Master of Public Health with Specialization in IPAC
Are you interested in Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC)? The Queen’s Master of Public Health program launched a new Specialization in IPAC in January 2022, in collaboration with IPAC Canada. The Queen’s MPH is Canada’s first graduate program to offer specialized training in IPAC.
What is it?
The MPH with Specialization in IPAC (IPAC Specialization) is an embedded training opportunity within the MPH. Combine foundational training in public health competencies with technical training and experiential learning in infection prevention and control to position yourself to enter the field, or to advance your career in new leadership roles or settings.
Why pursue the MPH with Specialization in IPAC?
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Position yourself to enter this crucial field, or advance your current career in new leadership roles or settings
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Apply new knowledge and technical skills in post-graduate employment. Infection Prevention and Control professionals are increasingly in demand in hospitals, long-term care facilities, congregate settings, public health agencies and other workplaces.
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Receive a “Specialization in IPAC” statement on your final MPH academic transcript
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Take a leap forward on the journey to becoming professionally Certified in Infection Control (CIC®). Find more information on Certification in the Frequently Asked Questions section.
How is the MPH with Specialization in IPAC delivered?
The MPH with Specialization in IPAC is delivered as a blend of in-person courses on campus, online courses, and off-campus experiential learning through a summer practicum with a host organization. Required courses are delivered in person and students are expected to attend on campus in the fall and winter terms. The three IPAC courses are currently under development for synchronous online delivery. It is not possible to complete the Queen's MPH degree solely online.
Part-time study options are available.
What are the components of the Specialization in IPAC?
In addition to completing the six core foundational courses of the MPH program, the IPAC Specialization has two components – elective coursework, and an IPAC-focused practicum.
To complete the MPH with Specialization in IPAC, students must complete six required foundational courses and:
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Successfully complete three IPAC elective courses:
EPID 851 - Medically Relevant Microbiology in Infection Prevention and Control. Winter term. Currently in development for synchronous online delivery.
EPID 852 - Foundations of Infection Prevention and Control and Environments of Care. Winter term. Currently in development for synchronous online delivery
EPID 853 - Healthcare Quality, Safety and Risk. Offered online. Spring/summer term.
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Complete the 400-hour practicum placement with an IPAC focus
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All MPH students must complete a practicum placement (EPID 887). MPH students pursuing the Specialization in IPAC must complete this practicum with an IPAC focus.
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Note that the number of available IPAC-focused placements may be limited. Confirmation of any MPH practicum requires agreement between the student, the MPH Program, and the host organization.
Podcast Interview on MPH with Specialization in IPAC
CRFC Radio chatted with Dr. Bradley Stoner, Professor and Head of the Department of Public Health Sciences alongside Gerry Hansen, Executive Director of IPAC Canada about Canada's first MPH with Specialization in IPAC and the demand for trained infection prevention and control professionals.
Listen to the podcast here (20:27): A New Algorithm and Master’s Level IPAC Program – CFRC Podcast Network
More questions?
Do you have questions about the MPH with Specialization in IPAC? Please see answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the IPAC Specialization.