TAFE NSW
6-12 months depending on study option
Gain nationally recognised training in sterilisation services to work in hospitals and operating theatres. This hands-on qualification teaches you to sterilise, pack and wrap medical equipment while maintaining strict infection control standards, preparing you for roles in healthcare facilities.
There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification. However, you should have good communication and teamwork skills, the ability to follow policies and procedures, and an interest in the health and medical industry. You'll need to be comfortable with labour-intensive work and working with blood. Foundation skills in reading, writing, numeracy and digital literacy are recommended. You must provide a Working with Children Check, National Police Check, and vaccination and health screening evidence during your study.
The course comprises 14 units of competency: 10 core units and 4 specialty units. Core units cover sterilising loads, working with diverse people, communicating in health services, cleaning and disinfecting reusable medical devices, inspecting and packing medical equipment, caring for reusable medical devices, infection prevention and control, managing sterile stock, conducting manual tasks safely, and workplace health and safety. Specialty units include business resource management, team effectiveness, business technology, workplace information management, chemical disinfection, first aid provision, customer service delivery, healthy body systems recognition, and medical terminology interpretation.
TAFE NSW is a nationally recognised Registered Training Organisation (RTO 90003) with extensive experience in vocational education. The course is delivered across multiple campuses with flexible study options including online, on-campus, and combination delivery. TAFE NSW provides comprehensive support services including disability support, language and literacy assistance, careers counselling, and access to learning resources, ensuring students have the support needed to succeed.
Graduates progress to roles such as sterilisation assistant, sterilisation technician, and instrument technician in hospitals, surgical centres, and medical facilities. The qualification provides strong pathways to further study in health administration and related fields. Your experience is recognised through credit transfer and recognition of prior learning, allowing you to advance your career and take your skills to the next level in the healthcare industry.