vcc.ca
MDRT 1103: Medical Device Reprocessing Technician Theory
Effective date
August 2022
Department
Sterile Supply Room Aide
School
Continuing Studies
Description
The Medical Device Reprocessing Technician Theory course will provide students with the theoretical knowledge required by MDR Technicians. Students will learn theory concepts and principles in the following areas: Overview of MDR Departments, Professional Practice, Infection Prevention and Control, Occupational Health and Safety, Medical Devices, Decontamination, Disinfection, Preparation and Packaging, Sterilization, Storage and Distribution, Flexible Endoscopes and Quality Systems.
This course is based on Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standards and best practices for safe and effective sterilization of reusable medical devices in Canada. CSA recognizes VCC as an approved MDRT training provider. Students who meet CSA requirements may be eligible to write the optional CSA Canadian Certification exam to become a Certified Medical Device Reprocessing Technician (CMDRT). Please refer to CSA website for specific requirements.
Please note: This course is open to anyone, however it does not include a practicum or clinical and is not accepted for employment in the Lower Mainland of BC.
Registration is on-going for this course, and students can start anytime. Once registered, students will receive a welcome email with course instructions. Regular check-ins and assistance with the course content will be available from a course facilitator.
The course is delivered online through the Moodle Learning Management System. Students have one term (four months/16 weeks) to complete the course. Extensions may be permitted in extenuating circumstances. This course is self-directed, and students work through the course content on their own schedule.
Online learning requires students to have a computer with Internet access, a web browser and access to a webcam. The mid-term and final exam are written online with an online proctor.
Students who are new to MDR are encouraged to arrange a site tour or job shadowing in their local hospital MDR department. This is not a requirement, however it would be beneficial to new students.
Credits
0.0
Year of study
Continuing Professional Development
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Explain the purpose of Medical Device Reprocessing (MDR), the role of the technician, professional practice and the importance of all three to patient safety
- Identify occupational health and safety measures that ensure worker safety in MDR
- Explain essential elements of medical device decontamination processes
- Summarize the types and uses of various levels of disinfection
- Describe how to safely perform high level disinfection of medical devices
- Explain how to prepare medical devices for further reprocessing
- Describe the steps of the sterilization process
- Recall the main types of low temperature sterilization methods and explain their features and limitations
- Explain how to handle, store, and distribute clean and sterile supplies
- Summarize key issues in reprocessing flexible endoscopes
- Identify elements of a quality system that are part of routine MDR practices
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 98
Practicum, Self-Paced, Individual Learning: 98
Total Hours: 98
Practicum, Self-Paced, Individual Learning: 98
Total Hours: 98
Instructional Strategies
Grading System
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Passing grade
S - based on successful completion of a mid-term and final exam. (70% required to pass each exam)
Evaluation Plan
None
Course topics
- Overview of the Medical Device Reprocessing Department
- Professional Practice
- Infection Prevention and Control
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Medical Devices
- Decontamination and Disinfection
- Preparation and Packaging
- Sterilization
- Storage and Distribution
- Flexible Endoscopes
- Quality Management Systems
Learning resources
Supplies:
Course modules are optional, and can be ordered online and shipment arranged here: https://downtown.store.vcc.ca/category/textbooks-materials-current-term/continuing-studies/medical-device-reprocessing
Course modules are optional, and can be ordered online and shipment arranged here: https://downtown.store.vcc.ca/category/textbooks-materials-current-term/continuing-studies/medical-device-reprocessing
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.