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Sterile Processing Externship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Maintain medication inventory and process stock replacement orders. * Prepare, compound, and label ... Pharmacy Technician Externship required. * One of the following credentials is required:

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Sterile Processing Externship information

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$43

How much do sterile processing externship jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 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.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,186 per year, or $27.5 per hour.
Medical Assistant - Florence Urgent Care

Medical Assistant - Florence Urgent Care

St. Elizabeth Healthcare

Florence, KY • On-site

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


St. Elizabeth Healthcare rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 125 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

604th of 890 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Job Type:

Regular

Scheduled Hours:

40

Job Summary:

Reports to the Practice Manager or Team Leader, the Medical Assistant provides clinical support to the physician and mid-level providers. The Medical Assistant provides instructions to patients as directed by the providers. The Medical Assistant is also responsible for compliance with all OSHA/CLIA and HIPAA regulations and ensuring completion of all duties vital to business operations.

Job Description:

BENEFITS:

  • Paid Time Off
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • 403b with Match
  • Opportunity for Career Growth

EDUCATION:

Minimum: High School Diploma/G.E.D.

Knowledge of Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE:

MUST have one of the following:

  • 1 year MA, CNA, PCA, STNA, or SEH Clinical Care Tech experience.
  • Completion of MA Program including hands-on MA externship.
  • Completion of SEP Internship.
  • Completion of EMT certification.
  • Degree in Health or Biological Sciences inclusive of hands-on clinical patient care activities such as Athletic Trainer

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

Preferred: An approved credential, such as the CCMA, CMA, RMA, ARMA or EMT

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Escort patients to exam rooms, interview patients, measure vital signs, including weight, blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and document all information in patients' chart.
  • Document the appropriate patient history in patients' chart.
  • Provide clear direction to the patient, address patient concerns about the exam and document appropriately in-patient chart
  • Prepare the patient for the exam
  • Assist the provider(s) during the examination.
  • Perform nursing procedures under the supervision of the providers.
  • Provide instructions to patient under direction of the provider(s).
  • Collecting/preparing laboratory specimens and performing basic laboratory tests.
  • Preparing and administering medications as directed by the provider.
  • Ensure all information is complete and accurate in-patient chart.
  • Ensure completion of all forms vital to the revenue cycle (i.e. verification/clarification of orders, waivers for non-covered services, encounter form)
  • Maintain adequate level of supplies in exam rooms and workstation
  • Clean and disinfect exam rooms.
  • Perform cleaning, maintenance, and/or sterilization of equipment and instruments. Report malfunction of equipment to appropriate supervisor.
  • OSHA, CLIA and HIPAA compliance.
  • Maintain all logs and required checks (i.e. refrigerator temperatures, emergency medications, expired medications, oxygen, cold sterilization fluid change, etc.)
  • Assist with completion of patient requests.
  • Take telephone messages and provide feedback and answers to patient/provider/pharmacy calls.
  • Triage and process messages from patients and front office staff to providers.
  • Completion of referral process/outpatient test scheduling, and precertification.
  • Timely and accurate filing/distribution of all patient information.
  • Interact with Central Billing Office as needed to resolve patient issues.
  • If working as a scribe, will follow guidelines for scribing as described in the Scribe policy.
  • Other duties as assigned by the Clinical Coordinator or Practice Manager.

MA CLINICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Requirements vary by practice and could include any or all of the following:

  • Obtaining vital signs (manual blood pressure, pulse, respirations, temperature)
  • Assisting providers with exams and procedures
  • Administering injections and immunizations
  • Performing EKG and other essential laboratory procedures
  • Collecting patient samples (fingerstick, throat/nose swabs, urine)
  • Answer and triage patient phone calls and questions

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Right Career. Right Here. If you have a passion for taking care of the community and are interested in Healthcare, you will take pride in the level of care we provide at St. Elizabeth. We take care of patients and each other.

St. Elizabeth Physicians is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, age or any other characteristic that is protected by state or federal law.


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