Are you considering a career in healthcare but unsure where to start? Becoming a Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) could be the ideal option for you. And the best part? You could achieve your CRCST certification in just four months, without ever stepping foot in a traditional classroom. This guide outlines how you can fast-track your career through a modern, online sterile processing technician certification program and be ready to pass the Health Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) exam, all while saving time and money.
Why Pursue a CRCST Certification?
Sterile Processing Technicians play a vital role in healthcare settings, ensuring that medical instruments are properly sterilized and safe for use in surgeries and medical procedures. Hospitals and surgical centers actively seek professionals who are CRCST certified, as it guarantees a standard of competency in the sterile processing field. Certification is more than just a formality; it demonstrates your ability to perform the critical duties of the role and builds trust with potential employers.
With the CRCST certification being issued by the Health Sterile Processing Association (HSPA), it is recognized nationwide and considered the gold standard for sterile processing professionals in the U.S.
Do You Really Need the CRCST Certification?
The short answer: Yes.
The majority of healthcare facilities require their Sterile Processing Technicians to be certified, and even if certification isn’t immediately required, it significantly enhances your job prospects. Employers are more likely to hire CRCST-certified candidates because it shows they meet the industry standards and have been rigorously tested. In today’s competitive job market, the CRCST certification sets you apart from other candidates and can be a key factor in landing your dream job.
How to Get CRCST Certified
To become CRCST certified, you must pass an exam conducted by HSPA. This certification exam tests your knowledge and skills in sterile processing, ensuring that you have the right preparation to handle the responsibilities of the role. However, simply completing a sterile processing program at a college won’t automatically grant you the CRCST certification. You need to specifically prepare for and pass the HSPA exam.
This is why choosing the right training program is crucial. The best programs not only prepare you for the exam but also give you the practical skills necessary for your career.
The Traditional Path vs. the Modern Approach
For years, students have believed that the only way to receive sterile processing training was by enrolling in a full-time, on-campus program. While these programs may offer a structured learning environment, they often come with steep tuition fees and long completion times. Full-time programs can cost a lot and take as long as two years to complete. For many, this means taking out student loans and delaying their career start for years.
But what if you could get the same level of education, earn a university certificate, and still prepare for the CRCST certification without the need for a traditional college setting?
An Online Solution: Preppy’s Sterile Processing Technician Certification Program
Preppy’s Sterile Processing Technician Certification Program provides a modern, flexible alternative to traditional sterile processing programs. It allows you to get all the training you need entirely online and at your own pace. You could complete the program in as little as four months, depending on your schedule.
Key Features of Preppy’s Program:
- 100% Online: You can access all course materials from any device, meaning you can study from the comfort of your home or even while on the go.
- Self-Paced Learning: Preppy’s program gives you the flexibility to learn when it fits into your schedule. Whether you’re working full-time, a single parent, or simply don’t want a fixed schedule, you can study during your lunch break, early in the morning, or late at night.
- No Commute or Fixed Start Dates: Forget commuting to classes or waiting for the semester to begin. You can start learning the day you enroll.
- University Certificate: Preppy partners with Auburn, an accredited university to offer you a prestigious certificate of completion, recognized in the healthcare industry. This adds credibility to your resume and provides a strong foundation for your career growth.
- Interactive Learning: The program includes interactive slides, presentations, videos, and quizzes to ensure you fully understand each concept.
Gaining Hands-On Experience
While online education offers great flexibility, hands-on experience in sterile processing is critical. Sterile Processing Technicians work in clinical settings, and real-world experience can give you an edge over other entry-level candidates.
Preppy’s program includes a hands-on externship opportunity coordinated for you. This saves you the headache of arranging one yourself. The externship opportunity provides the experience you need in a real healthcare facility. It helps you build confidence and practical skills that will be invaluable on the job.
Externship Opportunities Available Nationwide
Regardless of where you live in the U.S., Preppy offers externship opportunities at healthcare facilities across the country. This nationwide access ensures that students from all locations can get the hands-on experience to become job-ready.
Preparing for the CRCST Exam
Preppy’s online sterile processing technician course is specifically designed to prepare you for the HSPA certification exam. The course covers all the material you’ll need to ace the exam. It includes foundational knowledge and advanced sterilization techniques.
After completing the program, you’ll be eligible to apply for and take the certification exam. Passing the HSPA exam allows you to add the prestigious “CRCST” title to your name, which is a mark of excellence in the sterile processing field.
Job Placement Assistance
One of the standout features of Preppy’s program is its job assistance services. Upon completing the program, you could become eligible for job assistance assistance. Preppy works with healthcare partners to help place graduates in jobs, so they can start towards their careers immediately after certification.
Eligibility for Job Assistance Services
Students must meet certain criteria to qualify for job assistance services, ensuring that they connect with employers as committed and qualified candidates.
Cost of Preppy’s Program
At $1,599, Preppy’s Sterile Processing Technician Training program is an affordable option if we compare it with traditional programs, which can cost thousands more. There are no hidden fees, and payment plans are available, making it financially accessible for most students. Additionally, for a limited time, Preppy is offering a free laptop with enrollment, a valuable bonus for online learners.
Why Choose Preppy?
Preppy has become a go-to for students looking to enter the healthcare field quickly and affordably. Thousands of students across the U.S. have already enrolled in Preppy’s program, many of whom have shared positive reviews about their experiences.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to start towards a career in sterile processing and obtain your CRCST certification, Preppy’s online program is an excellent option. In just four months, you could be job-ready, CRCST-certified, and well on your way to a rewarding healthcare career. Preppy’s program offers flexible, affordable, and comprehensive training, making it ideal for modern learners who need a fast track to success.
Also read: Do This To Become a Sterile Processing Technician
About:
Preppy was founded by higher education expert, Grant Aldrich, whose work on college affordability and accessibility has been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg Businessweek, Business Insider, American Express, AOL, MSN, Thrive Global, Reader’s Digest, Inside Higher Ed, Evolllution, EducationDive, and nearly 100 radio shows and podcasts.
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