Sterile Field and the Aseptic Environment, Microcredential, Part-time

Program Overview

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The Sterile Field and the Aseptic Environment (SFAE) microcredential provides foundational knowledge for working effectively in sterile fields and aseptic environments. Delivered fully online, this flexible program can be completed in its entirety or on a badge-by-badge basis, allowing learners to tailor their education to their specific needs. The program covers topics such as sterility, aseptic techniques, and safe client care in various healthcare settings, preparing learners for careers in healthcare, medical sales, and other related fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

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Overview:

The Sterile Field and the Aseptic Environment (SFAE) microcredential is an innovative program designed to prepare or upskill a broad and diverse group of learners with the foundational theoretical knowledge to work effectively and safely with sterile fields and in aseptic environments, both in and out of healthcare.

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Objectives:

• Provide learners with a fundamental understanding of the aseptic environment, including environmental controls and sterilized items.
• Develop knowledge of sterility and aseptic techniques for clients inside an operating room where invasive procedures are performed.
• Enhance understanding of safe client care for smaller procedure sites such as an ambulatory care setting.

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Program Description:

• Delivered fully online.
• Can be completed in its entirety or on a badge-by-badge basis.
• Learners can take each badge based on their specific learning needs and current or future work environment.
• Credit may be given for Badge 1 and/or Badge 2 content subject to special approval from the program department if learners can demonstrate adequate work experience aligning with the content.

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Outline:

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Program Content:

• Basics of Sterility and Aseptic Techniques
• Advanced Practice in the Aseptic Environment
• Advanced Knowledge for Minor Sterile Ambulatory Surgical Procedures

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Program Structure:

• Part-time microcredential.
• 12 weeks in length.
• 3.5 credits.

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Course Schedule:

• NSPO 1110: 4 weeks
• NSPO 1120: 4 weeks
• NPSO 1130: 4 weeks

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Individual Modules with Descriptions:

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NSPO 1110: Basics of Sterility and Aseptic Techniques

• Introduces the aseptic environment, covering environmental controls and sterilized items.
• Explains how sterility and asepsis are used to maintain a safe environment for clients, self, and others.
• Focuses on practical knowledge within an environment ranging from semi-restricted to unrestricted.

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NSPO 1120: Advanced Practice in the Aseptic Environment

• Builds on the foundation of an aseptic environment presented in NSPO 1110.
• Develops knowledge of sterility and aseptic techniques for clients inside an operating room where invasive procedures are performed.
• Introduces surgical zones and attire required within semi-restricted and restricted zones.
• Examines roles and best practices to maintain a safe and supportive perioperative environment for clients and team members.

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NSPO 1130: Advanced Knowledge for Minor Sterile Ambulatory Surgical Procedures

• Builds on the foundation of NSPO 1110 and NSPO 1120.
• Develops an understanding of safe client care for smaller procedure sites such as an ambulatory care setting.
• Emphasizes the nursing role in maintaining sterility and asepsis.
• Introduces theory related to client care and assessments, instrumentation, and intraprocedural management while using best nursing practices to establish and maintain a minor sterile field.

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

• Final quizzes for each badge.
• Virtual simulated scenarios to apply badge concepts.

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Assessment Criteria:

• Successful completion of final quizzes.
• Satisfactory performance in virtual simulated scenarios.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• Online delivery.

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Faculty:

• Cindy Chiang, MSN, RN, Program Head
• Val Johnston, Faculty
• Sheena Thursby, Faculty

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Unique Approaches:

• Flexible Learning (part-time) format allows learners to complete the microcredential at their own pace.
• Badges can be taken individually based on specific learning needs.
• Credit may be given for prior work experience aligning with badge content.

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

• Healthcare professionals working in sterile fields and aseptic environments.
• Medical representatives.
• Registered nurses (RNs).
• Licensed practical nurses (LPNs).
• Care aids.
• Medical radiography technicians.
• Lab techs.

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Opportunities:

• Enhance knowledge and skills in sterile field and aseptic environment practices.
• Advance career opportunities in healthcare settings.
• Meet industry standards and best practices.

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Outcomes:

• Completion of the microcredential does not qualify learners as perioperative nurses.
• Refer to the BCIT Perioperative Nursing Program for the required education and certification for perioperative nursing.