Infection Preventionists (IPs)1 are specially trained professionals, leaders, educators, and collaborators from diverse backgrounds, including nursing, public health, laboratory, and allied health fields.
The Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) field is expanding in healthcare settings, public health, research, education, and consulting practice settings. IPC is broadening its reach across various healthcare sectors with IPs working in long-term care settings and outpatient facilities, such as physical or mental health rehabilitation centers, as well as surgery and dialysis centers. Furthermore, IPs also work beyond conventional healthcare environments in settings such as health agencies, schools, correctional and detention facilities, industry, and more.
IPs promote a culture of safety and impact the health of patients, residents, workers, staff, and community members. Their advocacy and work extend throughout the organization and the community. Their competencies include:
- Knowledge of Infectious Disease Processes
- Microbiology
- Prevention Practices
- Surveillance and Informatics
- Principles of Epidemiology
- Research
- Education
Additional competencies include communication, business acumen, leadership, quality improvement, project management, and professional stewardship. The performance of these activities and application of competencies will vary depending on the setting in which the IP functions. IPs who lead teams or organizations require additional experience and expertise in conflict management, strategic management, financial management, change management, problem solving, and emotional intelligence.
An IP who demonstrates proficiency in IPC competencies should seek either the Certified in Infection Control (CIC®) or Long-Term Care in Infection Prevention (LTC-CIP®) certifications, having successfully passed the initial certification exam and recertification every five years. Individuals entering the field of IPC or paraprofessionals should initially seek certification as an Associate – Infection Prevention and Control (a-IPC™), moving on to CIC® or LTC-CIP® certification once the experience portion of the exam prerequisites have been met.
If you’re in need of an interim Infection Preventionist or IPC consulting services, contact us to learn how APIC Consulting can assist.
1 Like many professions, titles may vary depending on facility or role, and are likely to evolve due to the changes in the IPC field. According to APIC’s 2020 Mega Survey, approximately half of infection preventionists use the term of “infection preventionist,” while others go by IP (infection prevention) Manager, IP (infection prevention) Director, or System or Corporate IP (infection prevention) Director, and 4.8% use Infection Control Professional/Practitioner internationally.
Resources Used
APIC’s Become an IP: Start a Career in Infection Prevention and Control: https://apic.org/what-is-an-infection-preventionist/. Accessed March 2024.
APIC Competency Model: https://apic.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/June-2019-AJIC-Article-APIC-Competency-Model.pdf. Accessed March 2024.
APIC’s Professional Practice Standards: https://apic.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/PPS.pdf. Accessed March 2024.
APIC’s “Who are infection preventionists?”: https://apic.org/monthly_alerts/who-are-infection-preventionists/. Accessed April 2024.
Merrill KC, Cervantes D, Hebden J, et al. Infection Preventionists in public health, consultant and academic roles: Results from the 2020 APIC MegaSurvey. AJIC. 2024;52(3):261-266. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajic.2023.09.001