Overview

Please note:
The next cohort for the in class program will be in September 2021.
Applications will be available on the website starting June 8, 2021.

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** We are not offering Field Placements at this time. When Field Placements are available, the information will be posted on the website.

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This in-class, theory and practical based program focuses on sterilization, preparation and storage of 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 needed to work in sterile (processing) environments such as hospitals, surgical centres, and other health care settings.

Information Session

Students are invited to attend an information session.

This information session is not for new students.

This information session is a collaboration between Seneca College and the CSA Group - 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

A link to join the information session will be provided after registration, the day of the event.

Admission

Before you apply, please review the following information:

1. All courses in the program run on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. You must be available on Saturdays from September until August to complete all courses in the program.
2. The Fall 2021 semester (September to December) will be entirely online. All classes run on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. You must be available for online lectures on Saturdays.
3. Winter 2022 and Summer 2022 semesters will include on-campus labs. All labs will be on Saturdays at the Newnham Campus.

Completed applications will include:

1. MDR Application Form (available June 8, 2021).
2. Proof of English proficiency.
   See Entry Requirements for acceptable documents.
3. Purpose of MDR program of study.
   Questions will be emailed to you after receipt of the application form.

After the MDR Application Form is received, you will receive an email (within 5 business days) on how to submit the following:

1. Proof of English Proficiency - if you wrote the ELL assessment, include your Seneca student number on the application form.
2. Purpose of MDR Program of Study - answers to questions related to your interest in the MDR program.

Once all documents have been received, your application will be reviewed. All applicants will be notified by email of a decision. Decisions are made on a rolling basis - once the class is full, no more applications will be accepted.

Note: Once submitted, we are unable to respond to individual inquiries about your application until a decision has been made.

Entry Requirements

To meet the English requirement for the program you must submit only ONE of the following:

• 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
• A transcript from a post-secondary institution in Ontario (or Canada). Completion of one year of study 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).

NO documents from outside of Canada will be accepted.
NO alternative English assessments will be accepted.
All documents are to be submitted following the instructions on the Admission page.

Curriculum

 

**We are not offering Field Placements at this time. When Field Placements are available, the information will be posted on the website.

 

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Please Note: The above 5 courses are required to complete the program. The Field Placement is NOT required to graduate from the program.

Optional Field Placement

Students must complete the Field Placement Application form and get approval from the Field Placement Coordinator before registering for the placement.

Prerequisites(s): The following are required for MDR students prior to their placement:

1. Completed Health Form
2. Police Reference Check
3. Current Standard First Aid and CPR Level C
4. Mask Fit Test
5. Completion of a MDR program at Seneca College. (We are unable to accept any students who did not complete their MDR program at Seneca College).

Seneca MDR graduates: transcripts are not required with the Field Placement Application form.

Graduates from other college MDR programs: we are unable to accept any students who did not complete their MDR program at Seneca College.

Step 1: Submit the Field Placement Application Form (not available at this time) and transcripts if required.

Step 2: Receive approval from the Field Placement Coordinator to register for the Field Placement.

Step 3: Register online for FPL201 - MDR Field Placement

Step 4: Review the Field Placement Manual (emailed to you after you receive approval from the Placement Coordinator and you register in FPL201). Submit all necessary documents to the Field Placement Coordinator.

Step 5: Attend the 2 in-class mandatory pre-placement classes: dates to be determined

Field Placement

We are not offering Field Placements at this time. When Field Placements are available, the information will be posted on the website.

Please Note: The Field Placement is NOT required to graduate from the program.

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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.

Prerequisites(s): The following are required for MDR students prior to their placement:

1. Completed Health Form
2. Police Reference Check
3. Current Standard First Aid and CPR Level C
4. Mask Fit Test
5. Completion of a MDR program at Seneca College. (We are unable to accept any students who did not complete their MDR program at Seneca College).

Step 1: Submit the Field Placement Application Form (not available at this time) and transcripts if required.

Step 2: Receive approval from the Field Placement Coordinator to register for the Field Placement.

Step 3: Register online for FPL201 - MDR Field Placement

Step 4: Review the Field Placement Manual (emailed to you after you receive approval from the Placement Coordinator and you register in FPL201). Submit all necessary documents to the Field Placement Coordinator.

Step 5: Attend the 2 in-class mandatory pre-placement classes: dates to be determined

Clinical placements are located throughout the GTA. These are arranged by Seneca College. Consideration is given to geographic proximity for student convenience, however, quotas cannot be exceeded and this may require students to travel a distance to the next location. Students are responsible for their own transportation, fees, etc. to placements. Students who find their own placement must get approval from the Field Placement Coordinator before registering.

