In this online course, students will gain the theoretical knowledge to effectively clean, disinfect, prepare and sterilize reusable medical instruments and patient care equipment. Reusable and sterilized medical devices are used in a wide range of healthcare settings, including:
Hospitals: Surgical instruments, endoscopes, and other devices used in operating rooms, emergency departments, and other patient care areas.
Clinics: Medical devices used in outpatient clinics, such as endoscopy clinics, dialysis centers, ophthalmic clinics, and private surgical clinics.
Students will learn theory concepts and principles in the following areas: Overview of MDR Departments, Professional Practice, Infection Prevention and Control, Occupational Health and Safety, Medical Devices, Decontamination, Disinfection, Preparation and Packaging, Sterilization, Storage and Distribution, Flexible Endoscopes and Quality Systems.
Please note: This non-credit course is open to anyone; however, it does not include a practicum or clinical and is not accepted for employment in the Lower Mainland of BC.
Registration is on-going for this course, and students can start anytime. Once registered, students will receive a welcome email with course instructions. Regular check-ins and assistance with the course will be available from a course facilitator.
The course is delivered online through the Moodle Learning Management System. Students have one term (four months/16 weeks) to complete the course. Extensions may be permitted in extenuating circumstances. This course is self-directed, and students work through the course content on their own schedule.
Online learning requires students to have a computer with Internet access, a web browser and access to a webcam. The mid-term and final exam are written online with an online proctor.
Students who are new to MDR are encouraged to arrange a site tour or job shadowing in their local hospital MDR department. This is not a requirement, however it would be beneficial to new students.
Prerequisites
Missing prerequisites?
Learn more about VCC's academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
What you will learn
- Overview of the Medical Device Reprocessing Department
- Professional Practice
- Infection Prevention and Control
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Medical Devices
- Decontamination and Disinfection
- Preparation and Packaging
- Sterilization
- Storage and Distribution
- Flexible Endoscopes
- Quality Management Systems
How to register
This course is offered as part of a VCC program only.
Course schedules
Select your program to see the available course schedules.
| CRN# | Duration | Delivery | Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22322 |
May 1, 2026 to August 31, 2026 |
Online | See full schedule |
Online courses listed without scheduled meeting times can be completed on your own schedule.
| CRN# | Duration | Delivery | Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12230 |
January 1, 2026 to April 30, 2026 |
Online | See full schedule |
Online courses listed without scheduled meeting times can be completed on your own schedule.
Contact us
If you have any question, please email at advising@vcc.ca.
† This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.