Overview

This in-class, theory and practical based program focuses on sterilization, preparation and storage of medical equipment, instruments and supplies.

Students will learn critical techniques in safe handling of instrumentation, infection control and aseptic techniques. Students will be introduced to sterile processing techniques in practical sessions throughout the program. There is also an optional field placement at the completion of the program.

Upon graduation, students will have the knowledge and skills required to work in entry-level medical device reprocessing technician (MDRT) positions in sterile (processing) environments such as hospitals, surgical centres and other health care settings.

The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) recognizes Seneca as a training provider and graduates of this program are eligible to take the CSA Canadian certification exam to become a Certified Medical Device Reprocessing Technician (CMDRT).

This program includes five classroom courses taken over three semesters followed by an optional 140-hour clinical placement for four weeks on a full-time basis in a reprocessing department.

All courses are offered in-person on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Courses must be completed in the following order:

Semester 1: MDR108 (Microbiology and Infection Control) and MDR110 (Decontamination Practices)
Semester 2: MDR109 (Identification and Care of Surgical Instrumentation) and MDR111 (Disinfection and Sterilization)
Semester 3: MDR112 (Assembly, Packaging and Sterile Storage of Medical Devices)
Optional field placement upon completion of the program.

Please note: The process for registering for MDR courses has recently changed. Prospective students who are interested in the MDR program and meet the Entry Requirements may register to begin their first two courses (MDR108 and MDR110) in the Fall, Winter or Summer semesters. Student are advised to register when courses become available to secure a seat.

To maintain academic progress and avoid retaking courses, students are required to complete modules in sequence and without interruption, taking all courses within each module during the same term.

Information Session

Students are invited to attend an information session.

Entry Requirements

Students must meet the following entry requirements before registering for their courses:

• An Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) transcript with Grade 12 English of 70% or better; either ENG4C or ENG4U. Equivalent high school English credit in Canada will be accepted.
  OR
• Completion of one year of study at a postsecondary institution in Ontario (or Canada) required. Language of instruction must be in English.
  OR
• Complete the English Language proficiency assessment at Seneca: ELL100. The results of your English Assessment (ELL100) must be at or above levels ESL079 (Speaking English Level VII) and ESL933 (English Composition III).

Please note: You do not need to send your transcript to Seneca to register.

English Proficiency

All Seneca courses, except those specifically listed such as Modern Language courses, are taught in English. Evaluation in credit courses is based on your participation in classroom discussion, written assignments and examinations. For these reasons, it is crucial that you be able to function at an appropriate level in the English language.

We are interested in your successful achievement of academic outcomes and so make available a variety of learning opportunities in English. To be able to function at a postsecondary level, English training opportunities are available for those whose native language is not English. Refer to the English as a Second Language program page.

If English is your native language, but you have not completed a high school level of achievement in the course, English training opportunities are available.

Prerequisites

It is your responsibility to ensure that program requirements and course prerequisites as outlined are met. Prerequisites are included for your academic protection. Knowledge of the prerequisite material is assumed by your instructor and instruction will proceed accordingly. Students lacking prerequisites not only jeopardize their own ability to succeed but present unnecessary interruption. If you lack appropriate prerequisites (or Transfer Credit for the prerequisite course) you may be asked to withdraw or transfer to a more appropriate course with the risk of academic/financial penalty.

Curriculum

Please Note: To maintain academic progress and avoid retaking courses, students are required to complete modules in sequence and without interruption, taking all courses within each module during the same term.

The below 5 courses are required to complete the program. The Field Placement is  not required to graduate from the program.

Students must complete the Field Placement Application form and get approval from the Field Placement Coordinator before registering for the placement. Students in their final course (MDR112) will receive information about the field placement process.

The following are required for MDR students prior to their placement:

1. Vulnerable Sector Police Record Check
2. Medical Form with Immunization Record
3. Completion of a Standard First Aid CPR (Level C) two-day course
4. WHMIS and Health and Safety E-learning Modules
5. Mask Fit Test
6. Completion of the Seneca MDR program. We are unable to accept field placement students from other MDR programs.

Step 1: Submit the Field Placement Application Form provided by the Field Placement Coordinator.

Step 2: Complete document review process through the Concise Health online platform.

