Sterilising Technology by Open Polytechnic

STERILISING TECHNOLOGY

WELCOME TO OPEN POLYTECHNIC Whether you are looking to improve your career prospects or want to learn something new, we can help you achieve your goal. We specialise in open learning – learning that gives you more freedom to decide what you study and where you study. Our courses are specifically designed for delivery by distance, which means you can fit your study around your life. And just because you are learning by distance, this doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. You will have access to your tutors and lecturers by email or phone and to other students studying the same course through Online Campus, the student support section of our website. It is our goal to make sure that you enjoy your study and that you succeed. So welcome to learning for today’s world, and congratulations on taking up the challenge of further education.

Please note that all information contained in this brochure may be subject to change without notice.

CONTENTS Open Polytechnic Certificate in Sterilising Technology

Open Polytechnic Certificate in Advanced Sterilising Technology

Achievement Award in Sterilising Practice

General information

Assessment

Admission requirements

Fees

Enrolment

Learning support

Further study

inside back cover inside back cover

OPEN POLYTECHNIC CERTIFICATE IN STERILISING TECHNOLOGY Qualification code: OP3171 Level: 3 Credits: 40 The Open Polytechnic Certificate in Sterilising Technology (Level 3) is for people using sterilisation procedures in health service organisations. It provides training and assessment in all aspects of reprocessing of re-usable medical devices (decontamination and high level disinfection, sterilisation and storage). This certificate is recognised by the New Zealand Sterile Services Association (NZSSA). QUALIFICATION Once you have successfully completed all the courses you will receive the Open Polytechnic Certificate in Sterilising Technology (Level 3). FUTURE SKILLS Once you have completed this qualification you will be able to: · describe processes used to control infection · safely transport and handle contaminated surgical instruments and materials · clean and decontaminate instruments and equipment · pack and store sterilisation supplies · safely load, unload and use sterilisers according to best practice. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS To enrol in the Open Polytechnic Certificate in Sterilising Technology (Level 3) you must be a member of the New Zealand Sterile Services Association (NZSSA) and be employed in a New Zealand healthcare facility providing sterilising services. There is an employment requirement because you will need to show that you are able to apply your learning. It may be waived if our Academic Registrar is satisfied that you can undertake these tasks in your current work situation. You will also need to be using a steam steriliser. WORKPLACE VERIFIER You will need to have a memorandum of understanding and a supervision agreement with an approved workplace verifier. They must be someone who is responsible for your work so they can verify that your work is an accurate account of workplace policies and procedures, and that tasks are completed to the standard required. If you think you are unable to meet these requirements, please contact the Programme Leader before applying to enrol. We will let you know how to provide the above information during the online application process. QUALIFICATION STRUCTURE This qualification is made up of seven courses which you need to study in the order listed below. COURSE CODE

TITLE

LEVEL

CREDITS

3300

Microbiology and infection control

3301

Decontamination and care of instruments

3302

Packaging, handling and storage of sterile supplies

3303

Steam sterilisation

3304

Low temperature sterilisation, dry heat sterilisation and gamma radiation

3305

Monitoring and testing of sterilisers

3306

Sterilising technology practice

OPEN POLYTECHNIC CERTIFICATE IN ADVANCED STERILISING TECHNOLOGY Qualification code: OP5171 Level: 5 Credits: 60 The Open Polytechnic Certificate in Advanced Sterilising Technology (Level 5) builds on the knowledge and skills developed in the Open Polytechnic Certificate in Sterilising Technology (Level 3). It is an advanced qualification for senior technicians who are involved in or responsible for the reprocessing of re-usable medical devices. This certificate is recognised by the New Zealand Sterile Services Association (NZSSA). It is designed to equip you with advanced sterilising knowledge and the skills to use quality management processes and provide leadership, training and verification of others providing sterile services. QUALIFICATION Once you have successfully completed all the courses you will receive the Open Polytechnic Certificate in Advanced Sterilising Technology (Level 5). FUTURE SKILLS Once you have completed this qualification you will be able to: · access current information related to sterilising technology · discuss issues related to effective decontamination and sterilisation of surgical instruments · demonstrate practices that ensure the achievement and maintenance of sterility · apply validation requirements for cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation of instruments and equipment · provide leadership for a team and train and verify the work of people providing sterile services · apply standards, legislation and quality management methods for continuous improvement in sterile services. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS To be admitted to the Certificate in Advanced Sterilising Technology (Level 5), you must: · provide evidence of having successfully completed the Open Polytechnic Certificate in Sterilising Technology (Level 3) or a qualification with similar learning outcomes · be employed in a health service organisation providing sterile services and be personally involved in the reprocessing of re-usable medical devices · have access to the internet which is required for all courses in this qualification.

