Infection Prevention and Control
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Program Overview
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. Endorsed by IPAC Canada, 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, audit, monitoring, and reporting across the continuum of health, and non-health-related industries. The program also includes an in-person field experience.
Program Delivery: courses are scheduled over two 14-week semesters and are a combination of set synchronous online lectures that occur once a month, and asynchronous, self-directed online modules. A field experience placement occurs in the second semester concurrently with the winter academic semester courses. The placement may be rolled over into the summer semester to accommodate students if needed.
This program is not available to international applicants.
Courses
At Humber, courses are delivered in a variety of formats:
In-Person - An in-person course is delivered fully on campus.
Online Asynchronous (A) - An online asynchronous course has no fixed class schedule and allows students to engage with the course at different times according to their needs. Faculty provide modules, which are completed independently by the students according to established deadlines.
Online Synchronous (S) - An online synchronous course is delivered fully online and requires faculty and students to participate in real-time according to a fixed schedule. Classes are scheduled for a specific day and time.
Hybrid - A hybrid course is a combination of in-person and online classes and follows a set schedule. Students must be available to attend in-person classes at scheduled times during the semester.
The chart below outlines the delivery options available for each course in this program, by campus. For some academic terms, there may be more than one delivery option available. You’ll be able to select your preferred options when building your course schedule during open enrolment. Preferences for course delivery will be considered on a first come, first served basis. Some Humber programs are also delivered fully online, where all courses are delivered online.
International students: the impact of studying from outside of Canada on Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility differs significantly based on when you start your program. Please review the PGWP eligibility before choosing your program and course delivery.
| Course code and Name | Delivery Type by Location | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Code | Course Name | North | Lakeshore | IGS | DL/Online |
| Semester 1 | |||||
| IPAC 5001 | Microbiology | N/A | N/A | N/A | Online (S) |
| IPAC 5002 | Epidemiology | N/A | N/A | N/A | Online (S) |
| IPAC 5003 | Clinical Infection | N/A | N/A | N/A | Online (S) |
| IPAC 5006 | Health and Safety Principles in Infection Prevention and Control | N/A | N/A | N/A | Online (S) |
| PREP 5000 | Professional Development | N/A | N/A | N/A | Online (A) Online (S) |
| Semester 2 | |||||
| IPAC 5502 | Project Management for Quality Improvement in Infection Prevention and Control | N/A | N/A | N/A | Online (S) |
| IPAC 5503 | Pandemic Preparedness | N/A | N/A | N/A | Online (S) |
| IPAC 5504 | Field Experience - Infection Prevention and Control | N/A | N/A | N/A | Online (A) Online (S) |
| IPAC 5505 | Infection Prevention and Control Across Diverse Settings | N/A | N/A | N/A | Online (S) |
| IPAC 5506 | Ethical IPAC Leadership for Organizations and Teams | N/A | N/A | N/A | Online (S) |
| IPAC 5507 | Integrating and Applying IPAC Strategies | N/A | N/A | N/A | Online (S) |
Work-Integrated Learning
You will participate in one mandatory paid or unpaid 210-hour to gain professional work experience in the field of infection prevention and control. The field experience 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. Field 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.
Visit Future Students > Work-Integrated Learning > to learn more about your WIL power and other success stories.
Also take time to explore the digital Faculty of Health Sciences & Wellness Student Handbook to learn foundational WIL concepts, plus requirements specific to this program.
Our Industry Partnerships
Thanks to our industry partners, Infection Prevention and Control program students have the opportunity to work in diverse healthcare settings such as in hospitals, long-term care homes, retirement settings, other congregate living settings and home care services, laboratory and medical device reprocessing departments, and public health units.
An Education in High Demand
Infection prevention and control practitioners are in high demand in a multitude of settings from health care to the food service and manufacturing industry. Recently, the ministry of long-term care has recognized the importance of infection prevention and control practices where legislation now requires every licensee to ensure there is a designated IPAC Lead, thus opening up and creating new job opportunities for this line of work. 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.
HealthConnex, a Canadian-based software company, offers an innovative Infection Prevention and Control platform designed to improve how clinical staff manage and report infections. Integrating HealthConnex's Infection Management software into Humber's curriculum significantly benefits your learning by providing you with practical skills, critical thinking abilities, and a deeper understanding of infection prevention and control. This integration enhances your post-graduate readiness for clinical situations and contributes to your success in the healthcare workforce.
The Humber Experience
The Right Fit
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.
Why Choose Humber?
Humber is one of Canada’s leading postsecondary institutions, offering programs that emphasize a solid academic foundation and practical, hands-on experience. During lectures, you will learn about evidence-based practices and procedures, along with practical skills from faculty who are connected to industry, giving you an advantage when it comes to beginning your career. With over 50 years of excellence, Humber offers real-world training and practical skills and knowledge to thousands of students every year. Humber develops highly skilled and adaptable citizens to be successful in careers that significantly contribute to their local communities.
Testimonials
Interested in Infection Prevention and Control at Humber yet want to know more before enrolling?
Your Career
As the field of IPAC 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 industries such as:
- child care
- corrections and shelters
- dental care
- health care
- laboratories
- pharmacies
- public spaces and transportation
- wellness
Professional Accreditations & Recognition
Infection Prevention and Control IP511
Certification in Infection Control
Curriculum is in alignment with the IPAC Canada Core Competencies for Infection Prevention and Control Professionals. Additionally, this Ontario Graduate Certificate program is endorsed by IPAC Canada.
The requirements for certification in infection prevention and control are determined by the granting body, the Certification Board of Infection Control, which is independent from the College. Students are encouraged to obtain the specific requirements directly from the granting body.
Additional requirements may apply.
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.
Program Availability
| START | DELIVERY | LOCATION | STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2025 | Online | Online | Open |
| START | DELIVERY | LOCATION | STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2025 | Online | Online | Not Available |
Humber is a publicly funded institution. International students graduating from a PGWP Eligible program at Humber are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
International students in Canada could be eligible for an automatic scholarship*. Apply now!
Check out the step-by-step Admissions Road Map for helpful information and additional resources.
| START | DELIVERY | LOCATION | STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2025 | Online | Online | Not Available |
Humber is a publicly funded institution. International students graduating from a PGWP Eligible program at Humber are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
International applicants outside of Canada can apply through Humber International. Check out the step-by-step Admissions Road Map for helpful information and additional resources.
Upcoming Recruitment Events
Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained on this website is current and accurate. Humber Polytechnic reserves the right to correct any error or omission, modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable or campus location at any time without prior notice or liability to users or any other Person.
