If you’re planning to become a Sterile Processing Technician, you’ve probably considered enrolling in a traditional, full-time, on-campus program. It seems like the natural path, right? However, this common approach might not be as ideal as you think. In fact, many smart adults today are choosing an entirely different route, one that allows them to start their careers in as little as 6 months—without incurring massive student loan debt or juggling an inflexible class schedule.
In this guide, we’ll explore why a full-time, on-campus Sterile Processing Technician school might not be the best fit for many adults. We’ll also introduce a revolutionary approach that can help you achieve your career goals sooner, all from the comfort of your home. Let’s dive in!
The Problem with Traditional On-Campus Programs
For decades, on-campus programs have been the gold standard for students looking to enter healthcare professions. These programs often come with the prestige of a university or community college certificate, which is undeniably valuable in the workforce. But while these programs offer a recognized certification, they also come with significant downsides, especially for adults with busy lives.
1. The Big Price Tag
One of the biggest problems with traditional sterile processing technician programs is the cost. In the U.S., a certificate program can cost between $7,000 and $115,000, while a two-year degree program may run as high as $40,000. Many students find themselves taking out student loans to cover these costs, which often leads to long-term debt.
Adults today, especially those who are returning to school to shift careers, are increasingly reluctant to take on debt that may take years to pay off. Worse, the process of applying for financial aid or student loans can be long and cumbersome, with no guarantee of approval. Many applicants are rejected, leading them to abandon their career change altogether.
2. Hidden Additional Expenses
If the tuition wasn’t enough, traditional programs also come with a host of additional expenses. Commuting to campus multiple times a week means paying for gas, parking permits, and even meals while on campus. Over the course of a year or two, these expenses can add up to thousands of dollars. And if you’re relocating for the program, the cost of rent might add even more financial strain.
All of these out-of-pocket costs contribute to making traditional programs unaffordable for many adults who are already balancing a job and household expenses.
3. Long Course Duration
Another major downside of full-time, on-campus programs is the time commitment. A sterile processing certificate or diploma program at a local community college can take up to a year to complete, while a two-year degree program can take, you guessed it, two full years.
During this time, you’ll be driving to and from campus, submitting assignments, and prepping for multiple tests. On top of that, many on-campus programs require students to take general education courses that may not have anything to do with sterile processing. These “fluff” subjects are simply there to fill credit-hour requirements, adding unnecessary time to your education.
4. Not Adult-Friendly
Full-time on-campus programs are often designed with young, single students in mind—students who may not have the same level of adult responsibilities that older adults do. If you’re juggling a full-time job, taking care of children, paying bills, grocery shopping, or just trying to maintain a social life, finding the time to attend fixed-schedule classes can be a nightmare.
If you miss a few classes due to your busy life, you can quickly fall behind, which might cause you to drop out of the program altogether. Unfortunately, traditional programs offer little flexibility for adults who need it most.
The Solution: The Preppy Approach
If you find yourself nodding along to the issues mentioned above, don’t worry. There’s good news! A new, more flexible approach is gaining popularity among adults who are serious about starting towards their careers as sterile processing technicians. Enter The Preppy Approach, a revolutionary method that solves all of the issues traditional programs present.
Here’s what you get with the Preppy Approach:
1. 100% Online Training
Say goodbye to the days of commuting to campus. With the Preppy Approach, your training is conducted entirely online. This means you can learn everything you need to know about sterile processing from the comfort of your own home—no parking fees, no gas costs, no commuting headaches. You can even study in your pajamas if you want!
2. Self-Paced Learning
One of the best features of the Preppy Approach is that it is self-paced. Unlike traditional programs where you must follow a rigid schedule, this approach allows you to learn at your own speed. Whether you’re a fast learner or need more time to absorb the material, you set the pace. This flexibility is ideal for adults who have other responsibilities but still want to pursue a new career.
And guess what? You could complete the entire sterile processing training in as little as 4 months—much faster than the 1-2 years required in a traditional program.
3. Accredited University Certificate
Don’t think you’re sacrificing quality for convenience. The Preppy Approach offers a certificate from Auburn, an accredited, nonprofit university upon completion of your training. This ensures that your certification is recognized in the healthcare industry, giving you the credibility you need when applying for jobs.
4. Externship Placement Assistance for Real-World Experience
Theory is important, but in healthcare, hands-on experience is key. The Preppy Approach doesn’t just leave you to learn online without any practical training. Once you’ve completed your coursework, you’ll be placed in a local healthcare facility where you can gain real-life clinical experience as a sterile processing technician. This externship provides invaluable, on-the-job training that will make you job-ready from day one.
5. Affordable Price Tag
This is where the Preppy Approach truly stands out. While traditional programs may cost upwards of $10,000, the Preppy Approach is available for less than $2,000. That’s right—you can complete your training, earn a university certificate, and gain hands-on experience for a fraction of the cost of a traditional program.
Conclusion: Why Traditional Sterile Processing Technician Schools Aren’t the Best Choice for Busy Adults
In today’s fast-paced world, adults who are looking to switch careers don’t have the time—or money—to waste on long, expensive, and inflexible programs. The traditional, on-campus sterile processing technician schools come with a host of problems: high tuition costs, additional expenses, long durations, and schedules that simply don’t fit the life of a working adult.
If you’re serious about starting your career as a sterile processing technician but don’t want to spend years in school or saddle yourself with student loan debt, it’s time to consider the Preppy Approach. With its affordable price, self-paced learning, accredited certification, and real-world externship opportunities, it offers everything you need to start towards your new career in just a few months.
Also read: Become a Sterile Processing Technician in 6 Months or Less
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.
Time is money. Instead of programs that could take 2 years, Preppy provides you with education in a few months through immersive online training.
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