Overview
Bay River College’s 16-week Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Program is an online-based, interactive program endorsed by IPAC Canada. This program is designed for frontline healthcare workers and health professionals who are looking to enter the field of Infection Prevention and Control.
The primary learning goals of this course are to increase students’ theoretical knowledge and to develop practical skills to prevent infections and diseases, as well as to solve real healthcare problems. Infection prevention and control (IPAC) is an evidence-based practice that, when applied consistently and effectively, can reduce or prevent the transmission of microorganisms.
The IPAC course is a fully online program with interactive content for health professionals who are new to, or preparing to enter, the field of IPAC. The purpose of the course is to introduce learners to IPAC practices and to enhance their knowledge and skills in managing, preventing, and controlling infections and diseases.
This comprehensive IPAC certificate program is grounded in systems theory and practical skills, providing students with the knowledge and forward-thinking education needed to take on leadership roles in the field as IPAC professionals.
The Infection Prevention and Control Program is a facilitated, asynchronous, and self-directed program that offers flexibility for students to progress and complete the training within the allotted time. By using industry-relevant theories, students will learn the principles of planning, implementing, managing, and evaluating infection prevention and control in various Canadian healthcare settings.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to:
- Recognize the essential principles and fundamentals of microbiology and epidemiology in relation to Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC).
- Analyze and evaluate various scenarios to develop problem-solving skills for IPAC.
- Demonstrate critical thinking and managerial abilities in:
- Implementing routine practices and additional precautions
- Conducting surveillance
- Managing outbreaks in public and clinical health settings
- Collaborate with professional and academic organizations to develop health and safety programs that support IPAC Canada protocols.
- Assess risk factors and patterns to develop prevention and control strategies for populations.
- Apply research and lifelong learning skills by actively participating in case-based studies and online learning communities.
Topics include
This course includes the following topics and modules:
- Adult Education and Literature Research in IPAC
- Clinical Microbiology in Infection Prevention and Control
- Nosocomial and Community-Associated Infections / Routine and Additional Practices
- Laboratory Approaches to Antimicrobial Resistance
- Antimicrobial Stewardship
- Basic Concepts of Epidemiology
- Surveillance / Surveillance Programs
- Outbreak Identification and Response
- Occupational Health and Safety / Environmental Sanitation
- Facility Design and Development
- Communication and Leadership in IPAC
- Management and Professionalism in IPAC
Why become an Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Practitioner?
Generally, Infection Prevention and Control Practitioners (ICP) are professionals who have dedicated their careers to preventing the spread of infections in health care settings. Infection Prevention and Control Practitioners (ICPs) are professionals dedicated to preventing the spread of infections in healthcare settings.
ICPs work as part of Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) teams in a variety of settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, public health authorities, ministries, and consulting companies. ICPs come from diverse professional backgrounds, including nursing, epidemiology, public health, microbiology, laboratory technology, and medicine. One of the key achievements in an IPAC career is obtaining CIC certification through the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology.
How to Take the Infection Prevention and Control Online Course and Get My Certification?
If you are an individual who enjoys collaborating with multiple departments, including nursing, housekeeping, maintenance, laboratory, and pharmacy, among others; enjoys a challenging role; and is interested in investigative work to find answers, then this may be the right career path for you. This field is ideal for those who want a career where they can impact many lives and improve outcomes by sharing their expertise.
To succeed in this role, you should be an effective team player with strong interpersonal and collaboration skills. If you are looking for the next step in your career with a desire to help others, you should consider applying for this course to begin your journey toward obtaining your Infection Prevention and Control certification.
Some Career Perspective
- Public health units
- Congregate settings such as shelters, group homes, correctional facilities, and children or youth residential settings
- Hospitals, including acute care, rehabilitation, mental health/addictions, and dialysis
- Long-term care facilities
- Retirement facilities
