How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in California (Certification Programs & Salary Guide)

Sterile processing technicians should be worth their weight in gold, so it makes sense to pursue a job in the Golden State.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that the Medical Equipment Preparers category, which is where sterile processing techs fall, has one of the highest employment rates and highest wages.

Let’s start with the importance of sterile processing technicians.

These behind-the-scenes workers rarely interact with patients but affect patient safety as much as anyone.

Sterile processing techs clean and sanitize equipment and tools after surgery and ready them for the next one.

Not only is this one of the most important jobs in healthcare, but it’s also one of the easiest paths into the healthcare field.

Steps to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in California

Becoming a sterile processing technician in California, or anywhere in the U.S. for that matter, is relatively simple but not always easy.

Step 1: Finish High School

You can either have a high school diploma or get a GED, the latter of which is a great option for adults who have never finished high school but now want to pursue a career that requires one.

Whether you want to go to school for sterile processing training or get an entry-level job, a diploma or GED will be expected.

Step 2: Make a Plan Toward Certification

Healthcare jobs will require certification through either the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) or the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) one way or the other.

There are generally three paths to getting certification:

• In the workforce: Get a job in sterile processing and have your employer assist you in getting the training and clinical hours required for certification.
• In a certificate program: Some educational courses are designed just to help you pass the certification exam.
• In a diploma or degree program: Other educational programs, which we’ll go through shortly, have more expanded education offering a diploma or degree that also includes the learning needed to pass the exam.

Step 3: Get a Sterile Processing Job

Since there are a lot of jobs in sterile processing and the cost of living in California is so high, plan to present your best self forward on your cover letter, resume, and interview, but also don’t forget to interview the healthcare facility representative.

Look for ways to save money or get added benefits, like meal plans, free uniforms and PPE, and health benefits.

If you do take a job contingent upon you getting certified within a year, plan to stay in that job the entire time while focusing on passing the exam.

Without a passing grade, you could be unemployed after a year.

Step 4: Don’t Stop There!

While some people ask if sterile processing is a dead-end job, you should know that it’s not.

The possibilities are out there, but you need to seize them.

For example, there are more tiers of certification, like endoscopy, ambulatory surgery, instrument specialist, and leadership.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in California

Only six states require sterile processing certificates or set other standards, but California isn’t one of them.

The topic was discussed about 20 years ago, but it was not discussed further through the legislative branch.

At the same time, any hospital worth working for should have certification expectations and requirements.

That will likely include ongoing annual education to keep up with new technology and trends.

Sterile Processing Technician Programs in California

While there are plenty of programs in California where you can learn sterile processing, here are a few of our favorites, and we’ll cover both Northern and Southern California.

This is also where I want to note that in some instances, the title for the job is Central Service Technician, but that means the same thing as Sterile Processing Technician.

Southwestern College – Chula Vista

In South San Diego, Southwestern College has a program for Central Services Technology.

Three courses make up this curriculum, with a total learning time of 27 weeks.

That does include 200 hours in a hospital setting.

While there are no prerequisites for higher education to get into this course, it only happens once a year in the fall.

Applications are accepted in the spring.

Check for vaccination requirements, including the COVID-19 Vaccine, before enrolling.

The cost is estimated at $800.

Quite frankly, this is one of the best values I’ve seen for sterile processing technician training.

Central Sterilization School – Los Angeles Area

This unique program is set up so you can choose from online-only courses, live-stream courses, or in-person classes in Riverside or Whittier, California.

The Central Sterilization Solutions class lasts three months and consists of just two hours of coursework a week.

In the end, you’ll be trained to sit for the CRCST exam.

There are three tiers of tuition.

First, the base tuition is $1,599.

That’s just the class and the required book.

Second, the standard tuition is $1,999, which adds tutoring and career support to the basic plan.

Finally, the premium class will cost $2,399 and tack on internship assistance to help get closer to the hours required for certification.

Skyline College – San Bruno

Located between San Francisco and San Mateo near SFO airport, Skyline College has a Sterile Processing Technology program.

You will need a letter of recommendation to apply for entry into this program.

Vaccination, a physical exam, a drug screen, and a background test are required as well.

The program lasts for nine months, with a tuition of $529.

Once you have in the costs of equipment, background checks, and books, you’re looking at about $1,100 out of pocket.

A real bonus of this program is that you’ll complete the 400 hours required for the CRCST exam as part of the nine months.

Salary for Sterile Processing Technician in California

The average wage for a sterile processing technician in California is $43,723, according to Salary.com.

The top 90% make around $54,300, and the lowest 10% make $34,900.

Given the wide discrepancy between the high and the low, the option to consider additional education to be more experienced is apparent.

However, I think it’s worth mentioning that the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the average wage as of May 2023 is $61,780.

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