Infection Prevention and Control

Program Code:  IP511
Credential:  Ontario Graduate Certificate
Start Dates:  September
Program Length:  2 semesters

 

Infection prevention and control (IPAC) is an evidence-based practice that, when applied consistently and efficiently, can prevent or reduce the risk of transmission of microorganisms. This Ontario Graduate Certificate program is firmly grounded in system theory and experiential skills and provides students with forward-thinking education, knowledge and skills required to lead in the field as IPAC professionals. Graduates of this program will be equipped with the resources necessary for knowledge translation, design thinking, systems assessment, program design and implementation, surveillance, auditing, and monitoring and reporting across the continuum of health and non-health-related industries. The program also includes an in-person field experience. Students choosing to complete their work-integrated learning component (IPAC 5504) during the adjacent (summer) semester will not pay additional tuition, as this will be considered a term extension.

 

You are driven, motivated, inquisitive and a problem solver. You are a team player and have strong interpersonal and collaborative skills. You are looking for the next step in your career with a desire to help others.

 

 

Admission Requirements
 

Applicants must meet all the requirements below in order to meet minimum program eligibility. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee an offer of admission. Admission decisions will be available via MyHumber, or by email and mail. Admission decisions will not be released by phone.

 

Admission selection is based on the following three requirements:

 

1. Academic
To be eligible for admission, you must possess the following: 

2. English Language Proficiency
 

All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Humber’s English Language Proficiency Policy.

 

Canadian citizens or permanent residents with international education are required to provide a credential evaluation. Note, for international High school education course by course evaluations, ICAS must be used. For international post-secondary education, a WES evaluation must be provided. In situations where you expect to apply for transfer credit, it is recommended that a course by course WES evaluation is completed.

 

 

 

Work Placement
As part of your program, you will participate in one mandatory paid or unpaid 210-hour internship to gain professional work experience in the field of infection prevention and control. The work internship takes place during the second semester and can be extended into the summer as needed. Work will occur in diverse settings such as for-profit or not-for-profit enterprises, governmental or educational institutions, or health and wellness institutions.

The experience will enhance the theoretical learning in the program, giving you hands-on application in the field of infection prevention and control. Work experiences might include developing, evaluating, and implementing an IPAC initiative/program; functioning as a member of a health protection team; or working at a public health organization as an IPAC professional. Students will be supported throughout their field experience with various key supports and key faculty and staff from the program.

 

Infection prevention and control practitioners are in high demand in a multitude of settings from health care to the food service and manufacturing industry. This graduate certificate prepares students with not only the knowledge but also the skills to work in this growing and in-demand industry. Graduates will be able to apply the knowledge, skills and abilities to develop, assess, implement and educate others regarding the policies, procedures and best practices surrounding the prevention of infections.

 

Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

1. Collaborate with professional and academic organizations in the creation of health and safety programs that enhance IPAC protocols.
2. Develop, implement and evaluate organizational health and safety policies and practices in alignment with government legislation, regulations and guidelines, ethical practices, and the principles of IPAC.
3. Communicate with stakeholders to disseminate information relating to infection prevention and control, and to promote a strong internal workplace infection prevention culture.
4. Analyze risk factors and trends in order to design prevention and control strategies for populations.
5.Manage human resources in a diverse workplace to facilitate change and policy compliance.
6. Evaluate current IPAC practices to develop new specialized non-routine activities to provide technical solutions of a non-routine nature.
7. Apply research and Infection Prevention and Control standards to produce reports and recommend changes to health management systems and processes in the interest of continuous quality enhancement.

 

Your Career
 

As the field of infection prevention and control becomes increasingly advanced, complex and without borders, demands are growing for highly skilled professionals with well-versed and structured IPAC education and credentials. Graduates of the program will be versatile and demonstrate the core competencies to pursue a career in a variety of sectors such as: 

Professional Accreditations & Recognition
 

The program will prepare graduates for the Certification in Infection Control (CIC) examination. Curriculum is in alignment with the IPAC Core Competencies.

 

 

Note: The requirements for the additional credential(s) are determined by the granting body, which is independent from the College. Students are encouraged to obtain the specific requirements directly from the granting body before enrolling.

 

Note: Check with the institution regarding start/end dates, prices, and delivery method. These may vary according to program, section, and/or semester.