HLT37015
Certificate III in Sterilisation Services
Master sterile processing techniques for cleaning, sterilising, and tracking medical devices in hospital Central Sterile Services Departments and clinical environments.
This qualification develops the skills required to clean, disinfect, sterilise, store and track reusable medical devices in hospitals and health services. Learners train in real sterile processing environments, applying infection prevention principles, operating sterilisation equipment and managing sterile stock. The course reflects the responsibilities of sterilisation technicians who work accurately and systematically to maintain safety, quality and compliance in high-demand clinical settings.
Who This Course Is For
- Individuals working in or seeking roles in Central Sterile Services Departments (CSSD) or sterile processing
- People who enjoy structured, process-driven work requiring precision and adherence to procedures
- Staff who want to play a key role in patient safety and clinical service delivery
- Learners seeking a nationally recognised qualification in sterile or health support services
- Those new to healthcare looking for an entry-level operational role in clinical environments
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Clean, disinfect, inspect, pack, sterilise and store reusable medical and surgical devices
- Apply infection prevention and control policies and procedures in sterile processing areas
- Operate, monitor and maintain sterilisation equipment and manage sterile stock
- Identify and handle different medical devices while organising information and work priorities
- Work safely and effectively in sterile services teams, including manual handling and WHS practices
Course Snapshot
Qualification
Certificate III in Sterilisation Services
Duration
12 Months
Funding
State funding availability in NSW and Victoria.
This qualification comprises 14 units of competency, including 10 core units and 4 elective units, selected to reflect workplace requirements and sterile services standards.
Core Units
Elective Units (can be tailored)
Entry Requirements
Participants will need an appropriate level of Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) skills to engage effectively with this course. Upon enquiry, SWC will discuss LLND skills with participants to help determine any support that may be beneficial before training begins.
If undertaking this course as a Traineeship, participants are required to be employed on a regular basis in work that is relevant to the qualification being undertaken.
Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Credit Transfer (CT) if you have supporting evidence of any prior education and work experience. These options can reduce your study load or shorten the duration of your course. For more information, please refer to the RPL and Credit Transfer Policy on our Support page.
Course Commencement
This course offers flexible start dates with rolling enrolments throughout the year.
Course Duration
Typically, 9-12 months, delivered flexibly via our workplace-based training model with self-paced learning, primarily on the job.
Course Delivery
This qualification is delivered in the workplace, with all training and assessment completed in real work environments. Learners are supported by an experienced workplace supervisor/mentor and receive an SWC Learning Guide and Resources to help gather workplace-specific evidence.
- One on one Trainer/Assessor sessions every 4-6 weeks
- Self-directed learning using SWC resources and workplace policies and procedures
- Regular support via email and phone
- Real time practice of skills in the workplace setting
The program is self-paced and competency-based, with most learners completing in 9–12 months. Ongoing enrolments available.
Assessment
You will be required to complete both knowledge based and practical assessments completed during work hours. These may include:
- Workplace observation
- Oral and written questioning
- Portfolio evidence
- Third party supervisor reports
- Simulated tasks (if required)
All assessment tools meet training package and compliance requirements.
Course Outcome
Upon successful completion, participants will be awarded the Certificate III in Sterilisation Services (HLT37015) qualification.
Smart and Skilled Funding (NSW)
Eligible learners and employers in New South Wales may be able to access government subsidised training through the NSW Smart and Skilled program. Funding is subject to eligibility and availability. For full details, please visit our Funding page.
Skills First (VIC – Regional Only)
Eligible learners and employers in Regional Victoria may be able to access government subsidised training through the VIC Skills First program. Funding is subject to eligibility and availability. For full details, please visit our Funding page.
Fee for Service
If government funding is not available or eligibility criteria are not met, this course can be undertaken on a fee-for-service basis. Please refer to our price list for current course fees and up to date pricing.
Fee-for-Service Price List