HLT37015

Certificate III in Sterilisation Services

Kick start your career in the health sector with this entry-level course that will qualify you to work as a sterilisation assistant.

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WAYS TO STUDY Online

WHAT YOU'LL PAY

Concession

$505

Subsidised

$1,165

Full Fee

$4,200

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Course overview

Begin your career in health services with this entry-level qualification. This course will qualify you to work in the growing health sector as a sterilisation assistant.

This course will give you the skills to chemically disinfect equipment, comply with infection prevention and control policies, manage sterile stock, and inspect and pack reusable medical equipment. Our highly experienced team of industry professionals will give you the support and one-on-on guidance you need to successfully transition into the health sector.

Successful completion of this course will give you the practical skills and knowledge to work in central sterilisation services.

What can I do?

Sterilisation Technician

Course outcome:

HLT37015 Certificate III in Sterilisation Services

Gold Coast Private Hospital partnership

Study Sterilisation with TAFE Gold Coast and our Hospital partners Gold Coast Private Hospital.
When you choose to study Sterilisation (HLT37015) through this partnership, you will benefit from onsite theoretical classes, hands-on practical experience and attend placement at Gold Coast Private Hospital, allowing you to gain experience in one of Australia's leading hospitals.

Experienced vocational experts

Enter the vocational training sector and learn from industry experts. At TAFE Queensland, we have been delivering vocational and education to Queensland's communities for more than 140 years, and were winners of the 2023 Queensland Training Award - Large Training Provider of the Year.

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 4 elective units from the list below. You will also be required to undertake 120 hours of vocational placement in an approved setting.

UNIT CODE
UNIT NAME

UNIT CODE
CHCCOM005

Communicate and work in health or community services

UNIT CODE :
CHCCOM005

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, management and other industry providers.
UNIT NAME
Communicate and work in health or community services

UNIT CODE
CHCDIV001

Work with diverse people

UNIT CODE :
CHCDIV001

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work respectfully with people from diverse social and cultural groups and situations, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
UNIT NAME
Work with diverse people

UNIT CODE
HLTINF006

Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control

UNIT CODE :
HLTINF006

Unit description :
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to apply basic infection prevention and control principles in work settings including implementing standard and transmission-based precautions and responding to risks.
UNIT NAME
Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control

UNIT CODE
HLTSTE001

Clean and disinfect reusable medical devices

UNIT CODE :
HLTSTE001

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to follow procedures for the sorting, inspection, cleaning and thermal disinfection of soiled reusable medical devices, including the effective use of equipment and completion of quality checks and documentation.
UNIT NAME
Clean and disinfect reusable medical devices

UNIT CODE
HLTSTE002

Inspect and pack reusable medical devices

UNIT CODE :
HLTSTE002

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare, assemble and package cleaned reusable medical devices according to manufacturer's instructions.
UNIT NAME
Inspect and pack reusable medical devices

UNIT CODE
HLTSTE003

Sterilise loads

UNIT CODE :
HLTSTE003

Unit description :

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to follow correct procedures to select and operate sterilisation equipment, interpret steriliser function and parameters in the provision of sterilised reusable medical devices, appropriately load items for sterilisation, and to release sterilised items for distribution. This competency unit does not deal with ethylene oxide sterilisation.
UNIT NAME
Sterilise loads

UNIT CODE
HLTSTE004

Manage sterile stock

UNIT CODE :
HLTSTE004

Unit description :

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to apply procedures for handling, storing and maintaining sterile stock.
UNIT NAME
Manage sterile stock

UNIT CODE
HLTSTE005

Care for reusable medical devices

UNIT CODE :
HLTSTE005

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to follow procedures for preparing, handling and inspecting of reusable medical devices during the reprocessing process.
UNIT NAME
Care for reusable medical devices

UNIT CODE
HLTWHS001

Participate in workplace health and safety

UNIT CODE :
HLTWHS001

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required for workers to participate in safe work practices to ensure their own health and safety, and that of others. The unit applies to all workers who require knowledge of workplace health and safety (WHS) to carry out their own work, either under direct supervision or with some individual responsibility.
UNIT NAME
Participate in workplace health and safety

