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Introduction to Sterile Services and Infection Control
Course Line On Demand

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Summary

Price
£19 inc VAT
Study method
Online, On Demand
Duration
2.5 hours · Self-paced
Qualification
No formal qualification
Certificates
  • Reed Courses Certificate of Completion - Free
Assessment details
  • Final Exam (included in price)
Additional info
  • Tutor is available to students

1 student purchased this course

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Overview

The Introduction to Sterile Services and Infection Control course is designed to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of the essential role sterile services play in ensuring patient safety and maintaining high standards of infection prevention in healthcare settings.

Sterile services form the backbone of safe medical practice, ensuring that surgical instruments, medical devices, and equipment are cleaned, disinfected, and sterilised to strict industry and healthcare standards. This course introduces you to the sterile services department (SSD) workflow, from receiving contaminated equipment to ensuring it is safe for reuse.

You will explore core topics including microbiology fundamentals, infection transmission, cleaning and decontamination processes, and various sterilisation techniques. Infection control best practices, including compliance with UK healthcare guidelines, effective use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and proper handling of contaminated materials, are also covered in detail.

The course goes beyond theory, incorporating case studies and practical scenarios to help you understand how sterile services operate in real-world situations. You will also learn about quality control, auditing, and continuous improvement processes that ensure sterilisation procedures meet strict healthcare regulations.

Highlights of Your Learning Experience:

  • Free Final Exam – Assess your understanding at no extra cost.

  • Official Course Completion Certificate – Recognition of your sterile services and infection control knowledge.

  • Delivered by a CPD-registered, UKRLP-listed, and AHOT-recognised provider – Ensuring credibility and industry relevance.

By the end of the course, you will have a solid foundation in sterile services operations, infection prevention strategies, and the quality standards required to protect patients and healthcare professionals.

Certificates

Reed Courses Certificate of Completion

Digital certificate - Included

Will be downloadable when all lectures have been completed.

Assessment details

Final Exam

Included in course price

Curriculum

8
sections
26
lectures
2h 31m
total

Course media

Description

The Introduction to Sterile Services and Infection Control course offers an in-depth look into the principles, practices, and standards that govern the cleaning, sterilisation, and management of medical equipment. It is designed for those seeking to enter or advance in the healthcare sector, where sterile services are critical to patient safety.

The course begins with Introduction to Sterile Services, providing an overview of the department’s function, the history of sterilisation practices, and the step-by-step SSD workflow. You will learn how sterile services ensure the safe turnaround of reusable medical instruments in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities.

Fundamentals of Microbiology and Infection covers the basics of microorganisms, modes of infection transmission, and the impact of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). This knowledge underpins the necessity for strict sterile services procedures.

In Cleaning, Disinfection, and Sterilization Techniques, you will explore methods of decontamination, high-level disinfection, and sterilisation processes, including autoclaving, chemical sterilisation, and advanced equipment operation.

Infection Control Practices and Standards examines compliance with UK infection control guidelines, correct PPE usage, effective hand hygiene, and the safe handling of contaminated materials to minimise risk to both patients and staff.

The Quality Control and Risk Management in Sterile Services module introduces you to monitoring and auditing sterilisation cycles, identifying risks, implementing control measures, and promoting continuous staff training and improvement.

Finally, Case Studies and Practical Applications provide scenario-based learning, from responding to hospital infection outbreaks to managing equipment failures, helping you apply theoretical knowledge to practical challenges in sterile services.

Certification
Upon successful completion of the Introduction to Sterile Services and Infection Control course, learners will receive an instant, free digital certificate as official recognition of their achievement.

As an award-winning educational brand, Course Line ensures this training combines practical skills, theoretical understanding, and compliance with the latest healthcare standards, preparing you to excel in sterile services roles across healthcare settings.

Who is this course for?

This course is ideal for individuals seeking to start or progress their careers in sterile services and infection control within the healthcare sector. It is suited for:

  • Aspiring sterile services technicians and decontamination assistants.

  • Healthcare support staff wanting to expand their infection control knowledge.

  • Professionals in hospital, dental, or surgical environments who handle reusable medical equipment.

  • Individuals transitioning into healthcare roles requiring a foundation in sterile services.

  • Team leaders or supervisors aiming to strengthen their understanding of SSD operations and infection control protocols.

It also benefits those looking to gain an accredited qualification to improve employability in healthcare support roles.

Requirements

Learners should have basic written English proficiency, internet access, and a device suitable for online study. No prior sterile services experience is required, though an interest in healthcare and infection prevention is beneficial.

Career path

Graduates can pursue roles such as sterile services technician, decontamination assistant, infection control support staff, or quality assurance assistant in hospitals, dental practices, surgical centres, and other healthcare facilities.

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FAQs

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