Training and development (decontamination and sterile services)

This page has information on the training and development opportunities in decontamination science in the NHS.

Once you begin work, you’ll receive an induction and on-the-job training from your employer.

You’ll then be encouraged to take additional training, such as the IDSc Technical Certificate. This course takes six to nine months and includes the following units:

  • basic microbiology, infection prevention and control
  • containment and transportation of reusable medical devices
  • cleaning and disinfection of equipment
  • inspection, function testing, assembly and packaging
  • sterilisation
  • storage and distribution of equipment.

You can also apply for technician-level membership of the Institute of Decontamination Sciences (IDSc) which may help you progress in your career.

Want to learn more?

  • Continuing professional development

    No matter what level you are working at, as part of your development, you will be expected to do continuing professional development (CPD) to show that you are keeping yourself up to date with the policies and procedures in your area of work.

    Find out more general information about professional development

    Accredited Scientific Practice- development opportunities for healthcare science staff

    Accredited Scientific Practice (ASP) provides an additional route for your ongoing professional and scientific development as part of the healthcare science (HCS) workforce. ASP allows employers to develop bespoke, responsive, short course programmes to meet training needs within the HCS workforce. ASP programmes provide you with a quality assured, rigorously assessed qualification which can lead to voluntary professional registration with the Academy for Healthcare Sciences (AHCS).

    An ASP programme involves work based learning with academic study of modules from the National School of Healthcare Science (NSHCS) portfolio programmes. Access to an e-portfolio is provided to record learning in the workplace while associated academic study is completed independently through an accredited university provider. In some cases, completion of academic study may also lead to an award of a postgraduate qualification from the university provider.

    Read more about ASP on the NSHCS website.

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