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Queen’s Launches Canada’s First Master’s-Level Training Program in Infection Prevention and Control

| 13 December 2021

COVID-19 has demonstrated the clear need for health professionals with expertise in infection prevention and control (IPAC). This knowledge can be the difference in preventing or stopping the spread of infections in healthcare and workplace settings.

Beginning January 2022, the Queen’s Master of Public Health (MPH) program is launching a new IPAC track: specialty training that provides students with the technical expertise and leadership to keep patients, employees and the public safe.

The first of its kind in Canada, the IPAC track combines foundational graduate-level training in public health competencies with technical training and experiential learning in infection prevention and control.

Master of Public Health students pursuing the IPAC track complete three specialized courses taught by experienced experts in IPAC, health quality and medical microbiology. Students also complete a 400-hour IPAC-specific practicum with a host organization.

“This exciting opportunity is the product of the vision and dedication of faculty who have worked throughout the pandemic to protect public health and strengthen the training of infection control professionals,” says MPH Program Director Dr. Erica Weir.

Queen’s Health Sciences is breaking new ground by embedding IPAC-specific training in a Master of Public Health graduate program. “This is a wonderful opportunity for Queen’s University to be front and centre in the provision of expert training for the next generation of IPAC professionals,” says Dr. Brad Stoner, Head, Queen’s University Department of Public Health Sciences.

Infection Prevention and Control professionals (ICPs) are increasingly in demand in hospitals, long-term care facilities, congregate settings, public health agencies and other workplaces. Their core role is safety across the continuum of care to help prevent infections by developing policies, evaluating procedures, and educating staff, patients and residents on IPAC best practices.

For more information, including eligibility requirements and answers to frequently asked questions, visit the Queen’s MPH program website: https://phs.queensu.ca/graduate-programs/master-public-health

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Queen’s Launches Canada’s First Master’s-Level Training Program in Infection Prevention and Control

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