New Zealand Certificate in Sterilising Technology (Level 3)
Program Overview
The New Zealand Certificate in Sterilising Technology (Level 3) is an online program that teaches students the skills and knowledge needed to reprocess reusable medical devices in healthcare settings. The program covers infection control, diseases and bloodborne viruses, reprocessing standards, and risk control. Graduates can pursue careers as Sterile Services Technicians, Sterilization Technicians, and Decontamination Technicians in hospitals, medical clinics, and other healthcare facilities.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
New Zealand Certificate in Sterilising Technology (Level 3)
Overview:
This fully online program teaches you sterilisation procedures in an office-based health service organisation, such as beauty therapy clinics, general medical practices, or tattoo parlours. It focuses on reprocessing reusable medical devices from decontamination through to sterilising and storage.
Objectives:
- Gain skills in reprocessing reusable medical devices.
- Understand diseases, bloodborne viruses, and infection prevention.
- Maintain safe working environments through reprocessing standards.
- Control risks associated with reprocessing reusable medical devices. This program involves acquiring vital skills in the sterilization and reprocessing of reusable medical devices within healthcare settings. The curriculum delves into:
- Infection control: You will learn about the different procedures and strategies employed to prevent and control infections in healthcare settings.
- Understanding of diseases and bloodborne viruses: Gain knowledge of various diseases and bloodborne viruses that pose potential risks in healthcare environments.
- Reprocessing standards: The program emphasizes the significance of adhering to established reprocessing standards in maintaining a safe and sterile environment.
Careers:
Potential career paths:
- Sterile Services Technician
- Sterilization Technician
- Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD) Technician
- Decontamination Technician
- Infection Control Assistant
Career opportunities:
This program opens doors to various opportunities in healthcare facilities such as:
- Hospitals
- Medical clinics
- Dental practices
- Tattoo parlours
- Beauty therapy clinics
- Pharmaceutical companies
Career outcomes:
Graduates can expect to possess the necessary skills and knowledge to:
- Work effectively in sterile services departments.
- Follow standardized protocols for cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of medical equipment.
- Ensure the safe handling and disposal of contaminated materials.
- Contribute to maintaining a hygienic and infection-free environment within healthcare settings.
- Pursue further education or specialization in the field of sterilization technology.
Other:
Maximum Program Completion Time:
Students must complete the program within 2 years of first enrollment unless exceptional circumstances are present.
Conclusion:
The New Zealand Certificate in Sterilising Technology (Level 3) is an online program designed to equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge for a successful career in the field of sterilisation technology within healthcare settings.
The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand
Overview:
The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand is a leading provider of online and distance learning in Aotearoa New Zealand. It offers a wide range of qualifications and courses across various fields, catering to learners of all ages and backgrounds. The institution is known for its flexible learning options, allowing students to study at their own pace and from anywhere in the world.
Services Offered:
The Open Polytechnic provides a comprehensive range of services to support student success, including:
Distance Learning:
The institution specializes in distance learning, offering flexible study options that allow students to learn online and at their own pace.Study Support and Resources:
Students have access to various online tools and resources, including a learner portal, library services, and study tips and techniques.Fees and Funding:
The Open Polytechnic offers information on fees, fee-free study options, student loans, scholarships, and financial assistance.Learner Stories:
The institution showcases success stories of its graduates, highlighting the impact of their studies on their lives and careers.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Key Reasons to Study There:
Flexibility:
The Open Polytechnic's distance learning model offers flexibility, allowing students to study at their own pace and from anywhere in the world.Support:
The institution provides comprehensive support services to help students succeed in their studies.Accessibility:
The Open Polytechnic caters to learners of all ages and backgrounds, offering a wide range of qualifications and courses.Affordability:
The institution offers fee-free study options, student loans, scholarships, and financial assistance to make education more accessible.Academic Programs:
The Open Polytechnic offers a wide range of qualifications and courses across various fields, including:
- Accounting
- Built Environment and Trades
- Business and Management
- Communication
- Design
- Early Childhood Education
- Education
- Engineering
- Environment
- Exercise
- Financial Services
- Foundation and Bridging
- Health, Wellbeing and Community Services
- Horticulture
- Information and Communication Technology
- Legal
- Library and Information Studies
- Pharmacy
- Psychology
- Real Estate
- Social Work
- Te Reo Māori
Other:
The Open Polytechnic is a Business Division of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology. The institution is committed to supporting learners in achieving their educational and career goals.
Entry Requirements:
New Zealand Certificate in Sterilising Technology (Level 3)
Domestic Students (NZ Citizens and Permanent Residents):
- No formal entry requirements
International Students:
- English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS Academic: Overall score of 6.0 with no band score lower than 5.5
- TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 79 with no individual score lower than 19
- PTE Academic: Overall score of 58 with no communicative skill score lower than 50
- Cambridge English Advanced (CAE): Overall score of 169 with no individual score lower than 162
- Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE): Overall score of 176 with no individual score lower than 169
- CAE/CPE Writing and Speaking Scores: Scores of 59 in each component.
- Year 12 or equivalent with English as a subject
- Open Polytechnic bridging courses in English for Academic Purposes
- Students must meet the entry requirements for the New Zealand Certificate in Sterilising Technology (Level 3) and have one of the following:
- NCEA Level 1:
- Achieved at least Level 1 in five subjects
- Achieved at least Level 2 in three subjects, including English or Literacy
- National Certificate in Educational Achievement (NCEA):
- Achieved at least 20 credits at Level 1 or equivalent
- Achieved at least 10 credits at Level 2 or equivalent
- Cambridge International Examinations (CIE):
- Achieved at least five 'O' Levels or equivalent
- International Baccalaureate (IB):
- Achieved at least 24 points in the IB Diploma Programme
- Applicants may be required to provide evidence of their academic qualifications and English language proficiency.
- Open Polytechnic may also consider other factors, such as relevant work experience, when making admissions decisions.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- IELTS Academic: Overall score of 6.0 with no band score lower than 5.5
- TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 79 with no individual score lower than 19
- PTE Academic: Overall score of 58 with no communicative skill score lower than 50
- Cambridge English Advanced (CAE): Overall score of 169 with no individual score lower than 162
- Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE): Overall score of 176 with no individual score lower than 169
- CAE/CPE Writing and Speaking Scores: Scores of 59 in each component.
- Year 12 or equivalent with English as a subject
- Open Polytechnic bridging courses in English for Academic Purposes
- Students must meet the entry requirements for the New Zealand Certificate in Sterilising Technology (Level 3) and have one of the following:
- NCEA Level 1:
- Achieved at least Level 1 in five subjects
- Achieved at least Level 2 in three subjects, including English or Literacy
- National Certificate in Educational Achievement (NCEA):
- Achieved at least 20 credits at Level 1 or equivalent
- Achieved at least 10 credits at Level 2 or equivalent
- Cambridge International Examinations (CIE):
- Achieved at least five 'O' Levels or equivalent
- International Baccalaureate (IB):
- Achieved at least 24 points in the IB Diploma Programme
- Applicants may be required to provide evidence of their academic qualifications and English language proficiency.
- Open Polytechnic may also consider other factors, such as relevant work experience, when making admissions decisions.
Note:
- This information is current as of November 2023.
- The entry requirements for this program may change over time.
