HLT47515
Certificate IV in Operating Theatre Technical Support
Develop specialised skills in surgical theatre preparation, sterile technique, equipment management, and procedural support for advanced operating theatre technical and coordination roles.
This qualification develops advanced skills for individuals providing technical and procedural support within operating theatres and perioperative environments. Learners gain the knowledge and practical capability to prepare and maintain operating theatre environments, support surgical teams, manage equipment and instrumentation, and apply strict infection prevention and safety protocols. Training supports safe, efficient theatre operations and high-quality patient care outcomes within complex hospital settings.
Who This Course Is For
- Operating Theatre Assistants or Technicians seeking to progress into senior roles
- Staff working in operating theatres, perioperative services or procedure suites
- Individuals supporting surgeons, nurses and anaesthetic teams during procedures
- Workers responsible for theatre preparation, equipment management and workflow coordination
- Learners wanting a nationally recognised qualification in operating theatre technical support
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Prepare and maintain operating theatres, equipment and environments for surgical procedures
- Apply advanced infection prevention, aseptic technique and contamination control practices
- Support surgical and anaesthetic teams before, during and after procedures
- Manage instruments, consumables and equipment safely and efficiently
- Communicate effectively within multidisciplinary teams and follow clinical instructions and protocols
- Maintain documentation, WHS compliance and professional practice standards in theatre settings
Course Snapshot
Qualification
Certificate IV in Operating Theatre Technical Support
Duration
12-24 Months
Funding
State funding availability in Regional VIC
This qualification comprises 15 units of competency, including 10 core units and 5 elective units (selected from options below), aligned to workplace requirements and industry standards across operating theatre and perioperative environments.
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, 12-24 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.
Training includes:
- 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 12-24 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 are aligned to relevant training package and compliance requirements.
Course Outcome
Upon successful completion, participants will be awarded the Certificate IV in Operating Theatre Technical Support (HLT47515) qualification.
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