STUDY PROGRAMS: STERILIZATION TECHNICAL SPECIALIST
STUDY PROGRAMS: STERILIZATION TECHNICAL SPECIALIST
STUDIES FUNDED EXCLUSIVELY BY THE STATE BUDGET
Qualification: Sterilization (Technical) Specialist
Code of study program: 41722
Length of studies: 2 years, 120 ECTS
Level of Education: short cycle professional higher education
Studies are conducted: in Jūrmala (Vidus prospekts 38, Bulduri)
Mode of studies: full-time studies
Previous education: secondary school
Head of study program: MHS Janeta Strazdiņa
DESCRIPTION OF SPECIALTY
A Sterilization (Technical) Specialist is a healthcare support professional who ensures the execution of sterilization processes for various medical devices used in the provision of healthcare services, as well as performs disinfection of healthcare institution premises in accordance with anti-epidemic and hygiene plan requirements.
The specialist carries out high-quality pre-treatment, main treatment, packaging, and sterilization of medical devices, using the necessary equipment, following the principles of medical device circulation, and monitoring the quality of process execution at all stages of treatment.
The specialist evaluates the compliance of the sterilization process by documenting, labeling, and registering data.
He or she plans, organizes, and supervises their own work and that of colleagues in fulfilling duties, in accordance with the instructions of the head of the sterilization unit.
MAIN PROFESSIONAL TASKS OF STERILIZATION (TECHNICAL) SPECIALIST
The sterilization (technical) specialist prepares the workstation and environment for the pre-treatment, main treatment, packaging, and sterilization of medical devices. He or she ensures that technological equipment is made ready for use and applies throughout all stages of medical device processing. The specialist performs manual and/or automated processing of medical devices, carries out quality control of the procedures performed, and conducts functional checks of the devices. Medical devices are prepared for high-level disinfection and/or sterilization, and appropriate sterilization is carried out by selecting the necessary indicators and sterile barriers. The specialist ensures the storage of sterile material and its transportation to the place of use, as well as provides proper disinfection of premises. In addition, the specialist can recognize and identify deficiencies in medical device processing and knows how to eliminate them. All processes are documented, labeled, and registered. The sterilization specialist can work in a team and cooperate with other professionals in the field of healthcare.
GOAL OF THE STUDY PROGRAM
To educate and prepare highly qualified and competent healthcare support professionals for independent and responsible work, ensuring the processes of medical device processing and sterilization related to healthcare services, as well as the disinfection of premises in healthcare institutions of various levels in both the public and private sectors.
PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATION OF STUDY PROGRAM
The study process, in accordance with the study program, is organized in college auditoriums, pre-clinical simulation rooms, and laboratories. Theoretical knowledge of study courses is acquired through lectures and seminars, while practical skills are developed in practical classes conducted in small student groups. The clinical training practices included in the study program are organized in cooperation with healthcare institutions of various profiles.
STUDY COURSES
General and Communication Psychology, Social Dialogue, Legal Foundations of Professional Practice, Record Management in Sterilization Process Planning and Documentation, Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology, Professional Chemistry and Occupational Safety, Introduction to the Specialty and Professional Ethics, Fundamentals of Applied Informatics and Information Processing Systems, Professional English Language, Fundamentals of Research and Pedagogy, Basics of Entrepreneurship and Financial Accounting, Fundamentals of Project Development and Management, Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Microbiology and Epidemiology, Basics of Therapeutic Diseases in Adults, Basics of Surgical Diseases, Basics of Women’s Health, Basics of Pediatric Diseases, First Aid, Civil Protection and Emergency Situations, Sterilization Professional Technical Skills I, Sterilization Professional Technical Skills II, Sterilization Professional Technical Skills III, Clinical Skills I (Sterilization Professional Technical Skills), Clinical Skills II (Sterilization Professional Technical Skills), Health Care, Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Healthcare-Associated Infections, Work Organization, Logistics and Information Systems in the Sterilization Department, Good Practice Principles in Sterilization Units, Fundamentals of Quality Control in Sterilization, Principles of Ergonomics and Occupational Disease Prevention, Medical Devices for Various Surgical Procedures, Medical Devices for Endoscopic and Invasive Examinations, Oral Health Care and Sterilization Requirements, Elective Study Course, Practice (Specialty Practice), Qualification Thesis, Qualification Practice.
CAREER OPORTUNITIES
After graduation, sterilization technical specialists can work in healthcare institutions of various profiles in both the public and private sectors.
FURTHER STUDY OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates of the study program Sterilization Technical Specialist can continue their education in healthcare and entrepreneurship study programs.
ERASMUS+ MOBILITY
P. Stradins Medical College of the University of Latvia collaborates with a wide network of Erasmus+ program partners across Europe. While the college does not offer complete study programs in English, it provides diverse and up‑to‑date opportunities for clinical practice and practical training at hospitals, laboratories, within college simulation classes etc. Every year we welcome motivated Erasmus+ students from our partner institutions to gain valuable hands‑on experience with us.
Partner institutions >> LEARN MORE