Step 3: Receive approval from the Field Placement Coordinator to register for the Field Placement.

Step 4: Register online for FPL201 - MDR Field Placement,

Step 5: Review the Field Placement Manual (emailed to you after you receive approval from the Placement Coordinator and you register in FPL201).

Step 6: Attend the mandatory pre-placement class (offered virtually).

Please note that students who have been out of the program for more than one term will be required to repeat courses prior to registering for the field placement to support patient safety.

Field Placement

Please note: Completion of the field placement is not required to graduate from the MDR program. Interested students must complete the field placement application form and get approval from the Field Placement Coordinator before registering for the placement.

The MDR field placement consists of 140 hours over 4 weeks. Field placement provides a practical opportunity for students to: demonstrate knowledge and technical skills learned and developed in the prerequisite courses, observe and practice the ethical application of behavioural principles and techniques, and to critically evaluate ongoing interventions within the placement.

The following are required for MDR students prior to their placement:

1. Vulnerable Sector Police Record Check
2. Medical Form with Immunization Record
3. Completion of a Standard First Aid CPR (Level C) two-day course
4. WHMIS and Health and Safety E-learning Modules
5. Mask Fit Test
6. Completion of the Seneca MDR program. Seneca is unable to accept field placement students from other MDR programs.

 

Step 1: Submit the Field Placement Application Form provided by the Field Placement Coordinator.

Step 2: Complete the document review process through the Concise Health online platform.

Step 3: Receive approval from the Field Placement Coordinator to register for the field placement.

Step 4: Register online for FPL201 - MDR Field Placement.

Step 5: Review the Field Placement Manual (emailed to you after you receive approval from the Placement Coordinator and you register in FPL201).

Step 6: Attend the mandatory pre-placement class (offered virtually).

Please note that students who have been out of the MDR program for more than one term will be required to repeat courses prior to registering for the field placement to support patient safety.

Clinical placements are located throughout the GTA. Placements are arranged by Seneca Polytechnic. Students who find their own placement must get approval from the Field Placement Coordinator before registering.

Program Outcomes

1. Communicate effectively using medical terminology and follow written department policies in a professional manner.
2. Apply principles of microbiology and infection prevention and control in the reprocessing of patient care equipment, medical devices and instrumentation.
3. Use principles of decontamination and environmental safety control to select and calculate appropriate disinfecting and sterilizing agents used in common reprocessing machines.
4. Prepare, package and sterilize multi-use medical devices and surgical equipment and supplies for specific surgical operations.
5. Store, inventory, transport and distribute medical devices, instruments and endoscopic equipment to maintain sterile integrity.
6. Sort, inspect and test patient care equipment, medical devices, instruments and endoscopic equipment for cleanliness and function ensuring they are in good working order.

 

Credit for Prior Learning

Prior Learning Assessment

Earn college credits for what you already know.
Prior Learning Assessment is a method of assessing and recognizing learning that is equal to college level learning, but has been gained outside a traditional classroom (through work experience, volunteering, outside study, etc.). If you can prove that the knowledge you have gained meets the outcomes of a Seneca course, then credit will be awarded.

How does the PLA process work?
Prior Learning is demonstrated through a "challenge" process. The process measures learning through a variety of methods which may include tests, portfolio assessment, interviews, demonstrations, essays, and work samples. The method used will be determined in consultation with a Program Coordinator.
For more information and to determine if you are eligible for PLA, please call the Program Coordinator.

The process may take from 6 to 8 weeks.

Note: Not all courses can be challenged. For more information go to PLA website or contact your Program Coordinator.

Graduation/Convocation

Minimum Performance for Graduation

A student will be eligible to graduate from a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or graduate certificate program if they have achieved a minimum graduating GPA of 2.0.

A student will be eligible to graduate from a degree program if they have achieved a minimum graduating GPA of 2.5, which includes a minimum GPA of 2.5 in the courses in their main field of study and a minimum GPA of 2.0 in breadth courses.

Residency Requirements

A faculty of Seneca Polytechnic may recommend a student for a certificate, diploma or degree only after the student has earned a minimum of twenty-five percent of the credit for that program at Seneca.

