Sterile Processing Technician

• 21-week certificate
• Fall and winter starts
• Clinical practica

Program Description

This program provides entry-level training for the critical role of cleaning, packaging, sterilizing, storing and handling of sterile supplies and instruments, with a focus on infection prevention and control and aseptic techniques. It includes a practicum, arranged by SAIT, at an accredited clinical facility. This type of employment requires flexibility (shift work), manual dexterity and good health.

This 21-week program includes classroom instruction with integrated practical learning experiences. This is followed by 400 hours of practicum, of which eight weeks take place at a clinical site. Theory will be integrated throughout the practicum to increase knowledge, skills and employability.

Students in this program require access to a personal computer and the Internet to facilitate completion of a required online course.

This program is also available through distance education.  Please contact hps.info@sait.ca or phone 403.284.8481 for details.

Your Career

Graduates find work as sterile processors, service aides and related positions in health care central service/supply, processing and distribution, operating room and specialty areas at acute care, community care and extended care facilities.

Admission Requirements

• Alberta High School Diploma or equivalent with a minimum of 50% in English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2 or equivalents.
• All applicants to SAIT Polytechnic must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada. For more information, please see English Proficiency.
• View High School Course Equivalencies Admission Equivalencies by Province.

Selection

• Seats in this program are offered in the order that qualified applications are received.
• Successful candidates must sign a practicum awareness agreement prior to final acceptance.
• Candidates are strongly encouraged to complete a tour of a hospital central reprocessing department prior to the start of classes.

Applicants who are successful in gaining admission will be requested to provide proof of the following prior to the start of classes/practicum:

1. Updated Immunization Records. Details are included in the pre-orientation website for successful candidates.
2. Please note: Most practicum sites require students to demonstrate updated immunization status prior to attending practicum. Failure to do so could jeopardize your ability to complete the practicum portion of your program.
3. Security Clearance: According to the Protection for Persons in Care Act, our practicum sites require that students obtain a criminal records check prior to going on practicum. Any criminal code offence for which a pardon has not been received, may be a deterrent to a student’s entry into practicum, and therefore will result in an uncompleted program, or non-graduating status.

Additional Resources

Sterile Processing Technician Practicum Awareness Agreement (for reference only – do not submit)

Student Success

• In order to be successful in this program, applicants must have basic computer literacy including the ability to use word processing and communication software. Educational interaction in this program depends on these basic computer skills, and sterile processing technicians work with hospital information systems. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure adequacy of these skills prior to program admission.
• Students with higher secondary or post-secondary marks usually experience greater success in SAIT programs.
• Students who experience success in this program have effective communication skills in English.
• Health care practitioners are detail-oriented in the care they provide and enjoy working in a team environment.
• Because of the nature of work, to be successful in this program, students must be able to lift up to 18 kg/40 pounds and push/pull 114 kg/250 pounds on an ongoing basis.
• Students who experience success in this program and career demonstrate manual dexterity and are able to perform repetitive tasks in a stressful environment.

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.

Credentials

After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT certificate as a Sterile Processing Technician. Graduates are eligible to challenge the International Association of Health and Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM) certification exam for international recognition of their competencies as a Central Service Technician (CRCST). This allows international portability.

Accreditation

There are no formal accreditation arrangements at this time. Please contact the School of Health and Public Safety for more information.

Tuition And Fees (Subject To Change)

• Please refer to the Tuition and Fee Table.
• International Students, please refer to International Student Fees.
• For student funding, please refer to Financial Assistance.
• Immunization fees are $25.
• Students are responsible for any additional expenses related to their practica including relocation costs to practicum sites outside of Calgary.
• The cost for a criminal record check, which is a requirement for practicum, is up to $40 or more.

Books And Supplies (Subject To Change)

• Books and supplies are approximately $350
• Students are required to have access to a personal computer with the specifications listed in Fees and Expenses.

Program Outline

• SAIT students are offered an opportunity to develop lifelong learning skills in an online environment. One or more courses in the program are offered fully or partially online.
• To find the course description for a course shown below, please go to our Course Finder and enter the course acronym and numbers (i.e., DMST-202) into the Quick Search by Course Code field.

For More Information

Information: 403.284.8500
Email: hps.info@sait.ca
Website: School of Health and Public Safety
Academic Chair: Sonja Chamberlin

Transfer with Certificate to…

Transfer options may be available at post-secondary institutions where credits from SAIT programs could be evaluated on an individual basis. Interested students should contact the post-secondary educational institute of their choice for more information.

To learn more, visit Transfer Options.

Related Links (Internal):

• Student-For-A-Day
• Academic Calendar
• Academic Upgrading
• International Students
• Mature Students
• Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition