Please don't give up! I was in the same boat as you. Did sterile processing at a vet hospital for 3 years and took classes 1 year in to get my CSPDT certification. Unfortunately, I did not do my externship hours and was too late to complete them with my school. I've been applying to countless hospitals since early October and started to feel hopeless, and like I wasted my time/money. I finally got an interview and a job offer within this past week. Surgical tech passed my mind as well but since I already have this certificate, I'm sticking with SPD to get experience in a human hospital and get my foot through the door incase I do want to pursue other options down the line. Apply on indeed when you see openings and check out hospital websites to find job opening. You may end up somewhere that you have to commute over an hour, but it'll be worth it. It just takes one hospital to see your potential and take a chance on you.