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Overview
Play a critical supporting role in medicine and healthcare with our Medical Device Reprocessing Technician certificate program.
This fast-paced program provides entry-level training in decontamination, inspection, packaging, sterilizing, storing and handling sterile supplies and surgical instruments, focusing on infection prevention and control and aseptic techniques.
With an emphasis on hands-on learning, you’ll spend time in simulated laboratory and real-world clinical environments, developing your professional competencies to ensure you can enter the workforce with confidence and advanced practical knowledge while working safely and professionally.
As a student, you will:
- learn the specifics of cleaning processes for various medical-surgical instruments and equipment
- gain expertise in handling surgical equipment and assembling sterilized surgical packages for use or storage
- master the use of autoclaves and other sterilization equipment
- understand the principles of sterile storage to maintain instrument integrity
- develop the skills to handle surgical equipment and instruments to perform function testing while preventing contamination
- focus on preventing infection through meticulous adherence to safety and infection control protocols
- practice the critical techniques necessary to maintain a sterile environment
- develop professional responsibility, including scope of practice, ethics, communication, critical thinking, accountability and professional collaboration.
You’ll find a range of employment opportunities in settings like hospitals, surgical centers, laboratories, specialty clinics, dental clinics, outpatient care facilities and private and public healthcare institutions.
Our Medical Device Reprocessing program prepares you to write either the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management exam or the Canadian Standards Association exam to become a Certified Registered Central Service Technician, allowing you to work as a medical device reprocessing technician professional.
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.
Applicants 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.
The opportunity to advance your education by transferring into this program or gain credit for previous postsecondary courses may be available.
There may also be opportunities to further your education once you graduate.
Learn more about program and institution transfer options
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.
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.
Upon successful completion of this program, you’ll be awarded a SAIT Medical Device Reprocessing Technician certificate.
Careers and opportunities
Each year, SAIT conducts a survey between February and April to determine the employment rate, salary and satisfaction of our newest SAIT alumni.
93% graduate employment rate
$44,000 average starting salary
Find out more about our graduate employment statistics >
Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.
Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 32129, 33109.
Career counselling and support
Unsure which career path is for you? SAIT offers career planning services to help you decide your future.
You can also get started by taking our online career finder quiz, which can help you narrow down your search based on your current skills and interests.
Finally, you can also head to Alberta alis for various tools and resources, including additional quizzes and labour market information to help you narrow down a career path.
Services and workshopsCourses
The Medical Device Reprocessing Technician certificate requires 18 credits (eight courses) to complete.
INFC 206, INST 263, SPRO 227, SPRO 235, STDP 246 and SPRO 255 are available by correspondence and/or online. They must be completed within the program time frame.
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
This applied computer course provides students with critical electronic communications, data and file management skills, along with a strong focus on using common productivity applications to format, calculate, analyze, visualize, and present or report data and information. Equivalents:
|
1.5 |
|
This course introduces the structure and foundational principles of a medical device reprocessing department. Focus will be placed on workflow, infection control, risk management, processes, and equipment associated with decontamination. Pre-requisites:
|
1.5 |
|
This course introduces the structure and foundational principles of a medical device reprocessing department. Focus will be placed on workflow, infection control, risk management, processes, and equipment associated with decontamination. Pre-requisites:
|
1.5 |
|
Practicum focuses on the application of theoretical concepts and hands-on practical experience in the processing specific areas of decontamination, assembly, sterilization, sterile storage, and distribution. A significant portion of this course takes place off of SAIT’s campus at an approved, designated clinical site. Pre-requisites:
Corequsites:
|
7.5 |
|
Packaging materials and rigid instrument containers for use in medical device reprocessing are introduced in this course. Topics include how to choose the appropriate materials, recommended wrapping techniques, and storage requirements to ensure integrity of the medical devices being reprocessed. Pre-requisites:
|
1.5 |
|
Sterilization Methodology is an introduction to the key principles, affecting factors, and monitoring materials and techniques used in the sterilization of medical devices. The various sterilization processes include steam, hydrogen peroxide gas plasma, peracetic acid and ethylene oxide (EtO). Pre-requisites:
|
1.5 |
|
Professional Practice introduces human relations and communication skills needed to work in the medical device reprocessing profession. Topics include teamwork, conflict resolution, customer service, problem solving and legal and ethical issues. This course is taken in conjunction with practicum. Pre-requisites:
|
1.5 |
|
This course introduces inventory control, distribution systems, sterile storage, stock rotation, portering and the case cart system. Hospital standards and governing bodies associated with the medical device reprocessing department will also be explored. Pre-requisites:
|
1.5 |
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
Applicants educated in Canada
Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and meet the following requirements 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 or 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.
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 out what educational documents are accepted and assessment options.
SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.
Academic Upgrading
Missing an admission requirement for this program? Upgrade your prior education to help you receive admission into one of SAIT's career programs.
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English language proficiency
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
Learn moreAvailable intakes
Spring 2024
Start dates:
- Domestic students: Closed
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-
Application deadline: Extended
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Fall 2024
Start dates:
- Domestic students: Open
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Application deadline: June 28, 2024
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Winter 2025
Start dates:
- Domestic students: Open
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Application deadline: Oct. 25, 2024
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Costs
2024/25 tuition and fees
The following estimated costs are effective as of July 1, 2024.
Domestic students
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.
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date. Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck; no textbook purchase is required this term.
Additional fees
- You may be required to hold either the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) or the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certification to gain employment. The HSPA certification exam fee is approximately $125, and the CSA certification exam fee is approximately $263.
- 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 to be administered will result in additional charges.
- A fee of approximately $50-$100 is associated with an Electronic Student Permit Checking submission required for clinical practicum placements, payable to Synergy Gateway through the Verified software platform.
2023/24 tuition and fees
The following costs are effective until June 30, 2024.
Domestic students
Financial aid
Paying for your education may feel overwhelming, but we have resources and programs that can help, including information about payment options, student loans, grants and scholarships.
Learn more
This program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding.
Application process
Ready to apply?
Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.
Communication during admission
Email is the primary source of communication during the admission process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications.
We recommend you add hps.info@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
Begin your application
Apply now using the online application portal.
Ensure you have a valid Visa or Mastercard to pay the non-refundable application fee of $120 for domestic applicants.
Apply nowInformation sessions
Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.
Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:
- What sets SAIT apart
- An introduction to the program and area of study
- Admission requirements
- Future career paths
- Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.
Contact us
School of Health and Public Safety Advising
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Phone - 403.284.8500
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Email - hps.info@sait.ca
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