Program Overview

Gain the competencies to support safe surgical care across the perioperative continuum — pre-op, intra-op, and post-op. This KNEC-examined certificate develops skills in asepsis, instrumentation, patient positioning, counts, and teamwork in the operating theatre and CSSD.

Duration & Weekly Rhythm

• Duration: 2 academic years (6 terms); ~1,800–2,000 contact hours
• Term format: ~12 teaching weeks + 2 assessment weeks
• Weekly plan: Mon–Wed theory & skills lab • Thu–Fri theatre/CSSD placement • 2hrs tutorials/OSCE

Learning Methods

• Lectures & seminars (perioperative foundations & safety)
• Skills lab: sterile technique, gowning & gloving, draping, counts
• Instrument handling & tray assembly in CSSD
• Clinical rotations (scrub/circulator shadowing, PACU exposure)

Indicative Modules

Year 1

• Anatomy & Physiology (surgical focus); Medical Terminology; Communication
• Infection Prevention & Control; Asepsis & Sterile Fields
• Perioperative Fundamentals (roles, theatre layout, surgical conscience)
• Instrumentation I (basic sets, instrument names/uses, care)
• Patient Safety I (positioning, pressure care, fire safety)
• CSSD I (decontamination basics, packaging, sterilization principles)
• Clinical Placement I–II (theatre observation, CSSD)

Year 2

• Scrub & Circulating Duties; Draping & Count Procedures
• Instrumentation II (general surgery, OB/GYN, minor ortho sets)
• Patient Safety II (transfers, electrosurgery safety, specimen handling)
• Peri-op Workflow (pre-op checks, intra-op assistance, PACU basics)
• CSSD II (sterilization monitoring, indicators, storage & traceability)
• Clinical Placement III–IV; Internship block; OSCE preparation

Clinical Placements

• Operating Theatre – scrub/circulating support under supervision
• CSSD – instrument flow, sterilization & tray assembly
• PACU – immediate post-op patient monitoring exposure
• Minor Theatre/Procedure Rooms – setup & turnover

Logbook: required supervised competencies (gowning/gloving, sterile field setup, basic counts, tray assembly) signed by preceptors.

Assessment (KNEC)

• Coursework (40%) — CATs, skills checklists, instrument ID tests, logbook
• Finals (60%) — KNEC written papers + OSCE/OSPE practicals
• Pass rule: separate pass in Theory & Practical; completion of clinical hours & logbook

Entry Requirements

• KCSE Mean Grade C- (Minus) or higher
• C- in English/Kiswahili and Biology
• D+ in one of: Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Agriculture, Geography (or equivalent)

Applicants with related short courses or experience may be considered individually.

Frequently Asked

Who examines this program?
KNEC. VMTC aligns content and assessments with current circulars.

Where are placements?
Approved partner hospitals/clinics in Nakuru and nearby counties (Theatre, CSSD, PACU).

Progression?
Graduates can progress to the Diploma in Perioperative Theatre Technology (subject to entry rules).