QUALIFICATION STRUCTURE The qualification is made up of three courses which can be studied in any order. COURSE CODE

TITLE

LEVEL

CREDITS

3308

Advanced sterilising technology

3309

Staff leadership

3310

Quality management in sterile services

ASSESSMENT There are three assessments per course. A pass will be awarded to students who gain a minimum of 50% of the available marks overall and not less than 40% in any individual assessment item. Assessment tasks include written answers supported by evidence and also include verification in the form of signed learner feedback sheets and or observer/manager verification. Assessments need to be submitted electronically via Online Campus. 3

ACHIEVEMENT AWARD IN STERILISING PRACTICE Qualification code: OP3400 Level: 3 Credits: 21 The Open Polytechnic Achievement Award in Sterilising Practice (Level 3) is for people using sterilisation procedures in office based health service organisations, such as podiatrists, GP nurses or tattooists. It provides training and assessment in all aspects of reprocessing of re-usable medical devices from decontamination through to sterilisation and storage. Note: This qualification is not eligible for student loans.

QUALIFICATION Once you have successfully completed all the courses you will receive the Open Polytechnic Achievement Award in Sterilising Practice (Level 3).

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS To enrol for this qualification you must: · be employed in a New Zealand healthcare organisation providing sterile services, because you will need to show how you use decontamination and sterilising processes · be using a steam steriliser · have a supervision agreement with an approved workplace verifier and a memorandum of understanding. We will let you know how to provide the above information during the online application process. If you think you’re unable to meet workplace requirements, please contact the programme leader before you apply.

FUTURE SKILLS Once you have completed this qualification you will be able to demonstrate knowledge of: · processes used to control infection · decontamination and care of instruments · packaging, handling and storage of sterile supplies · steam sterilisation · monitoring and testing of sterilisers.

QUALIFICATION STRUCTURE This qualification is made up of five courses which you need to study in the order listed below. COURSE CODE

TITLE

LEVEL

CREDITS

3300

Microbiology and infection control

3301

Decontamination and care of instruments

3302

Packaging, handling and storage of sterile supplies

3303

Steam sterilisation

3305

Monitoring and testing of sterilisers

GENERAL INFORMATION Assessment Each course has a written assessment that must be completed and returned to us online for marking. The assessments are based on the learning outcomes for each course. When your enrolment is confirmed, please visit My Open Polytechnic to view your assessment due dates. To access My Open Polytechnic, visit openpolytechnic.ac.nz and click on the login button at the top right of the page.

Loans, allowances and other funding Student loans and allowances are administered by StudyLink. We recommend that you apply for a student loan at least four weeks before the commencement of your study. We cannot confirm your enrolment or send your course materials until your fees have been paid. For more information, or to find out if you’re eligible for a student loan, visit studylink.govt.nz or give StudyLink a call on 0800 88 99 00.

Admission requirements FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE ENGLISH LANGUAGE English is the language of study at Open Polytechnic. You will need to be able to read and write well in English so that you can understand course materials and also submit written assessments. There are criteria that must be met if English is not your ﬁrst language. For more information about English language requirements, please call freephone 0508 650 200 or visit openpolytechnic.ac.nz/englishlanguage

We have a fund to help students who are in financial need and have no other option for financial support. This fund is available for course fees and/or set textbooks. Conditions apply. Contact us for more information. See the last page of this brochure for contact details. SCHOLARSHIPS We also offer a range of scholarships to support students. Visit openpolytechnic.ac.nz/scholarships for more information.

