Medical Device Reprocessing
Dedicate your career to creating a safe place for healthcare teams and their patients.
- Students complete this program in only two semesters
- Placements take place at The Ottawa Hospital, CHEO, Queensway Carleton Hospital and various private clinics
- Clinical placement and lab completed in the program may be used toward the hours required to write the Certified Medical Device Reprocessing Technician (CMDRT) exam
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Open
Closed
Waitlisted
Start Term
Availability
International
Availability
Competitive?
Fall 2024
No
Fall 2025
No
Schedule
Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Work Integrated Learning
This one-year program prepares you to apply principles of infection prevention and proper handling of reusable patient care equipment in healthcare settings....(read more)
Overview
Dedicate your career to creating a safe place for healthcare teams and their patients.
Medical Device Reprocessing is a unique Ontario College Certificate program that combines theory, lab practice, simulation and hands-on experience.This one-year program prepares you to apply principles of infection prevention and proper handling of reusable patient care equipment in healthcare settings.
As a student, you explore various areas including:
- human anatomy
- medical terminology
- patient interventions
- employee and patient safety
Gain manual dexterity by practising with equipment and surgical instrumentation in simulation labs as well as operating equipment in clinical healthcare settings. Collectively, these practices will prepare you for work in the healthcare field.
Benefit from more than 130 hours of clinical practice, which provides the opportunity for integrating theory and principles into hands-on practice.
Laboratory and clinical placement hours completed in the program may be used towards the prerequisite hours required to write the CMDRT exam.
Upon graduating, you may find work in healthcare facilities, which may include:
- hospital medical device reprocessing departments
- public and private clinics
- dental clinics
- surgical centres
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Possess excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Have an interest in the healthcare field.
- Are flexible and want to work in an environment with high standards and professionalism.
- Enjoy the challenges of working in a team setting.
- Have manual dexterity and are process and detail oriented.
- Are able to handle physically demanding tasks.
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
ENL1813S
Course Name:
Communications I
Course Description:
Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-orient... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HLT0210
Course Name:
Infection Control for Healthcare
Course Description:
Knowledge of various microorganisms, their biological behaviour and interactions with the host are essential to understanding disease develo... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HLT0211
Course Name:
Introduction to Medical Device Reprocessing
Course Description:
Personnel working in medical device reprocessing units need to adhere to principles and concepts unique to the healthcare environment. Stude... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HLT0212
Course Name:
Medical Device Reprocessing Lab Skills I
Course Description:
Personnel working in medical device reprocessing units must have strong customer service skills and organizational ability in order to handl... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HLT0213
Course Name:
Medical Device Reprocessing Clinical I
Course Description:
Clinical practice provides the opportunity for integration of the theory and principles of sterile processing with hands-on practice. Under ... + Read More
Hours:
40.0
Code:
HLT0214
Course Name:
Surgical Instruments and Decontamination
Course Description:
Identification and knowledge of the use of surgical instrumentation and equipment is essential to reprocessing. Students learn categories an... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HLT0226
Course Name:
Anatomy and Physiology for Medical Device Reprocessing
Course Description:
Basic comprehension of medical terminology, human anatomy and physiology is essential when working in patient care settings. Students learn... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HLT0215
Course Name:
Packaging and Sterilization
Course Description:
Appropriate packaging and sterilization of reusable patient care items is essential for safe patient care. Students learn about packaging, s... + Read More
Hours:
40.0
Code:
HLT0216
Course Name:
Inventory Management, Storage and Distribution
Course Description:
Healthcare institutions purchase and borrow expensive medical devices and surgical instrumentation from distributors and other facilities. T... + Read More
Hours:
40.0
Code:
HLT0217
Course Name:
Endoscope Reprocessing
Course Description:
Reprocessing personnel must have a thorough understanding of diagnostic and surgical endoscopes and follow standards of practice and hospita... + Read More
Hours:
45.0
Code:
HLT0218
Course Name:
Medical Device Reprocessing Lab Skills II
Course Description:
Personnel working in medical device reprocessing units must understand the needs of various departments, be able to operate sterilizing equi... + Read More
Hours:
40.0
Code:
HLT0219
Course Name:
Medical Device Reprocessing Clinical II
Course Description:
Clinical practice provides the opportunity for integration of the theory and principles of sterile processing with hands-on practice. Under ... + Read More
Hours:
96.0
Code:
GED1619
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
For this course, you will have the opportunity to choose from a group of general electives. Your options will include courses which cover th... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Careers & Pathways
Careers
Graduates may seek employment opportunities as medical device reprocessing technicians.
Pathways
Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Apply principles of microbiology and infection prevention and control in the reprocessing of patient care equipment, medical devices and instrumentation.
- Sort, inspect and test patient care equipment, medical devices, instruments and endoscopic equipment for cleanliness and function ensuring they are in good working order.
- Select and calculate amounts of appropriate disinfecting and sterilizing agents used in common reprocessing machines.
