The externship drought in sterile processing education creates a significant barrier for students who've completed their coursework but can't find clinical placements to finish certification. Bill Rishell offers 25 proven strategies to break through this challenge and secure the hands-on experience needed to launch your career.
• Connect with local HSPA or CBSPD chapters to build professional relationships with decision-makers
• Ask instructors for alumni contacts who might provide referrals
• Network with SPD leaders on LinkedIn by creating a professional profile
• Offer to shadow before requesting an externship to build trust
• Reach out to surgical techs, nurses and transporters for internal referrals
• Follow up with hospitals every 7-10 days to demonstrate persistence
• Keep a detailed tracker of applications to organize your follow-up efforts
• Investigate if hospitals partner with specific programs you could enroll in
• Apply to smaller surgery centers and outpatient clinics that may be less competitive
• Contact SPD departments directly rather than just applying through HR
• Create a professional LinkedIn profile highlighting your search
• Request recommendation letters from your program to strengthen applications
• Develop a one-page resume specifically for externship applications
• Volunteer elsewhere in a hospital to make internal connections
• Engage actively in online SPD communities for networking
• Offer flexible hours including nights and weekends that others might avoid
• Write personalized emails sharing your passion and personal story
• Drop off resumes in person when possible to make an impression
• Create comprehensive externship pitch packets with all documentation
• Ask smaller facilities if they can make exceptions to their usual policies
• Apply to at least 25 different locations to increase your chances
• Don't assume silence means rejection – follow up consistently
• Consider opportunities that require travel if necessary
• Prepare a concise value proposition statement for interviews
• Maintain belief that your persistence will eventually pay off
Keep knocking, keep showing up, and don't you dare give up. Share your experiences with the community by tagging Sterilization Station on social media and connecting with others on the same journey.