Medical Device Reprocessing Technician

Traits, skills and aptitudes

Those in sterile processing need: 

• fine motor skills 
• critical thinking and adaptability 
• effective communication skills  
• the ability to work independently 
• to work well under stress, maintain professional behaviour and emotionally self-regulate 
• to be able to use technology 
• attention to detail 
• to tolerate the sight of human blood and tissue 
• the ability to assist in transporting, lifting and positioning patients and equipment and meet the physical demands of the job (for example, using your hand, wrist and arm for prolonged periods) 
• the ability to lift 40 pounds (20 kilograms) and push or pull 250 pounds (110 kilograms) frequently. 

Medical device reprocessing technicians and related professionals must wear personal protective equipment (PPE) for extended periods. This includes exposure to latex and disinfection materials.

You may also be required to work extended hours and shift work, including nights and weekends. 

You are strongly encouraged to refer to the ALIS website for career, learning, and employment information for surgical processors to ensure you can successfully meet the occupational requirements for the program and profession.

Practicum, co-op and work integrated learning opportunities

This program includes a mandated 400-hour practicum delivered over eight weeks (if you’re studying full-time) or ten weeks (if you’re studying part-time.) If you’re studying full-time, you must complete 100 hours in a simulated hands-on working environment at SAIT, decreasing the number of practicum weeks.

Practicums are not necessarily consecutive and may not be continuous with the end of the theory portion of the program. For example, there may be a gap between finishing your theory classes and starting your practicum.

You will be assigned practicum placements with consideration given to your preference of location. However, due to limited availability in Calgary, it might be necessary for you to travel or relocate outside the city.

Special considerations will not be accommodated. You will be responsible for covering the associated fees of the practicum, including entrance requirements, relocation, and travel costs.

In compliance with the practica agreements with our clinical partners, you will be required to provide specific documentation before you can participate in your practicum. Find out what requirements you need for this program. 

Accreditations, designations or certifications

This program is recognized by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). 

Graduates are prepared to challenge the certification exams for both these bodies. SAIT program administrators can assist with you with exam preparation. 

As the certification requirements vary across provincial and national jurisdictions, graduates are encouraged to challenge both exams to maximize their employability. 

Credential

Upon successful completion of this program, you’ll be awarded a SAIT Medical Device Reprocessing Technician certificate.

Program length

21 weeks

Not open to international applicants

This program is not available to international applicants at this time. 

CAJG-eligible

This program is eligible for the Canada Alberta Job Grant. 

Related careers

Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Potential careers (NOC):

• Other medical technologists and technicians (32129)
• Other assisting occupations in support of health services (33109)

Admission requirements - Applicants educated in Canada

Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and completion of the following courses or equivalents:

• at least 60% in English Language Arts 30-1 or at least 70% in English Language Arts 30-2, and
• at least 60% in Science 20, Biology 20 or Chemistry 20, or at least 70% in Science 24.

SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.

Admission requirements - Applicants educated outside of Canada

All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find accepted educational documents and assessment options. 

SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

Program outline

The Medical Device Reprocessing Technician certificate requires 18 credits (eight courses) to complete.

Required courses

• COMP 264 - Introduction to Digital Productivity Applications 1.5 Credits
• SPRO 207 - Clinical Practicum Integration 3 Credits
• SPRO 208 - Medical Device Reprocessing Assembly 3 Credits
• SPRO 209 - Medical Device Reprocessing Departments 3 Credits
• SPRO 235 - Sterilization Methodology 1.5 Credits
• PRAC 297 - Practicum 6 Credits

Progression

You must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better each semester and pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program.

To qualify for graduation, you must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Review our grading and progression procedure > 

Books and supplies

Books and supplies are approximately $400 per full-time year.

This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page. A laptop is preferable to other device types.

Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore’s website. Booklists are by semester and made available approximately two weeks before your classes begin.

Additional fees

• A fee is associated with obtaining a police information check, including a vulnerable sector check, payable to the police or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
• You must have your immunizations reviewed by the SAIT Health Clinic. There is a $75 charge to review vaccine history. Any vaccines you need to be administered will result in additional charges.
• A fee of approximately $50 to $100 is associated with an electronic student permit checking submission required for clinical practicum placements, payable to Synergy Gateway through the Verified software platform.
• A fee is associated with the CompKeepr application used in this program.
• You may be required to hold the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) or the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certification to gain employment. The HSPA certification exam fee is approximately $140, and the CSA certification exam fee is approximately $263. 

Health and Public Safety program advising

For any questions or to set up an advising appointment, please contact our School of Health and Public Safety.

Phone: 403.284.8481
Email: hps.info@sait.ca

Program outcomes

1. Practice within established protocols, safety guidelines, and existing legislation.
2. Apply principles of basic microbiology and infection prevention and control to decrease risk to patients and staff during routine reprocessing procedures.
3. Handle and transport contaminated medical devices.
4. Decontaminate re-usable medical devices.
5. Prepare and package medical devices.
6. Inspect instruments and devices for cleanliness, function, and damage.
7. Disinfect and sterilize medical devices.
8. Monitor and document device quality.
9. Store and distribute medical devices.
10. Recognize and respond to occupational health and safety hazards or events.
11. Troubleshoot common problems within the medical device reprocessing department.
12. Use effective written, digital, verbal, and non-verbal communication skills in all medical device reprocessing practice settings.
13. Collaborate effectively within the interdisciplinary team to achieve a high standard of patient-centred care in all aspects of medical device reprocessing practice.
14. Demonstrate the ability to prioritize and follow through with assigned tasks.
15. Demonstrate the ability to retrieve, analyze, and report data and information specific to the medical device reprocessing technician industry standards.