Medical Device Reprocessing Technician

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Program Description

As a five-month program offered full-time, the Medical Device Reprocessing Technician program provides entry-level training for the critical role of cleaning, packaging, sterilizing, storing and handling of sterile supplies and instruments, with a focus on infection prevention and control and aseptic techniques. It includes a practicum, arranged by SAIT, at an accredited clinical facility. This type of employment requires flexibility (shift work), manual dexterity and good health.

The Medical Device Reprocessing Technician program is 21 weeks in length and includes classroom instruction with integrated practical learning experiences. This is followed by 400 hours of practicum, of which eight weeks take place at a clinical site. Theory will be integrated throughout the practicum to increase knowledge, skills and employability.

Students in this program require access to a personal computer and the Internet to facilitate completion of the required courses.

This program is also available part-time through distance education. Visit the Medical Device Reprocessing Technician distance page for details.

Program Overview

Fast Facts

This program is a 21 week certificate offered over the Fall/Winter semesters or Winter/Spring semesters.

Your Career

Graduates find work as medical device reprocessing technicians, sterile processors, service aides, and in related positions in health care medical device reprocessing departments, operating rooms, doctor’s offices, dental clinics, surgical centers, and specialty areas at acute care, community care and extended care facilities. Graduates are often hired into casual positions initially which usually progress to full-time positions within one year of hire. In order to find employment, many graduates must relocate across Alberta and potentially even throughout Canada.

Graduates of the Medical Device Reprocessing Technician program have a 95% employment rate.

Student Success

In order to be successful in this program, applicants must have basic computer literacy including the ability to use word processing and communication software. Educational interaction in this program depends on these basic computer skills, and medical device reprocessing technicians work with hospital information systems. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure adequacy of these skills prior to program admission.

Students with higher secondary or post-secondary marks usually experience greater success in SAIT programs.
Students who experience success in this program and career:
- Have effective communication skills in English,
- Are detail-oriented in the care they provide and enjoy working in a team environment,
- Must be able to lift up to 18 kg/40 pounds and push/pull 114 kg/250 pounds on an ongoing basis,
- Demonstrate good motor coordination and manual dexterity and are able to perform repetitive tasks in a noisy, stressful environment,
- Able to stand or walk for long periods of time with repeated bending at the knees and waist, and
- Have no sensitivities to latex, disinfection and sterilization chemicals, or to the sight of blood and human tissue.

Credentials

After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT Medical Device Reprocessing Technician certificate.

The program arranges for graduates to challenge the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM) certification exam for international recognition of their competencies as a Central Service Technician (CRCST). This allows international portability.

SAIT’s Medical Device Reprocessing Technician program is also recognized by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and graduates are eligible to challenge the CSA Canadian certification exam to become a certified Medical Device Reprocessing Technician (CMDRT).

Certification from either IAHCSMM or CSA is required to practice as a MDRT in Alberta. Please Note: Your MDRT certificate and a high school diploma are required to challenge the CSA certification exam.

Accreditation

There are no formal accreditation arrangements at this time. Please contact the School of Health and Public Safety for more information.

Note: This program is eligible for the Canada-Alberta Job Grant.

Progression

Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Admission Requirements

At least 50% in English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2, AND,
At least 50% in Science 20 or Biology 20 or Chemistry 20, or at least 60% in Science 24
All applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.