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Sterile Processing Externship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CommonSpirit Health

Surgery Tech

Grass Valley, CA · On-site

... process. To be successful in this role, you must possess adaptability, a strong team-player mindset ... Follows standard of practice relating to sterilization of equipment, gowning, gloving and opening ...

CommonSpirit Health

Surgery Technician

Grass Valley, CA · On-site

... process. To be successful in this role, you must possess adaptability, a strong team-player mindset ... Follows standard of practice relating to sterilization of equipment, gowning, gloving and opening ...

Canyon View Medical

Medical Assistant / CNA

Springville, UT · On-site

$16.50 - $21/hr

Triage and process messages from patients and front office staff to physicians. Maintain all logs ... Previous clinical experience of one year minimum or externship recommendation. Understanding of ...

Workforce 1

Dental Assistant

New York, NY · On-site

$22/hr

Maintain dental laboratory, process instruments, and monitor lab cases (check-in of lab cases ... Follows weekly and monthly maintenance procedures for all sterilization and radiograph developing ...

Workforce 1

Dental Assistant

New York, NY · On-site

$22/hr

Maintain dental laboratory, process instruments, and monitor lab cases (check-in of lab cases ... Follows weekly and monthly maintenance procedures for all sterilization and radiograph developing ...

Todays Dental

Registered Dental Assistant

Livingston, TX · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Take and process x-rays, impressions, and study casts accurately * Provide clear patient education ... Maintain strict sterilization and infection control standards * Accurately chart in our electronic ...

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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 Jul 2, 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.

Will sterile processing be replaced by AI?

Sterile processing technicians play a critical role in cleaning, sterilizing, and maintaining surgical instruments, and AI is unlikely to fully replace these roles soon due to the need for manual inspection and handling. AI and automation can assist with tasks like tracking instruments and managing inventory, but human oversight remains essential for ensuring safety and compliance. The job requires attention to detail, technical skills, and adherence to strict sterilization protocols.

How to get your 400 hours for sterile processing technician?

To complete the 400 hours required for a sterile processing externship, students typically participate in a structured program that includes hands-on training in sterilization, instrument processing, and equipment handling within a healthcare facility. These externships often involve supervised work shifts, skill development in cleaning and sterilizing surgical instruments, and may require documentation of hours for certification or licensing purposes.

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.

Do you get paid for your externship?

In a sterile processing externship, participants are typically unpaid or receive a stipend, as these programs are often educational and aimed at gaining hands-on experience. Payment policies vary by program, so it is important to confirm details with the specific externship provider. Externships may also offer academic credit or certification opportunities.

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.

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.

Can you get hired from an externship?

A sterile processing externship provides hands-on experience and can improve chances of employment in sterile processing or related healthcare roles. Employers often consider externship performance and skills demonstrated during the program when making hiring decisions, but a completed externship does not guarantee a job offer.
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Sterile Processing Externship jobs near you
Surgery Tech

Surgery Tech

CommonSpirit Health

Grass Valley, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

CommonSpirit Health rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 512 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

370th of 877 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Founded in 1958, Dignity Health - Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital is a 104-bed, acute care, nonprofit hospital located in Grass Valley, California. Serving over 80,000 patients annually, the hospital offers a full complement of services including heart care, cancer care, women’s health, and neurology. Additionally, Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital, has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and is a Joint Commission-certified Primary Stroke Center. It has been named a Top Rural Hospital by The Leapfrog Group for three consecutive years, one of only 16 rural hospitals in the US to achieve this award.

One Community. One Mission. One California 


As our Surgical Tech, you will help prepare the operating room and surgical team so they can successfully perform a variety of surgical procedures for patients.
Every day you will set up surgical equipment and instruments, assist the surgical team, and ensure a sterile environment. You will be expected to adapt quickly, collaborate effectively within the OR team, and contribute directly to the patient's healing process.
To be successful in this role, you must possess adaptability, a strong team-player mindset, and enthusiasm for supporting complex surgical procedures.

  • Prepares and assembles operating room with appropriate instruments, supplies and equipment necessary for individual procedures.
  • Utilizes the surgeons' preference cards to ensure availability of appropriate equipment and supplies.
  • Follows standard of practice relating to sterilization of equipment, gowning, gloving and opening of sterile supplies.
  • Assists in draping of patient for procedure.
  • Maintains an orderly instrument table and/or mayo tray for the purpose of efficiency.
  • Anticipates equipment/supplies needed by surgeon/assist intraoperatively.

#Hellosurgicaltechs


Required

  • Vocational School Grad
  • Satisfactory completion of surgical technician training program
  • 1-3 years one year of surgical tech experience or other military equivalent.
  • 1 year experience may substituted if the candidate has completed an ORT externship on-site within the last year.
  • American Heart Association Basic Life Support


Preferred

  • 1-3 years acute care experience.
  • Certified Surgical Technologist

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