debt. The medical field is growing very rapidly, and so, jobs should continue to be in demand.

The CRCST certification requires that you pass the certification exam and complete 400 hours of hands-on experience in a CS department. These hours can be completed before testing or within 6 months of passing the exam. HSPA (formally known as IAHCSMM) highly recommends completing, or at least begin, your hours of experience before testing.

How much does a Sterile Processing Technician make hourly in the United States? The average hourly wage is $18 as of June 28, 2020, but the range typically falls between $16 and $20. It really depends on the medical facility you apply to.

Central Sterilization Solutions’ CRCST Certification Classes/Courses cost between $699 and $2,499. Students select from Base, Standard, Or Premium depending on the support and features they need. CSS is more affordable compared to the average cost of other programs; which prices can range from $7,500 – $10,000.

In-person:

At our Riverside and Whittier locations, the duration is 1 day a week for 2 hours, for a total of 14 weeks; which is roughly spread out over 5 months. (We observe holidays and have some days off)

Live Stream:

Our Virtual classes have the same duration structure.

1 day a week for 2 hours, for a total of 14 weeks; which is roughly spread out over 5 months. (We observe holidays and have some days off)

Online:

Self-paced course, with no set schedule. Education is typically completed in 2-5 months.

The online program is self paced. Whether it takes you a month or a year, it is taken at your leisure. Most students complete the online option in about 2-3 months, which is about twice as fast as the in-class/virtual program. (We recommend no less than a month to complete the course material and quizzes)

There is no curriculum, scheduling, or resource differences. They both have the same duration. (See schedules for dates) Students choose one over the other based on their schedule or their personal preference to be in a classroom.

Like other trade schools in this field, CSS does not include the national exam certification charge.

As of 2023, the national exam cost is $140. While taking the CSS CRCST Course is not mandatory, it can dramatically increase students’ chances of passing the national exam.

Currently, CSS does not accept the G.I. Bill. If funding is provided by a government agency, it typically needs to be in the form of a reimbursement. For example, paid by the student and reimbursed by the state/county.

Most states require certification for employment. Currently, California (in which CSS currently operates) is not a state that requires state certification. With that being said, California is moving toward requiring all Sterile Processing Technicians (current or future) to have their state (national) certification. For more information about the state exam: https://myhspa.org/certification/get-certified.html

Central Sterilization Solutions has many partners in the Southern California area. That being said, it is not guaranteed students will receive a spot, due to facility limitations. For insurance purposes, CSS does not disclose the current partnerships. Internship Assistance starts upon graduation from the CSS class/course and provisional CRCST certification is acquired.

Students are required to complete 400 hours of hands on training.

CSS is not an accredited school for college credits. We are a trade school specific for Sterile Processing Certificate Courses.  CSS is exempt from accreditation. CSS is a legitimate school and has a waiver from the BPPE to operate and teach our programs.

The classroom is held for 2 hours each week, for 14 whole sessions. The In-Person Class takes roughly 5 months to complete. View class schedules here

The classrooms are held in Riverside, Ca, and Whittier, CA.

20010 Orange Terrace Pkwy, Riverside Ca, 92508

7630 Washington Ave Whittier, CA 90602

For any CSS Class or Course, hands-on training is completed at a local healthcare facility. There is no hands-on training that needs to be completed in the classroom.

All class/course enrollment can be completed online. In-Person Class Enrollment 

CSS CRCST In-Person Class features 2-course levels, standard or premium that students choose depending on the level of support they need. Each level includes textbooks and access to the in-person class sessions. Learn more here.

The classroom is held for 2 hours each week, for 14 whole sessions. The In-Person Class takes roughly 5 months to complete. View class schedules here

The Live Stream Classes are held via Zoom (Video Conferencing App). After enrollment, students are provided access.

For any CSS Class or Course, hands-on training is completed at a local healthcare facility. There is no hands-on training that needs to be completed in the classroom.

Students can learn the CSS CRCST Course material from anywhere. Live Stream Classes provide students with remote access to the course lectures. Students do not need to attend an in-person class to learn CRCST.

CSS CRCST Live Stream features 2-course levels, standard or premium that students choose depending on the level of support they need. Each level includes textbooks and access to the Zoom class sessions. Learn more here.

The CSS Online CRCST Course was designed from our In-Person and Live Stream lectures. The Online Course provides students with 24 units that provide detailed information on the 24 chapters of CRCST. Each unit consists of Videos, Practices Exercises, and Quizzes. Students progress through the course at their own pace

Students choose their schedules. Most students can complete the Online CRCST Course in 2-3 months. We do not have a limit for online access.

After enrollment, students are provided access to the online material. Students are to log in at the top right-hand corner of our site.

CSS CRCST Online features 3 course levels which students choose depending on the level of support they need. Each level includes textbooks and an online student course portal. Learn more here.

CSS has multiple healthcare facilities throughout the state of California. CSS will help students find hands-on training locations by utilizing the partnering In-Network Healthcare Facilities.  Affiliate Map 

Provisionally certified students are required by HSPA to complete 400 hours of hands-on training.

It takes roughly 3 months to complete the required hands-on training (400) hours.

CSS students do not have to complete the internship hours at a partnering facility. CSS provides students liability insurance for any out-of-network location.

The hands-on training hours are typically unpaid. The CSS In-Network locations are unpaid internships.

In order to receive full certification from HSPA, technicians must complete 400 hours of hands-on training (internship).

Most healthcare facilities require full-time day shift hours. Some facilities may accommodate part-time hours but will have to confirm. CSS cannot guarantee specific hours as the available hours are only determined by the facility.