Program Description
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 surgical instruments, with a focus on infection prevention and control, and aseptic techniques. You will have the opportunity to spend a significant amount of time dedicated to real-world application where you can refine your skills. You’ll not only learn through classroom instruction, but also through integrated practical experiences and a SAIT-arranged practicum rotation in an approved professional clinical setting.
Fast Facts
- Students are responsible for any additional expenses related to their practicum, including pre-practicum requirements as outlined by the program, and relocation costs to practicum sites outside of Calgary
- There are no practicum placements in Calgary or the surrounding area for part-time students
- Students require access to a personal computer and Internet in order to complete the required courses
Your Career
Graduates may find employment as medical device reprocessing technicians, sterile processors, service aides, and in related capacities within a variety of healthcare settings. These include but are not limited to medical device reprocessing departments, operating rooms, doctors’ 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, though these typically progress into full-time positions within one year of hire. In order to find employment, many graduates must relocate to meet demand, which can be anywhere throughout Alberta or Canada.
Student Success
Job expectations for success in this profession include: - Fine motor skills
- Critical thinking
- Communication (speaking, reading, writing, and listening)
- Able to work independently
- Able to participate in classroom, lab, and practicum activities as scheduled by the program
- Adaptable
- Able to work well under stress
- Able to use technology
- Attention to detail
- Able to maintain professional behaviour; emotional self-regulation
- Able to wear Personal Protective Equipment for extended periods of time
- Able to work extended hours, including nights and/or weekends and shift work
- Able to tolerate the sight of human blood and tissue
- Able to assist in transporting, lifting, and positioning of patients and/or equipment
- Able to meet the physical demands of the job (e.g. able to use hand, wrist, and arm for prolonged periods of time)
- Able to tolerate latex and disinfection chemicals
- Able to both lift 40lbs (20kg) and push or pull 250lbs (110kg) on a frequent basis
Prospective students are strongly encouraged to refer to the ALIS website for career, learning, and employment information for Surgical Processors, as well as the governing body’s competency profile for the profession, to ensure that they are able to successfully demonstrate the skills required to achieve all the competency-based objectives for the program and profession. Credentials
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be awarded a SAIT Medical Device Reprocessing Technician certificate.
Professional Designations and Certifications
This program is recognized by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) international certification exam and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certification exam. Graduates are eligible to challenge the HSPA and CSA certification exams upon completion of the program, and the program will provide graduates with assistance in this process. As the certification requirements for employment opportunities vary across provincial and national jurisdictions, graduates are encouraged to challenge both the HSPA and CSA exams, in order to maximize their employability.
Accreditation
There are no formal accreditation arrangements at this time. Job Grant
Note: This program is eligible for the Canada-Alberta Job Grant
Progression
The progression requirement for students taking credit courses is a Term GPA and Total Institutional GPA of 2.0, with the exception of English Language Foundations and Academic Upgrading programs.
Admission Requirements
- 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 or Biology 20 or Chemistry 20, or, at least 70% in Science 24
All applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
Program Outcomes
- Practice within established protocols, safety guidelines, and existing legislation
- Apply principles of basic microbiology and infection prevention and control to decrease risk to patients and staff during routine reprocessing procedures
- Handle and transport contaminated medical devices
- Decontaminate re-usable medical devices
- Prepare and package medical devices
- Inspect instruments and devices for cleanliness, function, and damage
- Disinfect and sterilize medical devices
- Monitor and document device quality
- Store and distribute medical devices
- Troubleshoot common problems within the medical device reprocessing department
- Use effective written, verbal, and non-verbal communications skills in all medical device reprocessing practice settings, including in digital communications
- Collaborate effectively within the inter-disciplinary team to achieve a high standard of patient-centered care in all aspects of medical device reprocessing practice
- Demonstrate the ability to prioritize and follow through with assigned tasks
- Demonstrate the ability to retrieve, analyze, and report data and information specific to MDRT industry standards
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