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 2025
No
Schedule
Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Work Integrated Learning
Eligible for Post-Graduation
Work Permit?
CIP Code(s): 51.1012
This one-year Medical Device Reprocessing Ontario College Certificate program equips you with the essential knowledge and practical skills required to safely and effectively reprocess medical devices in healthcare settings. You examine the critical processes of cleaning, disinfecting, sterilizing, and maintaining medical instruments and equipment used in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare environments. You gain a comprehensive understanding of the standards, regulations, and best practices governing medical device reprocessing, including infection control protocols, risk management, and quality assurance procedures....(read more)
Overview
Dedicate your career to creating a safe place for healthcare teams and their patients.
This one-year Medical Device Reprocessing Ontario College Certificate program equips you with the essential knowledge and practical skills required to safely and effectively reprocess medical devices in healthcare settings. You examine the critical processes of cleaning, disinfecting, sterilizing, and maintaining medical instruments and equipment used in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare environments. You gain a comprehensive understanding of the standards, regulations, and best practices governing medical device reprocessing, including infection control protocols, risk management, and quality assurance procedures.
Throughout the program, you engage in both classroom instruction and hands-on training to develop proficiency in using specialized equipment and understanding complex reprocessing workflows. You also benefit from two clinical placements, providing the opportunity for integrating theory and principles within a healthcare setting.
As a student, you develop knowledge and proficiency in areas including:
- microbiology
- anatomy
- medical terminology
- sterilization technologies
- regulatory frameworks
The curriculum is designed to prepare you for real-world challenges and ensure you can maintain the highest level of safety and compliance in medical device reprocessing. The program also emphasizes the importance of teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, ensuring you are equipped to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals.
Upon graduating, you may find work in healthcare facilities, which may include:
- hospital medical device reprocessing areas
- public and private healthcare clinics
- surgical centres
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 1
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 areas need to adhere to principles and concepts unique to the healthcare environment. Stude... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HLT0212
Course Name:
Medical Device Lab Skills 1
Course Description:
Personnel working in medical device reprocessing areas must have strong customer service skills and organizational ability in order to handl... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HLT0213
Course Name:
Medical Device Clinical 1
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 examine the purpose and ... + Read More
Hours:
40.0
Code:
HLT0216
Course Name:
Inventory Management, Storage and Distribution
Course Description:
Healthcare institutions purchase and borrow expensive medical devices from distributors and other facilities. This equipment must be properl... + 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 healthc... + Read More
Hours:
55.0
Code:
HLT0218
Course Name:
Medical Device Lab Skills 2
Course Description:
Personnel working in medical device reprocessing areas must understand the needs of various clinical settings, be able to operate sterilizin... + Read More
Hours:
40.0
Code:
HLT0219
Course Name:
Medical Device Clinical 2
Course Description:
Possessing practical experience within the field prepares graduates for entry into the profession. Under supervision, students continue to d... + Read More
Hours:
96.0
Code:
GED1619
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in S... + 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 medical devices.
- Sort, inspect and test medical devices for cleanliness, safety and function.
- Prepare, package, and sterilize multi-use medical devices required for medical procedures according to industry standards and pre-determined surgical procedure-specific requirements.
- Select, manage load, operate and troubleshoot sterilization and high-level disinfecting equipment in accordance with industry standards and manufacturer`s instructions for use.
- Store, inventory, transport and distribute medical devices to maintain sterile integrity.
- Contribute to quality assurance by monitoring, documenting, and responding to non-compliant reprocessing events.
- Operate and troubleshoot medical device reprocessing equipment in accordance with industry standards and manufacturer`s instructions.
- Complete all medical device reprocessing-related work within the scope of organizational policies, standard operating procedures, and best practices.
- Decontaminate medical devices following industry standards and manufacturer`s instructions.
- 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.
2025/2026 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; 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.
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: http://www.algonquincollege.com/healthandcommunity/ICHS/
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.my.site.com/myac360/s/self-registration-page.
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.
Clinical Placements:
To participate in 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 begin in Week 13 for Level 01 and in Week 12 for Level 02. Prior to beginning each clinical placement, students must successfully complete the following courses:
Clinical 1
- Infection Control for Healthcare
- Intro to Medical Device Reprocess
- Medical Device Lab Skills 1
- Surgical Instruments and Decontamination
Clinical 2
- Packaging and Sterilization
- Inventory Management, Storage and Distribution
- Endoscope Reprocessing
- Medical Device Lab Skills 2
Field Placement Eligibility:
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.
Police Records Check Documentation:
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.
Should you require further information, please contact the Program Chair.
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!