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Sterile Processing Externship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Stcharles

Lead Sterile Processing Technician

Bend, OR · On-site

$29.96 - $44.93/hr

Six months' experience in Sterile Processing or completion of Sterile Processing externship. Preferred : Two years' experience in Sterile Processing. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: Must be able to ...

Stcharles

Lead Sterile Processing Technician

Bend, OR

$29.96 - $44.93/hr

Six months' experience in Sterile Processing or completion of Sterile Processing externship. Preferred : Two years' experience in Sterile Processing. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: Must be able to ...

Stcharles

Lead Sterile Processing Technician

Bend, OR

$29.96 - $44.93/hr

Six months' experience in Sterile Processing or completion of Sterile Processing externship. Preferred : Two years' experience in Sterile Processing. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: Must be able to ...

Stcharles

Lead Sterile Processing Technician

Bend, OR

$29.96 - $44.93/hr

Six months' experience in Sterile Processing or completion of Sterile Processing externship. Preferred : Two years' experience in Sterile Processing. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: Must be able to ...

Banfield Pet Hospital

Banfield Externship

Maple Grove, MN · On-site

$19.71 - $23.46/hr

... clean, sterile and organized treatment areas, exam rooms and labs. • Provide professional ... processes or procedures. Takes on additional responsibility when both big and small tasks need to ...

Banfield Pet Hospital

Banfield Externship

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$19.71 - $23.46/hr

... clean, sterile and organized treatment areas, exam rooms and labs. • Provide professional ... processes or procedures. Takes on additional responsibility when both big and small tasks need to ...

Banfield Pet Hospital

Banfield Externship

Mesquite, TX · On-site

$19.71 - $23.46/hr

... clean, sterile and organized treatment areas, exam rooms and labs. • Provide professional ... processes or procedures. Takes on additional responsibility when both big and small tasks need to ...

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Sterile Processing Externship information

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$13

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$43

How much do sterile processing externship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for sterile processing externship in the United States is $27.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.95 and $33.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sterile processing extern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sterile Processing Extern, you need knowledge of sterilization techniques, infection control standards, and basic medical terminology, often gained through a relevant training program or coursework. Familiarity with autoclaves, washer-disinfectors, tracking software, and industry certifications like CRCST is highly beneficial. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for success in this role. These abilities ensure that surgical instruments are properly sterilized and available, directly impacting patient safety and smooth healthcare operations.

What is a sterile processing externship?

A Sterile Processing Externship is a supervised, hands-on training program for individuals pursuing a career in sterile processing. During the externship, participants work in a healthcare facility's sterile processing department, where they learn how to clean, sterilize, and prepare surgical instruments and equipment. This experience allows students to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting, gain practical skills, and meet certification or employment requirements. Externships are often a required step before becoming a certified sterile processing technician.

What is the difference between Sterile Processing Externship vs Sterile Processing Technician?

AspectSterile Processing ExternshipSterile Processing Technician
CredentialsTypically enrolled students or recent graduates; may require basic healthcare certificationsCertified or trained in sterile processing; often requires certification such as CBSPD or IAHCSMM
Work EnvironmentEducational setting, shadowing, and hands-on training in hospitals or clinicsFull-time role in hospitals, surgical centers, or clinics performing sterilization and processing of medical equipment
Job ResponsibilitiesLearning sterilization procedures, observing workflows, gaining industry knowledgePerforming sterilization, cleaning, and processing of surgical instruments and equipment

The Sterile Processing Externship provides students with hands-on learning and industry exposure, often as part of training programs. In contrast, a Sterile Processing Technician is a trained professional responsible for sterilizing and maintaining surgical instruments in a healthcare setting. The externship is a stepping stone toward becoming a certified technician, who performs the core duties in sterile processing daily.

Do you get paid for your sterile processing externship?

Sterile processing externships are typically unpaid learning experiences designed to provide hands-on training in sterilization techniques and equipment. Some programs may offer stipends or hourly pay, but most are unpaid internships focused on skill development and certification preparation.

What can I expect during a typical day in a sterile processing externship?

During a Sterile Processing Externship, you'll spend your days assisting with the decontamination, inspection, assembly, and sterilization of surgical instruments and medical equipment. You will work closely with experienced sterile processing technicians and supervisors, learning proper techniques and industry standards. Expect to rotate through different workstations, gain hands-on experience, and get familiar with compliance protocols. Collaboration with surgical staff and nurses is common, as you help ensure all equipment is ready and safe for patient care.
More about Sterile Processing Externship jobs
What states have the most Sterile Processing Externship jobs? States with the most job openings for Sterile Processing Externship jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Sterile Processing Externship jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Sterile Processing Externship jobs are:
Sterile Processing Externship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sterile Processing Externship job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,186 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Certified Central Processing Tech II

St Josephs Medical Center

Stockton, CA • On-site

$33.41 - $37.53/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description


Job Summary and Responsibilities

As our Tech Certified Central Processing, you will be a lead expert in the meticulous sterilization and maintenance of surgical instruments and medical equipment, playing a pivotal role in infection prevention and ensuring the readiness of vital tools for patient care across our facility.
Every day you will perform advanced cleaning, decontamination, assembly, packaging, and sterilization procedures, often handling complex surgical trays and specialized instrumentation. You will be expected to thoroughly inspect instruments for functionality, operate and troubleshoot sterilization equipment, mentor junior technicians, and maintain rigorous documentation for regulatory compliance and patient safety.
To be successful in this role, you must possess advanced technical proficiency in sterile processing, unwavering attention to detail, a comprehensive understanding of infection control standards, and a commitment to continuous quality improvement and leadership within the department.

  • Demonstrates the ability to safely and competently perform tasks and procedures according to Medical Center policy and procedure. Including, but not limited to: Maintains established Departmental Policies and Procedures, Objectives, Quality Assurance Program, Safety, Environmental and Infection control Standards. Accumulates and processes data as required for record keeping purposes to form the monthly report.
  • Cleans, decontaminates, assembles, wraps and sterilizes instruments, supplies and equipment according to established policies and Procedures. Handles and stores instruments, equipment and supplies appropriately.
  • Performs biological and chemical monitoring in accordance with JCAHO, State and Federal Regulations and with Medical Center Policies and Procedures.
  • Distributes supplies and equipment to units in a timely fashion.
  • Participates in Educational Programs and in-service meeting. Attends all departmental meetings as required.
Job Requirements

Required

  • High School Graduate or equivalent
  • Two (2) years of central processing experience or recent completion of central sterile processing externship
  • Certified Sterile Processing and Dist Tech or
  • Certified and Registered Central Service Technician or
  • Certified Sterile Processing and Dist Supervisor or
  • Cert Sterile Processing Dist Tech
Where You'll Work

Founded in 1899, Dignity Health - St. Joseph’s Medical Center is a 355-bed, acute care, nonprofit hospital located in Stockton, California. Serving over 125,000 patients annually, the hospital offers a full complement of services including a Level III NICU, cancer care, heart care, and a family birth center. Additionally, St. Joseph’s Medical Center has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. It is a Joint Commission-certified Primary Stroke Center and was named one of America’s 250 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades in 2026.

One Community. One Mission. One California 

Qualifications:

Required

  • High School Graduate or equivalent
  • Two (2) years of central processing experience or recent completion of central sterile processing externship
  • Certified Sterile Processing and Dist Tech or
  • Certified and Registered Central Service Technician or
  • Certified Sterile Processing and Dist Supervisor or
  • Cert Sterile Processing Dist Tech
Employment Type: Full Time

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