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Sterile Processing Externship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Banfield Externship

Dallas, 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 ...

Banfield Externship

Chino, CA · 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 Veterinarian Externship

Ocala, FL · 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 ...

Surgery Tech

Grass Valley, CA · On-site

$36.80 - $44.86/hr

... 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 ...

... non-sterile compounding in the Main Pharmacy, repackages bulk medication in unit dose form ... Minimum six (6) weeks of Pharmacy externship training or one year of inpatient/outpatient Pharmacy ...

... non-sterile compounding in the Main Pharmacy, repackages bulk medication in unit dose form ... Minimum six (6) weeks of Pharmacy externship training or one year of inpatient/outpatient Pharmacy ...

... 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 ...

Surgery Tech

Grass Valley, CA · On-site

$36.80 - $44.86/hr

... 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 ...

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 ...

Surgery Tech

Grass Valley, CA · On-site

$36.80 - $44.86/hr

... 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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Sterile Processing Externship information

See salary details

$13

$27

$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:
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.

$19.71 - $23.46/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 hours ago


Banfield Pet Hospital rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 525 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 52 rated veterinary


Job description

If you are a current associate, you will need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.
BANFIELD EXTERNSHIP
The pay ranges listed below reflects a general hiring range for each state, with the specific rate determined based on the candidate's experience, skill level, and may vary depending on location and applicable minimum wage laws.
California: $19.71 - $23.46/hr Colorado: $17.93 - 19.71/hr
Connecticut: $20.70 - $21.59/hr Illinois: $18.82 - $20.70/hr
Rhode Island: $19.71/hr Maryland: $17.93 - $21.59/hr
Minnesota: $19.71/hr Nevada: $18.82 - 19.71/hr
New Jersey: $20.70 - $21.59/hr Puerto Rico: $17.93/hr
Rhode Island: $19.71/hr Washington State: $18.82 - $21.59/hr
Washington DC: $21.59 Other states: $16.94 - $23.46/hr
SUMMARY OF JOB PURPOSE AND FUNCTION
The primary purpose and function of the Extern is to 'shadow' the mentor veterinarian in order to observe and take part in clinical procedures and to gain various firsthand veterinary experience and knowledge.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS
• Live and exemplify the Five Principles of Mars, Inc. within self and team.
• Meet with mentor to identify program expectations and create learning goals.
• Learn all aspects of hospital organization and function by observing and participating in procedures with the mentor doctor.
• Ensure the safety of pets, clients and associates by utilizing safe restraining techniques, following standard protocols, and maintaining clean, sterile and organized treatment areas, exam rooms and labs.
• Provide professional, efficient and exceptional service at all times. This includes performing procedures that do not require veterinarian assistance (depending on skill level), performing surgical procedures in the presence of mentor veterinarian, completing preparatory work for other procedures, ensuring that clients and pets are comfortable in the hospital, monitoring hospitalized or surgical pets.
• Act as the extra eyes, ears and hands for the veterinarian to ensure the best quality pet care.
• Mentor and be mentored through the objectives of the Externship Program.
• Other job duties as assigned.
THE FIVE PRINCIPLES
• Quality - The consumer is our boss, quality is our work and value for money is our goal.
• Responsibility - As individuals, we demand total responsibility from ourselves; as associates, we support the responsibility of others.
• Mutuality - A mutual benefit is a shared benefit; a shared benefit will endure.
• Efficiency - We use resources to the full, waste nothing and do only what we can do best.
• Freedom - We need freedom to shape our future; we need profit to remain free.
HIRING QUALIFICATIONS / COMPETENCIES
Leadership
• Action-Oriented
• Integrity & Trust
• Peer Relationships
• Listening
Functional
• Priority Setting
• Communication Skills
• Personal Learning
• Composure
CAPABILITIES AND EXPERIENCE (CAN DO)
• Ability to multi-task - Manages multiple tasks at one time; quickly and accurately shifts attention among multiple tasks under distracting conditions without loss of accuracy or appearance of frustration.
• Communication skills - Reads, writes and speaks fluent English, using appropriate grammar, style and vocabulary. Correctly spells commonly used English words and job specific terms. Demonstrates exceptionally strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Organizational ability - Demonstrates a systematic approach in carrying out assignments. Is very orderly and excels at cutting through confusion and turning chaos into order.
• Problem solving skills - Demonstrates a strong ability to identify, analyze and solve problems. Unusually decisive in handling difficult problems. Translates problems into practical solutions.
• Client service skills - Consistently ensures the team provides the client with attentive, courteous and informative service. Gains and shows personal satisfaction from delivering great service.
• Intellectual ability - Accurately and consistently follows instructions delivered in an oral, written or diagram format. Can provide directions.
• Mathematical ability - Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide, and to compute rate, ratio and percent; ability to convert units of measurement.
• Computer skills - Comfortably and confidently uses a computer and specialized software. Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, etc.
• Leadership skills - Ability to lead and manage projects with a sense of urgency to get results. Ability to successfully supervise, coach and mentor others. Displays positive attitude toward all practice protocols, procedures, and systems.
ATTITUDES (WILL DO)
• Initiative - Shows willingness and aptitude to use own discretion in taking appropriate steps in finding solutions to problems; presents options and ideas to enhance current processes or procedures. Takes on additional responsibility when both big and small tasks need to be done.
• Integrity - Firmly adheres to the values and ethics of Banfield Pet Hospitals. Exhibits honesty, discretion, and sound judgment.
• Cooperativeness - Willing to work with others, collaborating and compromising where necessary; promptly share relevant information with others.
• Flexibility - Is open to changing situations and opportunities and is willing to perform all tasks assigned.
• Independence - Able and willing to perform tasks and duties without supervision.
• Tolerance for Stress / Resiliency - Maintains a positive "can do" outlook, rebounds quickly from frustrations and unpleasantness, and maintains composure and friendly demeanor while dealing with stressful situations.
SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS
• Ability to be confident around pets (i.e., dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, etc.)
• Client needs and work volume may often require more than 40 hours per week to complete essential duties of this job. This position requires special hours including working weekends and evenings.
• The noise level in the work environment is moderately high.
• Requires sufficient ambulatory skills in order to perform duties while at hospital.
• Ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and climb as well as manipulate (lift, carry, move) up to 50 pounds.
• Requires good hand-eye coordination, finger-hand-arm dexterity with the ability to reach and grasp, and visual acuity to use a keyboard and operate equipment.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Associate is routinely exposed to a variety of pets that may bite or scratch, and on occasion, exposed to anesthesia, radiation, biological hazards and medication/controlled substances.
EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND/OR TRAINING
• Bachelor's degree in veterinary medicine or related area required.
• Enrolled in a DVM/VMD program at a college of veterinary medicine.
BENEFITS
  • Sick Time: In localities covered by our Sick Plans, eligible Associates will accrue Sick Time based on their hours worked. Associates may accumulate up to Plan maximums, unless state or local law requires otherwise. Hours are carried over from one year to the next on January 31st. Any hours over the Plan limits at that time will be forfeited, unless state or local law requires otherwise.

WE ARE A DRUG-FREE, SMOKE-FREE, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
Banfield Pet Hospital® strongly supports and values the uniqueness of all individuals and promotes a work environment where diversity is embraced. Banfield Pet Hospital is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, genetic information, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability. Banfield Pet Hospital complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every Banfield location.

We believe that embracing inclusion and diversity enables us to live our Purpose:
A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS.

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