Be ready to play an instrumental role.
Learn the science behind and the techniques required for the precise skills of medical instrument sterilization in our Medical Device Reprocessing certificate program. You’ll spend approximately 26 weeks online, learning how to handle, clean, assemble, function-test and package surgical instruments and medical equipment.
Grab and Go Information
Why should you study Medical Device Reprocessing at Lethbridge Polytechnic?
During a 400-hour work-integrated learning experience, you’ll hone your skills and understanding of what it takes to play an essential role in health care as a medical device reprocessing technician. Upon completion of the program, you will be prepared to write either the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management exam or the Canadian Standards Association exam to become a Certified Registered Central Service Technician. You’ll be ready to start your career in a variety of healthcare teams.
26 weeks
you’ll spend learning how to handle, clean, assemble, function test and package surgical instruments and medical equipment
400 hours
dedicated to a work-integrated learning experience in a hospital or health-care facility (may require travel)
Detail-oriented
The Medical Device Reprocessing program is well-suited for those that are detail-oriented and want to work in the health-care field
Career Opportunities
As a trained medical device reprocessing technician, you can work in a variety of medical environments, including:
- Day procedure facilities
- Hospital central processing facilities
- Hospital operating rooms
- Private health-care providers
- Surgical centers
70%
of MDR grads had a related job less than one year after completing the program
Visit ALIS website for more career information.
At-a-Glance
Starts-in
September
Credential / Accreditation
Certificate
Duration
1 year (26 weeks)
International Eligibility
This program is not available for International Students.
Application Deadlines
Visit the Program Application Status page for more details.
Academic Centre
Program Availability
Admissions
Apply NowGeneral Admissions Requirements
All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Lethbridge Polytechnic programs
Note: Effective for the 2027-2028 academic year, applicants will be required to meet the following admissions requirements:
- English 30-1 or 30-2 or equivalent
- Demonstrate English language proficiency
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students are awarded a Medical Device Reprocessing certificate.
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Requirements
This program includes a required Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) placement. Lethbridge Polytechnic establishes the legal terms and conditions governing WIL participation.
Students must meet and maintain specific requirements set by the program, host organizations, and/or government regulations. These may include:
- Health requirements (e.g., immunizations, screening tests)
- Privacy and security requirements (e.g., Police Information Check, IT access)
- Occupational Health and Safety requirements (e.g., CPR certification, Fire Safety, WHMIS, mask fit-testing)
An organization may suspend a student’s placement if the organization considers such action reasonably necessary in the best interests of the organization or its clients.
Security Clearance
Participation in WIL placements may require a Police Information Check or other security clearance, to the satisfaction of both Lethbridge Polytechnic and the host organization.
WIL Agreements
Organizations that host students for WIL placements must have a WIL agreement with Lethbridge Polytechnic. This agreement helps ensure expectations are clear and protects the interests of the student, the host organization, and the Polytechnic.
Workers’ Compensation Coverage
Students registered in and attending an academic course or program at Lethbridge Polytechnic and during WIL placements are considered workers of the Government of Alberta and are typically covered by Alberta Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) on the Government of Alberta account. (https://www.wcb.ab.ca/assets/pdfs/workers/WFS_Student_coverage.pdf)
In some circumstances, WCB coverage may not apply—for example, for non-Alberta residents or non-Canadian citizens completing distance learning with a placement outside Alberta. Students in these situations should contact the program before applying for placement. Alternative insurance coverage is available from Lethbridge Polytechnic for those situations.
Accessibility and Accommodations
Students who require accommodations should contact Accessibility Services at Lethbridge Polytechnic, preferably upon acceptance to the program and no later than one week prior to the start of the academic term. Students who fail to consult with Accessibility Services in a timely manner may affect placement opportunities and success in the WIL setting.
Accessibility Services may collaborate with WIL supervisors to determine appropriate accommodations that do not compromise client safety, essential placement requirements, or mandatory licensing processes.
Placement Locations and Scheduling
Placements may occur in Lethbridge, surrounding rural communities, or other approved locations, depending on site availability. Placements may include day, evening, and/or weekend schedules.
Students are responsible for travel to their assigned placement sites and any associated costs.
Employment and Professional Regulation
Completion of a WIL placement does not guarantee employment with the host organization.
Some professions are regulated by provincial or other governing bodies. These processes are outside the control of Lethbridge Polytechnic. Completion of a WIL placement and graduation from the program do not guarantee licensure or admission to a regulatory body. Students with concerns about licensing requirements should consult the relevant regulatory body.
Fitness to Practice
Students are responsible for ensuring they are mentally and physically prepared to participate safely in Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities. By attending a WIL placement or activity, students are declaring their Fitness to Practice, as outlined in the Student Guide for Fitness to Practice, and their ability to engage in learning without compromising their own safety or the safety of others.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| Term I | ||
| BIO-1162 | Microbiology | 3 |
| COM-1162 | Interpersonal Relationships and Communications | 3 |
| CPU-1151 | Introduction to Computers | 1.5 |
| CSP-1150 | Medical Terminology/Anatomy and Physiology | 3 |
| CSP-1160 | Practices Surgical Instrument Processing | 6 |
| ENG-1159 | Writing for the Workplace | 3 |
| Credits | 19.5 | |
| Term II | ||
| CSP-1142 | MDR Practicum | 6 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 25.5 | |
Some courses are also available on-campus. Please refer to the online Academic Timetable for course availability.
Important Notes:
- CSP-1142 MDR Practicum (6 credits) is a 400 hour, full-time, face-to-face work-integrated learning course which can occur at a variety of reprocessing sites. Due to the limited availability of practicum sites, students may be required to relocate from their home community to complete the practicum placements. Staggered practicum start dates are necessary to ensure placement sites. Practicum sites within Lethbridge are very limited which means students must be willing to relocate to alternate areas.
Tuition costs are estimates for the 2026/2027 year.
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$3,668.00
|
$1,783.00
|
$1,150.00
|
View detailed program cost estimates
Notes
Costs for supplies may vary considerably depending on what students already have or where they purchased their supplies; cost provided is on the moderately high end.
Students will be charged a medical/dental benefit fee unless they opt out by demonstrating alternative coverage prior to the end of the first week of class.
Budget Wizard
Our Budget Wizard is a free self-service tool that can help you make sense of your finances and the cost of your education. Give it a try!
The Medical Device Reprocessing program is available through the following delivery methods.
Online
This program is fully delivered online with both synchronous (learning occurs in real-time on a set schedule) and asynchronous (learning does not occur at the same time or same place) components.
With just one online application, you can apply for all the Lethbridge Polytechnic awards and scholarships - visit our Awards and Scholarships page for more information.
Featured Graduates
Whittny Schuurman
“A medical device processor is mandatory in order for surgeries to take place day after day. I enjoy knowing I am helping people daily. This is a great program that can lead into so many different jobs, and the medical world is always going to need us.”