CSA-CMDRT Recognition

Seneca is recognized as an approved training provider, preparing students to write the exam for the CSA Group's Certified Medical Devices Reprocessing Technician designation. For more information on CSA group or the CMDRT exam, please visit the CSA Group website.

Students in their final course (MDR112) will be invited to attend an information session with Seneca and CSA Group about becoming a certified MDR Technician. The session will cover the following:

• Overview of certification - why become a Certified Medical Device Reprocessing Technician (CMDRT)
• Scope of certification
• Applicable industries
• Prerequisites for certification, including available pathways
• How to apply for certification

Frequently Asked Questions

Program Related Questions

1. How is the MDR Program structured?
   The program includes five required courses, which must be completed in a specific order. The program may be completed in one year (three semesters).
   All classes take place on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
   
   • morning class from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
   • afternoon class from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
    
2. Is the MDR program considered a full-time or part-time program?
   The program is considered part-time by the College.
    
3. Is the MDR program a diploma?
   The MDR program is a certificate. Students receive a Seneca College Certificate upon completion of the program.
    
4. Does the MDR program enable me to practice as a technician?
   Yes, the program fulfills the educational requirements to work as a technician.
    
5. What is the difference between Seneca's MDR program and programs offered by other Ontario Colleges?
   Seneca's program is offered in class and includes labs for additional practical experience.
    
6. Am I guaranteed a field placement in the program?
   Seneca cannot guarantee that we will be able to place every student who wishes to complete the field placement. The number of placement spots vary every year and depend on the availability of spots at partner institutions.
    
7. What if I do not get a placement, can I still graduate?
   Yes, you can still graduate from the program without completing the field placement. The field placement is optional. After the completion of the five mandatory courses in the program, you apply to graduate with your certificate from Seneca. You are eligible to apply for MDR positions without a field placement.
    
8. Can you share information on the licensing process?
   We encourage you to review the information on the CSA-CMDRT Recognition page.
   More information can be found on the CSA website regarding how to obtain your MDR certification and become a CMDRT – Certified Medical Device Reprocessing Technician.
    

Entry Requirement Questions

1. Do I have to apply for admission to the program?
   No, there is no program admission process. Students who meet the Entry Requirements for the MDR program are welcome to register for courses when they become available on the website. You may begin the program in the Fall, Winter or Summer semester. Courses must be completed in the following order:
   
   Semester 1: MDR108 (Microbiology and Infection Control) and MDR110 (Decontamination Practices)
   Semester 2: MDR109 (Identification and Care of Surgical Instrumentation) and MDR111 (Disinfection and Sterilization)
   Semester 3: MDR112 (Assembly, Packaging and Sterile Storage of Medical Devices)
    
2. Do I need to write a TOEFL or IELTS?
   It is essential that you have a command of the English language. If your primary language is not English and you graduated from a non-Canadian high school or university where the language of instruction and examination was not English, you must demonstrate your facility in English by completing an English-language facility test.
   
   Candidates who have completed their high school or undergraduate degrees in a language other than in English must be assessed by Seneca by registering in ELL100 - English Assessment and Placement test. Your results must be at or higher than the following:
   
   • ESL079 - Speaking English Level VII and
   • ESL933 - English Composition III
   
   The ESL chart shows the level of proficiency required. This language requirement should be met at the time you register for your first courses.
    

Tuition Related Questions

1. What is the program fee?
   Fees are paid on a course-by-course basis. You register and pay for the courses you are taking each semester – you do not pay for the entire program at once.
   
   There are five courses in total in the program. Each course is approximately $320 for domestic students. Up-to-date course fees are available on our website and course fees are subject to change.
    
2. Are textbooks included in the course fees?
   No, textbooks are not included in the course fee.
    
3. Where do I find information on which textbooks I need for the course?
   There is one MDR manual and one MDR workbook required for the program. The same manual and workbook are used for the entire program. Instructions on how to order your manual and workbook will be provided.
    
4. Is there OSAP funding for the program?
   The MDR program is a part-time program and therefore not eligible for OSAP funding at this time.
    

Program Contacts

Annie Kirkham
Program Assistant
annie.kirkham@senecapolytechnic.ca

Yasmeen Syed
Academic Program Manager
yasmeen.syed@senecapolytechnic.ca

For more information about this program, fill out the following form.

Information Session

Students are invited to attend an information session.