If you’ve decided to become a sterile processing technician, the next question is how to train. There’s no single right answer — it depends on your budget, your schedule, and whether there’s a school near you. Here’s an honest comparison.
Online self-study
Best for: people who want flexibility, a lower cost, or who have no local school.
You work through the full CRCST curriculum at your own pace, with instant access to lessons, quizzes, and practice tests. It’s the most affordable path and the fastest to start — you can enroll and begin the same day.
- ✅ Lowest cost, fully flexible, start immediately
- ✅ Works from any state, no commute
- ⚠️ Requires self-discipline; hands-on hours arranged separately
Live virtual classes
Best for: people who want structure and a live instructor without leaving home.
You attend scheduled live classes over video, ask questions in real time, and get the accountability of a cohort — plus the same online materials to review between sessions.
- ✅ Live instruction + set schedule keeps you on track
- ✅ Attend from anywhere
- ⚠️ Fixed class times; costs more than self-study
Explore live virtual classes →
In-person training
Best for: people near the program who want hands-on practice and the strongest path to a hospital internship.
You train in a classroom with real instruments and instructors, and often get direct support into a clinical internship — the experience employers want most.
- ✅ Hands-on practice + internship placement
- ✅ In-person support and structure
- ⚠️ Requires being local; highest cost
A quick way to decide
- No school nearby, or on a budget? Start with online self-study.
- Want live teaching from home? Choose virtual.
- Local and want hands-on + internship? Go in-person.
Whichever you choose, all three prepare you for the same CRCST credential on the HSPA 9th Edition. The “best” program is simply the one you’ll actually finish.
Still not sure? Grab our free Career Roadmap and we’ll help you think it through.