IPAC Canada Sponsored Online Novice IPAC Course
Next Program Review 2020
Applications for the 2020-2021 Session are no longer being accepted.
The IPAC Canada Novice Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) course runs from September to June each year.
Preference for admission will be given to novice infection prevention and control professionals (ICPs) with less than 2 years' experience. Applications will also be considered from others working in healthcare and/or exploring opportunities in infection prevention and control.
Course Structure
- This is a distance education course and is offered entirely online.
- The course consists of six modules and a 12-hour Practical Application Project.
- Modules vary in length from 3 to 5 weeks.
- There is a one-week break between modules and a longer break scheduled over the December holiday period.
- Evaluation is based on online discussion participation, on line quizzes, a final take-home exam, and may include assignments.
- Graduates will receive a certificate of completion from IPAC Canada on successful completion of the six modules (with a minimum grade 65% in each module) and the Practical Application Project.
Students must be able to dedicate 12-15 hours per week to read course material, participate in discussions and complete assignments and exams. However, this is an estimation and may vary depending on student's background.
Computer Requirements
- Reliable internet access (preferred web browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox)
- Email address
- Word processing program
- Adobe
- Powerpoint
Topics and Schedule
Fall:
- Module 1 (6 weeks): History of IPAC; IPAC Roles and Responsibilities; Teamwork in IPAC; Ethics in IPAC; Teaching and Persuasion; Technical Aspects of Presentations; Policy and Procedure Development; Chain of Infection; Hierarchy of Controls; Hand Hygiene, Routine Practices and Additional Precautions; Personal Protective Equipment
- Module 2 (6 weeks):
Pathophysiology of Infection; Basic Bacteriology; Basic Virology; Interpretation of Microbiology Lab Results; Antibiotic Therapy; Antibiotic Resistant Organisms
Winter:
- Module 3 (4 weeks): Common Infections: Respiratory, Surgical Site, Bloodstream, GI, Urinary Tract, Skin and Soft Tissue
- Module 4 (5 weeks): Concepts of Epidemiology; Purpose and Types of Surveillance; Data Collection and Management; Data Analysis and Interpretation; Communication Surveillance Results
Spring:
- Module 5 (3 weeks):
Identification of Outbreaks; Managing Outbreaks; Occupational Health
- Module 6 (5 weeks): Sterilization and Disinfection; Environmental Cleaning; Reuse Issues; Waste Management; Product Selection; Design, Construction and Renovations; Mechanical Systems; Audits and Review Processes
Practical Application Project (June):
This is a twelve-hour learning experience where the student is mentored with an experienced professional, such as IPAC, Occupational Health, Microbiology, etc. Some examples of opportunities in which the student can participate include:
1. Learning about the functioning of a diagnostic microbiology laboratory
2. Attendance at various committee meetings dealing with issues relevant to IPAC
3. Surveillance
4. Auditing
5. Staff education on IPAC issues
6. Outbreak management
7. Working with the environmental services department
8. Observation of the reprocessing department
9. Shadowing an ICP to observe daily activities and problem solving or attendance at a local chapter of IPAC Canada
Tuition
Tuition is $1790.00 CDN paid in two installments of $895.00 due July 1 and February 1. Tuition can be paid through post-dated cheques (payable to IPAC Canada) or credit card. International students must pay by bank draft or money order. The cost of any textbooks required is not included in the tuition.
A T2202A will be issued to Canadian students, for income tax purposes.
Certificate of Completion
On successful completion of the course,and by request, students will receive a Certificate of Completion from IPAC Canada.
Inquiries and Online Registration
Applications will be accepted (online only) until March 31, 2020. Prospective students must download, fill in and save the 2020 Application Form below, and have a current C.V. prepared to upload into the system. When these documents are at hand, click the Apply Now button. Please thoroughly review Frequently Asked Questions document (see link below). If, after reading this, you still have questions about the course contact Heather Candon or Jane Van Toen, IPAC Canada Course Coordinators at basicde@ipac-canada.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Please familiarize yourself with the course Cancellation/Withdrawal Policy, and related cancellation fees. After you complete your online application and upload the requisite documents, you will receive an e-confirmation from the system (verifying your contact information, etc.). If you do not receive it, please email admin@ipac-canada.org
2020 Online Novice Course Application Form (fillable Word document; complete and Save As a PDF with file format: lastname_firstname_application)
Applications for the 2020-2021 Session are no longer being accepted.