- Select, prepare, package and sterilize multi-use medical devices and surgical instrumentation required for specific operations.
- Select, manage load, operate and troubleshoot steam and low temperature sterilizers and automatic endoscopic reprocessors following critical parameters and quality assurance processes.
- Store, inventory, transport and distribute medical devices, instruments and endoscopic equipment to maintain sterile integrity.
- Recognize and respond appropriately to occupational health and safety hazards or events.
- Monitor and document quality assurance processes and respond appropriately to non-compliant reprocessing events.
- Safely operate and troubleshoot medical device reprocessing equipment.
- Communicate effectively using medical terminology and follow written department policies and standard operating procedures.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2024/2025 Academic Year
Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.
Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.
Fees are subject to change.
Additional program related expenses include:
Books and supplies cost approximately $500.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
- Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee will be charged.
Program Eligibility
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
- Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject-specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
- IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 110, minimum of 110 in Literacy and no score below 95.
Not sure if you meet all of the requirements? Academic Upgrading may be able to help with that: https://www.algonquincollege.com/access/.
International Applicants: International applicants who meet the program eligibility requirements are required to complete preparatory courses (4 months in duration): Introduction to Canadian Health Studies (ICHS). Students who successfully complete the introduction will then proceed to their original health program of choice. The ICHS requires applicants to submit an academic IELTS score.
Please click this link for more information https://www.algonquincollege.com/healthandcommunity/ICHS/.
Police Records Check Documentation:Though not an admission requirement, applicants must note important information listed below regarding Police Record Check program requirements.
Students must provide the College with a current Police Records Check(PRC) prior to the deadline identified by the department and students are responsible for any associated costs. If this documentation is not submitted on time, students may not be placed and registration in the program will be jeopardized. If you register in the program without a clear PRC and as a result are unable to participate in placement, you will not be able to graduate and will be asked to withdraw.
Field Placement Eligibility:
Field placements occur in first and second semester of the program.
Hospital and Field Placements/Outreach require Health and Safety, WHMIS and OWHSA training prior to placements. There are additional costs associated with training that should be anticipated by students which are not covered by tuition fees.
To be eligible for placement, you must submit proof of PRC and complete immunizations through ParaMed and pay any associated costs. ParaMed services are the third-party provider who collects all field placement documentation for the School of Health and Community Studies.
Should you require further information, please contact the Program Chair.
Application Information
MEDICAL DEVICE REPROCESSING
Program Code 1619X01FWO
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Additional Information
Program Resources
This is a physically demanding profession. Individuals entering this field must be able to undertake moderately heavy lifting of equipment and supplies and pulling/pushing mobile transportation carts. They must be willing to do shift work in a department that operates 24 hours daily and every day of the week.
In order to attend clinical placements, students must have all necessary pre-placement documentation completed. This includes, but is not limited to: immunizations, criminal record check, health and safety training, and possible hospital-specific training. Students must have all pre-placement documentation completed by Week 8 of the Level 01 semester. Students who do not complete their pre-placement documentation in time may not attend their clinical placement and may be unsuccessful in the course. It is strongly suggested that students begin the process of completing their documentation as soon as they are admitted to the program.
Clinical Placements receive large number of students and there may be times during your studies that require you to attend weekend, evening and/or night clinical experiences. Clinical placements may be within the city of Ottawa or throughout the Eastern Ontario region, and students will be required to travel accordingly. All expenses such as travel, parking and accommodation will be the responsibility of the student.
Contact
Melanie Smith
Program Coordinator
Melanie Smith has over 17 years of experience in the field of Medical Device Reprocessing. She worked in the Medical Device Reprocessing department at the Ottawa Hospital for 16 years where she was initially part of the management team and then moved into the role of Training Coordinator. She is an active member of the Medical Device Reprocessing Association of Ontario (MDRAO) and the Canadian Association of Medical Device Reprocessing (CAMDR). Melanie has been teaching courses in Algonquin’s Medical Device Reprocessing program for the past three years and looks forward to sharing her passion for the profession with students.
Chris Jensen
Professor
Room A134
In May of 2007 I graduated with honors from Algonquin College gaining a certificate in Sterile Supply Processing. Since then, many doors opened for me and I gained full time employment at the Queensway Carleton Hospital where I currently work. I have also worked at Almonte General Hospital and currently work at Kanata Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery part time. Working in different processing departments has taught me a variety of skills and different ways to process instruments. Working efficiently in fast pace environments has always been exciting for me. In the Fall of 2017 I joined the Algonquin College team, teaching the lab skills for Medical Device Reprocessing. I have always enjoyed training new employees at the hospitals. The vast equipment and instruments at the college in the sim lab makes teaching new students a lot of fun. A decade ago if someone had suggested I may be teaching a portion of the course that I took, I would not have believed them. I now work alongside some of the students I taught and take a great sense of pride watching them excel in the field. I truly believe that I have found my niche in life!