Hours and placements vary according to the usual routines in the agency. Shifts may be day or evening.

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

When you meet all program requirements and become eligible for a certificate, diploma, or degree, you must inform the Registrar by completing a Graduation Application form and paying the graduation and alumni fee. Certificates, diplomas, and applied degrees are issued twice a year in the Fall (October) and Spring (June).

For further information including deadlines and fees, please visit the  Convocation website or contact the Convocation Office at 416-491-5050 ext. 77461.

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.

Residency Requirements

A Faculty of Seneca College 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 College 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.

FAQ- Frequently Asked Questions

Program Related Questions

1. How is the MDR Program structured?
   The program begins each September. The program may be completed in one year (three sessions with a fall, winter, summer registration sequence).
   Regular classes take place on Saturdays from 9:00am to 4:00pm.
   The Fall 2021 semester will be offered as online virtual lessons. There are no classes on campus for the fall 2021 semester. You must be online for both classes on Saturday:
   
   • morning class from 9:00am to 12:00pm
   • afternoon class from 1:00pm to 4:00pm
   
   You must complete all courses according to the schedule provided:
   2 courses in the fall, 2 courses in the winter and one course in the summer
    
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 – you will receive a Seneca College certificate.
    
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. Is the program delivered by distance learning?
   Typically, class sessions are delivered face-to-face in a classroom. One of the aspects of the program on which we most pride ourselves (and about which we regularly receive positive feedback) is the dynamic classroom experience. Face-to-face engagement allows you to extract the greatest value from the program while also developing close relationships with your instructors and peers.
   
   Due to COVID-19, our method of program delivery has had to change to virtual/online learning temporarily.
    
7. Am I guaranteed a field placement in the program?
   We 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.
    
8. 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 (5) 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.
   
   Due to the pandemic, we are not offering placements currently. Information about field placements will be updated on the website.
    
9. Do you offer career support?
   All students have access to the Seneca College career center.
    
10. 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.
     

Admissions Questions

1. How many candidates do you accept each year?
   We accept up to 24 students each year.
    
2. Is an admission interview required?
   No, an admission interview is not required.
    
3. If I fulfill the minimum criteria of admission to the program, what are my chances of entry?
   Fulfilling the minimum criteria only guarantees you consideration for admission to the program. Whether you receive an offer of admission is a function of the strength of your application on its own and relative to that of the other applicants.
    
4. What are the most heavily weighted factors in my application?
   We take a holistic approach when reviewing applications for admission to the MDR Program. Although the English Proficiency is one of the variables considered for Admission, we also consider your personal statement/questions in assessing your contributions to the classroom experience.
    
5. If I am admitted this year, can I defer my admission to next year?
   We do not hold onto applications after the current cycle. You will have to re-apply for the program the following year.
    
6. How long before I know if I have been accepted once my application is submitted?
   Allow 3-4 weeks after all required documents have been submitted for your application to be reviewed. Depending on the number of applicants each year and the quality of applicants, wait times may increase.
    
7. 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 College 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.
   
   Other assessments - TOEFL (iBT or TWE) or IELTS - will not be accepted. This language requirement should be met at the time you submit your application. If you complete the assessment after submitting your application, your application will be on hold pending the results of your English assessment.
    
8. My academic records are in a language other than English or French. Shall I submit English translations of my documents?
   We do not accept any transcripts from outside of Canada.
    
9. How much is the application fee?
   There is no application fee for the program.
    

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 (5) courses in total in the program.
   You pay for two (2) courses in the Fall semester (September to December), two (2) courses for the Winter semester (January to April) and one (1) course in the Summer semester (May to July). Each course is approximately $320. Up-to-date course fees are available on our website.
    
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 to you after acceptance into the program.
    
4. How can I pay tuition?
   Once accepted into the program you will be provided with instructions on how to register and pay for the courses in the program.
    
5. Is there OSAP funding for the program?
   The MDR program is a part-time program and not eligible for OSAP.
    

Program Contacts

Ramya Kottapalli
Program Assistant
Ramya.Kottapalli@senecacollege.ca
416-491-5050 ext.22663

Tina Kotsiomitis
Academic Program Manager
Tina.Kotsiomitis@senecacollege.ca
416-491-5050 ext.22515

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

Information Session

Students are invited to attend an information session.