Course availability

Enrolment

Please visit the qualification page on our website to view course availability.

You can enrol online from our website. Visit openpolytechnic.ac.nz/howtoenrol for more information.

Fees

You will be advised if additional information is needed to progress your application, and you can usually complete this online during the application process.

Fees are displayed on each course and qualification page on our website. Visit openpolytechnic.ac.nz and browse our subjects and courses to find the fee information you need.

We cannot confirm your enrolment or send your course materials until your fees have been paid.

Learning support SET TEXTS There are no set texts for these courses.

COURSE MATERIALS When you enrol in a module, all the material for the courses in that module will be sent to you so you can plan your study around a time and place that suits you. The course material includes self-check exercises so you can monitor your progress. Some courses include workplace-based tasks that help you put the theory you learn into practice.

YOUR TUTOR You will have a tutor for each course you study. Your tutor is there to help you through the course work, make sure you have understood the study material and to check your progress. You can contact them on our freephone number or by email, fax or letter. Their contact details will be in the information we send you when you enrol.

STUDENT INFORMATION You can ﬁnd current enrolment and study information on our website including details of our systems and processes and the services we offer. For more information visit openpolytechnic.ac.nz/studywithus

Te Wähanga Whakapakari Ako (The Learning Centre)

ONLINE CAMPUS

Te Wähanga Whakapakari Ako (The Learning Centre) can help you with a wide range of learning support services and resources. These include:

Online Campus is the area of our website where you can:

· tips and techniques to help you succeed in online and distance learning

· link to web pages specific to your course, including frequently asked questions (FAQs), assessment hints, web resources, staff information and sometimes online quizzes and tutorials

· one-to-one consultations with a learning advisor (telephone or email)

· communicate with other students in your course, and with your lecturer or tutor

· StudyWise and ExamWise which are free online study and exam preparation workshops

· access the library.

· disability services

LIBRARY

· a student mentoring programme.

We provide a library service for students. There is no additional fee for using it. The library service provides:

For more information visit openpolytechnic.ac.nz/learningsupport

· online resources · guides on how to search for information

Te Kura Wänanga (The Mäori Office)

· a distance lending service with free and fast delivery

Te Kura Wänanga (The Mäori Ofﬁce) can help you with your learning and cultural needs in a kaupapa Mäori context. We use Mäori values and principles to enhance your learning journey.

· information about study techniques.

For more information visit

Further study

openpolytechnic.ac.nz/maorisupport

MY OPEN POLYTECHNIC My Open Polytechnic is our online portal for our students. With My Open Polytechnic you can: · update your details · view your study information · track the status of your materials · access your assessment submission deadlines, marks and final grades for each course · check your account balance · access Online Campus and the library. Once you’re enrolled, you can also keep track of your study information on the go with the My Open Polytechnic smartphone app called My OP. To download the app, search for “My OP” on the App Store (Apple iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android smartphone). These come pre-installed on your smartphone.

For more information visit openpolytechnic.ac.nz/oplibrary

For information on other courses and programmes available at Open Polytechnic visit our website or contact us.

NOTES

Contact us Website: openpolytechnic.ac.nz Freephone: 0508 650 200 Overseas phone: +64 4 913 5300 Email: customerservices@openpolytechnic.ac.nz Private Bag 31914 Lower Hutt 5040 New Zealand

OTHER USEFUL CONTACT DETAILS StudyLink Website: studylink.govt.nz Phone: 0800 889 900 Work and Income Website: workandincome.govt.nz Phone: 0800 559 009

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Open Polytechnic Freephone 0508 650 200 Overseas phone +64 4 913 5300 openpolytechnic.ac.nz Private Bag 31914 路 Lower Hutt 5040 路 New Zealand