UNIT CODE
HLTWHS005

Conduct manual tasks safely

UNIT CODE :
HLTWHS005

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to recognise potentially hazardous manual tasks, and then to prepare for and complete those tasks in a safe manner.
UNIT NAME
Conduct manual tasks safely

UNIT CODE
UNIT NAME

Gold Coast

Gold Coast

UNIT CODE
BSBFLM312

Contribute to team effectiveness

UNIT CODE :
BSBFLM312

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to contribute to the effectiveness of the work team. It involves planning with the team to meet expected outcomes, developing team cohesion, participating in and facilitating the work team, and communicating with the management of the organisation.
UNIT NAME
Contribute to team effectiveness

UNIT CODE
BSBINM301

Organise workplace information

UNIT CODE :
BSBINM301

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to gather, organise and apply workplace information in the context of an organisation's work processes and knowledge management systems.
UNIT NAME
Organise workplace information

UNIT CODE
CHCCCS020

Respond effectively to behaviours of concern

UNIT CODE :
CHCCCS020

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to respond effectively to behaviours of concern of people. Skills are associated with handling difficult incidents rather than managing ongoing behaviour difficulties.
UNIT NAME
Respond effectively to behaviours of concern

UNIT CODE
HLTSTE006

Chemically disinfect reusable medical devices

UNIT CODE :
HLTSTE006

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to follow procedures to determine disinfection requirements, safely undertake the chemical disinfection process, and complete quality checks and documentation for reusable medical devices.
UNIT NAME
Chemically disinfect reusable medical devices

Online self-directed

Online self-directed

UNIT CODE
BSBADM311

Maintain business resources

UNIT CODE :
BSBADM311

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to determine, administer and maintain resources and equipment to complete a variety of tasks.
UNIT NAME
Maintain business resources

UNIT CODE
BSBINM301

Organise workplace information

UNIT CODE :
BSBINM301

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to gather, organise and apply workplace information in the context of an organisation's work processes and knowledge management systems.
UNIT NAME
Organise workplace information

UNIT CODE
BSBWOR301

Organise personal work priorities and development

UNIT CODE :
BSBWOR301

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to organise own work schedules, to monitor and obtain feedback on work performance and to maintain required levels of competence.
UNIT NAME
Organise personal work priorities and development

UNIT CODE
HLTSTE006

Chemically disinfect reusable medical devices

UNIT CODE :
HLTSTE006

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to follow procedures to determine disinfection requirements, safely undertake the chemical disinfection process, and complete quality checks and documentation for reusable medical devices.
UNIT NAME
Chemically disinfect reusable medical devices

Note: For some courses, not all electives are available at all campuses.

Ways to study

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Certificate III in Sterilisation Services (HLT37015)

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Certificate III in Sterilisation Services

COURSE CODE: HLT37015

Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help.

See if you qualify for a subsidy

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help.

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more

Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

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Entry requirements

Selection criteria

Applicants from non-English speaking backgrounds must be able to demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing and have comprehension skills that would be required to fulfil a job role; and,
Applicants will require a standard of basic computer literacy skills and must have access to a computer and the internet as learning resources, assessments and exams will be issued and conducted online through our Learning Management System; and,
Industry-based applicants must be able to nominate a Workplace Supervisor to observe and record competencies within the workplace. As a minimum, the Workplace Supervisor must have a Certificate III in Sterilisation Services or higher relevant qualifications in Sterilisation; and,
Interstate, non-industry applicants will be accepted providing you can supply the contact name and details of a hospital who is prepared to host you for your 120-hour vocational placement and have a Workplace Supervisor with a Certificate III in Sterilisation Services or higher relevant qualifications in Sterilisation; and,
Non-industry applicants must be prepared to undergo a series of vaccinations to prepare you for placement; and
Non-industry applicants must be able to prove (via an immunisation statement or letter from your GP) that you have had at least the first two (2) of three, Hepatitis B vaccinations prior to applying for this program.
Must be over 18 years of age due to placement requirements
Need to be physically fit for heavy lifting up to 25kg maximum.

Placement

COVID-19 vaccination requirements across a range of high-risk settings have eased. There are no Public Health Directions in affect requiring you to be vaccinated in high risk settings. However, decisions on mandatory vaccinations will be made by the owner or operator of these settings. Some facilities may also mandate the number of vaccinations required. These requirements will be provided to the student, prior to arrangements being made for the completion of vocational placement.

