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Sterile Processing Internship Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Laboratory MedTech Lead

Durham, NC · On-site

$18.25 - $24.50/hr

... sterility testing in compliance with regulatory standards. • Adhere rigorously to laboratory ... and mentorship to students, interns, residents, and laboratory staff, including organizing ...

Triage Nurse (RN/LPN)

Carrboro, NC · On-site

$59K - $95K/yr

Utilizes the nursing process including: assessment, planning, implementation evaluation and ... Performs or assist with sterilization of instruments and cleaning equipment. * Assesses learning ...

Sterile Processing Internship information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$13

$26

$42

How much do sterile processing internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for sterile processing internship in Raleigh, NC is $26.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.38 and $32.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Sterile Processing Internship?

A Sterile Processing Internship is a hands-on training program designed for individuals who want to learn how to clean, sterilize, and prepare medical instruments and equipment for use in healthcare facilities. Interns work under the supervision of experienced sterile processing technicians and gain practical experience in decontamination, assembly, sterilization, and inventory management. This internship helps prepare participants for a career in sterile processing and may be required as part of a certification program. It also offers valuable exposure to hospital or clinical environments and helps interns develop essential skills needed for the profession.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sterile Processing Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sterile Processing Intern, you need a foundational knowledge of infection control, instrument handling, and sterilization procedures, often gained through a high school diploma or enrollment in a sterile processing program. Familiarity with autoclaves, sterilization tracking systems, and basic medical terminology is typically expected, and certification like the CRCST may be encouraged. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for maintaining safety and collaborating with surgical teams. These skills ensure that all medical instruments are properly sterilized, supporting patient safety and the smooth operation of healthcare facilities.

What are some common challenges faced during a Sterile Processing Internship, and how can interns successfully navigate them?

Sterile Processing Interns often encounter challenges such as managing a fast-paced workflow, adhering to strict infection control protocols, and mastering the use of specialized sterilization equipment. Interns may also need to quickly build familiarity with medical terminology and inventory tracking systems. Success in this internship often comes from proactively asking questions, seeking feedback from experienced staff, and staying organized. Building strong communication with the surgical and nursing teams can also help interns understand the importance of their role in patient safety.

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

AspectSterile Processing InternshipSterile Processing Technician
CredentialsTypically in progress or recent graduates, no certification requiredCertification often preferred or required (e.g., CBSPD, IAHCSMM)
Work EnvironmentTraining setting, supervised, educational focusFull-time hospital or surgical center, hands-on role
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, clinics, educational programsHospitals, outpatient surgical centers, healthcare facilities

The main difference is that a Sterile Processing Internship is a training position for individuals gaining experience, often without certification, while a Sterile Processing Technician is a full-time role requiring certification and hands-on work in healthcare settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Sterile Processing jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Sterile Processing jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Sterile Processing Internship jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Sterile Processing Internship job openings:

Surgical Technician (Operating Room)

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Durham, NC • On-site

$56K/yr

Other

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

The Surgical Technician-Operating Room is located at Durham VA Medical Center and is part of the Perioperative Surgery Team. Provides assistance to the surgeon and other team members during surgical procedures. Participates with the surgical team members in planning and implementing complex procedures under the general supervision of the surgical team.Qualifications:To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 07/22/2026.
For this Surgical Technician, GS-07 position, I have:
A. At least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-6) in the Federal Service that has given me the particular knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform the duties of a Surgical Technician. Specialized experience includes utilizing knowledge of medical instruments, human anatomy, physiology, and aseptic technique to prepare and protect sterile field during surgery; exercising sterile technique to include sterilizer operations and tests to determine the effectiveness of sterilization, packaging, storage, and shelf life; handling medical instruments, supplies and equipment during all surgical procedures; performing proper cleaning techniques, as well as the proper handling and rotation of sterile supplies; handling contaminated items, quality control, and personal hygiene, using knowledge of universal precautions and implementing infection control policies and procedures. NOTE: Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.
B. Successfully completed one (1) full year of graduate education (18 semester hours) or an internship in course matter that must include courses directly related to the work of the Surgical Technician position such as anatomy and physiology, surgical technology, aseptic techniques, etc. This education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. NOTE: Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation.
C. Combinations of successfully completed graduate level education and specialized experience, as described above, which meet the total experience requirements for this grade level. The education portion must include graduate courses directly related to the work of the Surgical Technician position. This education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. NOTE: Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation.
Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-07 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-06. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade.
Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment.
Preferred Experience: Experience working multiple surgical specialties, including but not limited to, Orthopedics, General Surgery, ENT, Vascular, or Neuro Surgery. Recent hospital experience in the last two years as a surgical technician. Completion of a surgical technology program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
  • Proficient computer skills
  • Meet Physical requirements
  • Sterile processing background
  • Knowledge of aseptic techniques and infection control protocols
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills
  • Knowledge of instruments, supplies, and equipment regarding GI procedures.
  • BLS

In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs.
  • Knowledge of basic and complex surgical procedures
  • Ability to assist physicians with specialized and complex procedures
  • Previous experience in an operating room setting
  • Advanced knowledge of surgical instruments and procedures
  • Excellent manual dexterity and physical stamina
  • Ability to remain calm and focused under pressure
  • Knowledge of universal precautions and disinfection techniques and ability to follow SOPs to clean reuse medical equipment (RME)
  • Ability to collaborate, communicate, and demonstrate customer service skills and interpersonal skills with all healthcare professionals to ensure quality and continuity care.

You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below:
  • Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-06 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.. OR,
  • Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have Bachelor Degree. OR,
  • Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond .
For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.Education:
A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER