Program Overview

Designed for practicing perioperative/theatre professionals seeking to upgrade to a KNEC Diploma, this in-service program deepens competence across pre-operative preparation, intra-operative assistance, and post-operative recovery support. You will advance sterile technique, instrumentation, patient safety, anaesthesia support, and theatre technology management.

Duration & Study Pattern

• Duration: 1 academic year (3 terms) — intensive upgrading
• Delivery: Block release/weekday evening model to accommodate working learners
• Clinical: Supervised practice in partner theatres; skills logbook required

Teaching & Learning

• Lectures, case studies, simulations, and theatre drills
• Hands-on labs: instrumentation, sutures, cautery, sterilization & CSSD workflows
• Team dynamics & crisis resource management (CRM) in the OR
• Project: quality improvement (QI) focused on safety, flow, or IPC

Indicative Modules

Core Domains

• Operating Theatre Practice: Roles, Ethics & Communication
• Sterile Technique, Asepsis & Infection Prevention (including CSSD)
• Surgical Instruments, Equipment & Technology (OR tables, lights, cautery, suction, endoscopy)
• Anaesthesia Support & Monitoring Basics (airway adjuncts, circuits, monitoring parameters)
• Perioperative Pharmacology Essentials (antibiotic prophylaxis, analgesia, fluids — scope-appropriate)
• Patient Safety: WHO Surgical Safety Checklist, positioning & pressure care
• Specialty Procedures: General, Obstetric & Gynaecology, Orthopaedics, ENT, Ophthalmology basics
• Emergency & Trauma Theatre Preparedness (bleeding control, rapid sequence, crash drills)
• Quality Improvement, Documentation, and Medico-Legal Considerations
• Research & Project: QI/clinical audit with presentation

Clinical Practice Sites

• County & referral hospital operating theatres
• Mission/faith-based and private hospital theatres
• CSSD/sterile supply units and recovery areas

Logbook: competencies signed by supervisors (set-ups, counts, scrubbing, assisting, decontamination, documentation).

Assessment (KNEC)

• Coursework (40%) — CATs, simulations/OSCEs, case presentations, clinical logbook
• Finals (60%) — KNEC written exams + practical/portfolio defense
• Project: QI/clinical audit with report & dissemination

Entry Requirements (Upgrading)

• Relevant Certificate in Perioperative/Theatre Technology (KNEC or equivalent)
• 1–2 years documented theatre experience (preferred)
• Employer release/placement letter for clinical practice (where applicable)

Applicants are considered on a case-by-case basis in line with KNEC and institutional policy.

Frequently Asked

Who is this for?
Working theatre staff with a relevant Certificate seeking a KNEC Diploma through an upgrading pathway.

Will I need time off work?
We use a block-release/evening model to minimise disruption. Some clinical blocks require daytime presence.

Progression?
Graduates may pursue advanced diplomas or degree pathways per university/provider policies.