Sterile Processing Technician Program in Temecula, CA
High Desert Medical College - Temecula, CA
Apply NowSouthwest Riverside County's surgical capacity keeps growing. Temecula Valley Hospital — with open-heart surgery and neuroscience services — plus Rancho Springs Hospital in Murrieta and Loma Linda University Medical Center–Murrieta all run sterile processing departments behind their operating rooms.
Sterile processing technicians make surgery possible: decontaminating, inspecting, sterilizing, and tracking every instrument that enters a sterile field.
For Temecula-area students, it's a healthcare career with hospital employment potential in under a year — no prior medical experience required.
Imagine America has partnered with High Desert Medical College (HDMC) at its Temecula campus — open since 2018 and located just steps from Temecula Valley Hospital. HDMC's Sterile Processing Technician program prepares students for the CRCST exam through HSPA.
About Imagine America Foundation (IAF)
The Imagine America Foundation (IAF) is a nonprofit organization supporting students pursuing career-oriented education at recognized trade schools and career colleges across the U.S. Since 1982, the Foundation has helped students navigate the financial aspects of technical and vocational training.
IAF provides scholarship programs including the Imagine America High School Scholarship for graduating seniors, the Adult Skills Education Program (ASEP) for adult learners, and the Military Award Program (MAP) for veterans. The Foundation also offers financial literacy guidance, career exploration tools, and resources for choosing the right program.
Over $10 million in tuition assistance is provided annually to students attending career and technical colleges nationwide.
Start Your Sterile Processing Career with High Desert Medical College
HDMC's Sterile Processing Technician program in Temecula runs 32 weeks and 830 clock hours, including a 400-hour clinical externship in a working sterile processing department. Theory is delivered online with hands-on labs on campus.
- 32-week program — 830 clock hours with a 400-hour externship
- CRCST exam preparation through HSPA
- Campus steps from Temecula Valley Hospital
- Hybrid format for working students
What You'll Learn
Coursework covers decontamination, instrument identification and assembly, sterilization methods and monitoring, infection control, and inventory management, followed by a 400-hour externship applying those skills in a real central sterile department.
Certification and Credentials
Graduates earn a Certificate of Completion and are prepared for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association — the credential surgical facilities across Southern California look for.
Where Sterile Processing Techs Work
Hospital central sterile departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty clinics across the Temecula–Murrieta corridor all employ sterile processing technicians, with advancement paths into lead and supervisory roles.
Career Outlook in Southwest Riverside County
The corridor's growing surgical volume — anchored by three hospitals within a few miles — supports consistent demand for certified sterile processing technicians in one of Southern California's fastest-growing regions.
Training Services
- Decontamination Procedures
- Surgical Instrument Identification & Assembly
- Sterilization Methods & Monitoring
- Infection Control Standards
- Inventory & Supply Chain Management
- Sterile Storage & Distribution
- Clinical Externship (400 hours)
- CRCST Exam Preparation (HSPA)
Take the First Step Toward Your Career Today
A strong foundation from the right training program sets the stage for a successful career. Explore training programs, meet expert instructors, and discover how quality education can lead to a rewarding future.
Start Your Sterile Processing Career TodayFrequently Asked Questions
How long is the Sterile Processing program at HDMC Temecula?
The program is 32 weeks — 830 clock hours including 200 classroom hours, 230 lab hours, and a 400-hour clinical externship.
What certification does the program prepare me for?
The Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam through HSPA — the recognized credential for hospital sterile processing careers.
Where is the Temecula campus located?
HDMC's Temecula campus is just steps from Temecula Valley Hospital, in the heart of Southwest Riverside County's healthcare corridor.
Are scholarships available for HDMC Temecula students?
Yes. Imagine America Foundation scholarships are available to qualifying high school seniors, adult learners, and military members attending High Desert Medical College. Create a free profile to see what you qualify for.
