Medical Device Reprocessing Technician

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. Students learn through classroom instruction, as well as significant time dedicated to real-world application and refinement of their skills during integrated practical experiences, and a SAIT-arranged practicum rotation in an approved professional clinical setting.

Program Overview

Fast Facts

This program should be completed full-time or part-time
Program Length:
- Full-Time (5 Months)
- Part-Time (Variable)
This program is delivered in a classroom or online format
Full-Time Intakes:
- Fall, Winter
Part-Time Intakes
- Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring
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, 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, 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

Students who experience success in this program and profession:

Possess basic computer literacy, including with word processing and communications platforms
- Medical Device Reprocessing Technicians work with digital information management systems in hospital settings, and applicants must ensure they possess these skills prior to admission into the program
Have higher secondary and/or post-secondary grades
Are effective at communication in English
Embody a high attentiveness to detail
Enjoy working in team environments
Are in good health and physically fit, including:
- Good motor coordination and manual dexterity
- The ability to both lift 40 lbs and push or pull 250 lbs on a frequent basis
- Being able to stand or walk for long periods of time, including repeated bending at the knees and waist
Are able to perform repetitive tasks in noisy and stressful environments
Are not averse to shift-work or flexible, rotating schedules
Have no sensitivities to latex, disinfection and sterilization chemicals, or the sight of blood and human tissue

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 Canadian Standards Association (CSA), and graduates are eligible to challenge the CSA Canadian certification exam to become recognized as a Certified Medical Device Reprocessing Technician (CMDRT).

This program also 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 Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST). The CRCST designation allows for international portability.

Please Note: Certification from either the CSA or IAHCSMM is required to practice as a MDRT in Alberta. Graduates must also produce both their MDRT certificate and high school diploma in order to challenge the CSA certification exam.

Accreditation

There are no formal accreditation arrangements at this time. However, this program is recognized nationally and internationally, with opportunities for graduates to write certification exams that allow for working in the profession globally.

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 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.

Program Outline

INFC 206 - Infection Control and Decontamination 1.5 Credits
INST 263 - Instrumentation 1.5 Credits
SPRO 227 - Packaging Materials and Techniques 1.5 Credits
SPRO 235 - Sterilization Methodology 1.5 Credits
SPRO 255 - Professional Practice 1.5 Credits
STDP 246 - Supply Distribution and Standards 1.5 Credits
PRAC 296 - Practicum 7.5 Credits

Total Credits 16.5

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
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