Students who are not up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccinations will be ineligible for placement at a Queensland Health Facility. However, they may still have the opportunity to complete their placement at another organisation that does not mandate vaccinations. It's important for students to be aware that the availability of facilities/organisations without vaccination requirements may be limited, and this could potentially affect their ability to fulfil the placement requirements of the course.

Greater Brisbane
Depending on the placement hospital, non-industry applicants may be required to undergo a Criminal History Check prior to vocational placement. Applicants who are not currently employed in a sterilising department (hospital or office-based) are required to complete a 120 hour (3 consecutive weeks) vocational placement in a hospital sterilisation facility. Vocational placement is conducted Monday – Friday between 6:00 and 23:00 hours. The hospital will give you a shift roster at the time of placement. Vocational placement occurs around month 7 or 8 depending on your progress.

TAFE Queensland will negotiate with hospitals in your local area (where possible) to find a placement position for you. Please note, due to the high number of students completing placements, you are required to be flexible and may have to travel outside your immediate area to attend placement. It is also understood that students may have preferences for specific hospitals and/or periods of times, however there is no guarantee this is possible and is determined by industry availability.

Non-industry applicants are required to meet the following specific vaccination criteria prior to being accepted for placement:

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): Two doses
Hepatitis B: Full course. Note: a full course (i.e. 3 doses) of Hepatitis B vaccinations takes approximately 9 months
Varicella (Chickenpox): Two doses
Pertussis (Whooping cough): One dose

Tuberculosis: The Mantoux Test is required by some hospitals if you have lived anywhere other than Australia for more than 3 months. You will be advised if this is required prior to the commencement of your placement.

Note: some hospitals also request immunisation for the annual influenza vaccine.

Prior to the commencement of vocational placement, applicants will need to provide evidence of immunity to the above vaccine-preventable diseases by producing results of a blood test or a statement from a GP.

Applicants who have been previously immunised will need to provide evidence of having sero-converted by producing results of a blood test. This is a high risk industry; those who are unable to sero-convert for Hepatitis B should seek advice from a medical practitioner prior to enrolling. Cover for Hepatitis B is mandatory for all Queensland Health staff and students.

Gold Coast Private Hospital Partnership
Mandatory Documentation
Students will need to be eligible for and obtain a Police Check issued by the Australian Federal Police (AFP).

Australian Federal Police (AFP) checks are to be no older than 3 months from the start of study. If a student believes they may have a notification or charges on their police check, they are encouraged to contact the Vocational Placement Officer to discuss prior to enrolment, as this may impact on their ability to be attend the vocational placement component of the course.

Vaccination and immunisation guidelines
TAFE Queensland vaccination and immunisation guidelines reflect the specific requirements from health placement providers across Australia to ensure all students are prepared and eligible to attend all placement allocations. It is important to be fully aware that the following vaccination and serology requirements are subject to change.

Students will not be able to commence a Vocational Placement until they have provided the required evidence as specified below:

Maintenance of up to date COVID-19 Vaccination
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): Evidence of 2 vaccinations one month apart or positive serology for all 3 diseases
Hepatitis B: Commence a Hepatitis B course which is 3 injections (0, 1 and 6 months) with positive serology supplied 4-6 weeks following 3rd vaccination or supply evidence of an Age-appropriate Hep B course
Varicella (Chicken Pox): Evidence of 2 vaccinations one month apart or positive serology
dTpa (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis) vaccination: Evidence of vaccinations for all 3 diseases within the last 10 years
Tuberculosis: Mantoux Test or evidence of a plain chest x-ray
Influenza Vaccination: Annual vaccination
Any other test / vaccination as directed by Australian health authorities.

Please note, it is the students responsible for the costs associated with meeting these requirements.

Important information

Those students who have a medical contraindication may be unable to complete the vocational placement component of their course. This means you may not be able to meet all of the requirements of your course and may not be able to graduate or receive your qualification.

Assessment methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

Pathways

University pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Learn more about University Pathways

How to apply

Direct application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online.

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.