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

News & Announcements | 11 Oct 2022

UPDATE (June 20, 2023) - Master of Public Health (MPH) student Radhika Chawla is the recipient of the inaugural IPAC Canada admission scholarship of $10,000.

IPAC Canada and Queen’s University have partnered to provide training in infection prevention and control (IPAC) through a new Specialization in IPAC in the Master of Public Health (MPH) program. Applications are now open for entry in September 2023. 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.

The Master of Public Health with Specialization in IPAC provides students with the technical expertise and leadership to keep patients, employees and the public safe.

“We are excited about this new initiative with Queen’s University to further expand specialized skills, knowledge and expertise in infection prevention and control to continue to protect Canadians and our communities,” says Zahir Hirji, President of IPAC Canada, a multidisciplinary member-based association committed to public wellness and safety by advocating for best practices in infection prevention and control (IPAC) in all settings.

Queen’s Health Sciences is breaking new ground in embedding IPAC-specific training in their graduate program. “The partnership with IPAC Canada 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. Bradley Stoner, Head, Queen’s University Department of Public Health Sciences.

The first of its kind in Canada, the IPAC Specialization 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 Specialization complete six core required courses and three specialized courses taught by experienced experts in IPAC, healthcare quality and medical microbiology. Students also complete a 400-hour IPAC-focused practicum with a host organization. Incoming MPH IPAC Specialization students will be eligible to be considered for the new $10,000 IPAC Canada Scholarship.

The MPH is delivered as a blend of in-person courses, online courses, and off-campus experiential learning through a summer practicum with a host organization. Most 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.

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.

The IPAC Specialization also allows existing IPAC professionals to broaden and enrich competencies and advance their career in new leadership roles.

“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 IPAC Specialization Director Dr. Erica Weir.

Interested applicants may apply on the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs online application website. The application due date is January 31. Please visit the MPH website for more detailed information on the MPH with Specialization in IPAC and the IPAC Canada Scholarship.

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

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