Available Intakes
Overview
Learn to safely clean, package, sterilize, store and handle sterile supplies and instruments in preparation for a career as a medical device reprocessing technician or sterile processor in hospitals, doctors’ offices, dental clinics and other health care facilities where surgeries are performed.
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.
Is this the right fit for me?
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
Accreditation
SAIT’s Medical Device Reprocessing Technician program is 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).
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.
Credentials
After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT Medical Device Reprocessing Technician certificate.
The program arranges for graduates to challenge the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) certification exam for international recognition of their competencies as a Central Service Technician (CRCST). This allows for international portability.
Certification from either HSPA or CSA is required to practice as an MDRT in Alberta.
Please note: Your MDRT certificate and a high school diploma are required to challenge the CSA certification exam.
Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA)
Get important updates about our health and medical programs
Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue job opportunities in medical device reprocessing departments, operating rooms, doctor’s offices, dental clinics, surgical centres and specialty areas of acute care, community care and extended care facilities. Potential positions include:
- medical device reprocessing technician
- sterile processing technician
- service aide
Related careers include:
- optometric assistant
- recreational therapy aide
- chiropractic aide
Admission requirements
Admission and selection*
- Fall 2022 start: applications are accepted from Oct. 6, 2021, to Aug. 20, 2022.
- Winter 2023 start: applications are accepted starting March 30, 2022.
- Spring 2023 start: applications are accepted starting June 13, 2022
*This program does not accept international students.
Admission requirements
Completion of the following courses or their equivalents:
- At least 50% in English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2
- 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.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada. SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions. Find more information here.
Direct entry: four-step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to Medical Device Reprocessing Technician - Full-time and submit your transcripts and or final anticipated grades.
- Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Continue to monitor changes to your application status through mySAIT.ca.
Communication during selection
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications.
We recommend you add hps.info@sait.ca and the sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages. Please check your junk mail or trash folders for communication from SAIT. The program does not follow-up on selection packages which are not returned.
Practicum requirements
The eight weeks (full-time students) and ten weeks (part-time students) of practicum 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 the theory and starting the practicum). The School of Health and Public Safety has many practica partners located in Alberta and across Canada. Practicum placements in Calgary are limited and students may be required to relocate outside of Calgary for practicum. There are no practicum placements in Calgary or the surrounding area for part-time students.
Successful candidates will be informed of the allocation of their practicum placement by the program. There is no guarantee that students will be placed at their desired practicum location. Special considerations of personal circumstances will not be given in regards to assigning practicum placements. Students will be responsible for fees associated with practica such as entrance requirements, relocation and travel costs.
In compliance with the practica agreements with our clinical partners, successful candidates will be requested to provide proof of the following requirements:
- Updated immunization records
- Security clearance - Police Information Check including Vulnerable Sector Check
- Health and wellness status
Courses
Program outline
This program is a 21-week certificate offered over the fall/winter semesters or winter/spring semesters.
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| INFC-206* | Infection Control and Decontamination | 1.5 |
| INST-263* | Instrumentation | 1.5 |
| SPRO-227* | Packaging Materials and Techniques | 1.5 |
| SPRO-235* | Sterilization Methodology | 1.5 |
| STDP-246* | Supply Distribution and Standards | 1.5 |
| SPRO-255* | Professional Practice | 1.5 |
| PRAC-296 | Practicum | 7.5 |
| Program total | 16.5 | |
| *Available by correspondence and/or online learning. The courses must be completed within the time frame shown in the program outline. Please contact the Academic Chair prior to enrolling in any online or correspondence courses. | ||
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.
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education through transfer in, within or on from SAIT is available.
Visit transfer options to learn more.
Costs 2022/23
Domestic tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $392
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $6,468 | $916 | $553 | $7,937 |
Domestic cost per course
| Course credits | Course cost |
|---|---|
| 1.5 | $588 |
*Maximum fee. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits a student takes per semester and whether they opt-out of health and dental benefits.
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $196
- Universal transit pass (Upass): $320
- Student support fee: $200
- Student technology fee: $200
The above fees are based on a course load of nine (9) or more credits per semester. Students taking less than nine (9) credits per semester do not qualify for the UPass. Other fees will be adjusted based on reduced credit load.
Saitsa fees
Student Association fee
- Maximum: $291
This is the maximum amount the student will pay. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits the students take per semester.
Health and dental fees
- Health plan: $127
- Dental plan: $135
Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.
Students taking less than nine (9) credits per semester do not qualify for health and dental benefits.
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies are approximately $500 - $1,000 per full-time year.
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
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Additional fees
- Students may be required to hold either the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) or the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certification for the purpose of gaining employment. The HSPA certification exam fee is approximately $125 and the CSA certification exam fee is approximately $263. Students are responsible for paying these exam fees, and are encouraged to refer to https://myhspa.org/.
- There is a fee associated with obtaining a Police Information Check including Vulnerable Sector Check, payable to the Police or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
- Books and supplies are approximately $400.
- Students must have a personal computer and access to the Internet.
- Students must have their 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.
- There is a fee, approximately $50-$100, associated with an Electronic Student Permit Checking submission which is required for clinical practicum placements, payable to Synergy Gateway through the Verified software platform.
Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
✅ Plan ahead ❗️
You are required to complete several health, confidentiality and consent forms before starting your program. All completed and signed paperwork is needed on orientation day.
Ensure you complete all three steps below ahead of orientation.
Get started on pre-orientation requirements
Orientation
Your program orientation (ORNT 118) will be held on campus (if you're taking classes full-time) or online (if studying part-time) on Aug. 31. Check your schedule in mySAIT for the time and location details.
Learn more about campus orientation.
How to register for classes
Course registration opens on Tuesday, Nov. 15 for Winter 2023.
You’ll receive an email from us indicating what registration process you’ll use to enroll in your classes.
Learn more about how to register and the different registration methods used at SAIT.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
The industry-approved PPE you'll need will be discussed during your first few days of classes.
Your required uniform can be purchased prior to orientation from any place that sells medical uniforms. Your uniform should consist of:
- a scrub top and bottom
- comfortable closed-toe and heel shoes. They should also be water impervious and slip-resistant.
Preparation courses
To support your success, short courses are available to you to help prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 100: The SAIT Experience
Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.
Both courses can be accessed through Brightspace (D2L) before the first day of classes.
Students taking a full-time course load, or more than nine (9) credits per semester, will be automatically enrolled in these courses.
They are optional for students taking a part-time course load (9 or fewer credits per semester). Part-time students can register by emailing academic.coaching@sait.ca.
Required textbooks
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 required this term.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.8500
Email: hps.info@sait.ca
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
