IPAC Canada Develops Essential New Course to Support Long-Term Care Infection Prevention and Control Leads

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Infection Prevention and Control Canada (IPAC Canada) is launching a comprehensive training program tailored for Infection Prevention and Control leads working in Long-Term Care (LTC) settings across Canada. This type of course is vital for newcomers to the industry, and essential for those preparing for the certification exam.

Our program has been specifically developed to address the unique needs of the LTC sector and to prepare for anticipated changes in government regulation. It is designed to support professionals who are interested in taking the Long-Term Care Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (LTC-CIP®) exam. Certification in this specialty area will be a requirement for LTC Infection Prevention and Control Leads in Ontario by the end of April 2025. Although this regulatory requirement is currently specific to Ontario, the skills and knowledge gained from this course are applicable and valuable for professionals in all provinces

The LTC-CIP® certification requirement is newly mandated under the Fixing Long-Term Care Act. The Government of Ontario put forward this legislation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to promote the safety of residents in the event of future outbreaks or public health crises.

“Infection Prevention and Control professionals have faced significant challenges in recent years,” said Gerry Hansen, Executive Director, IPAC Canada. “This course serves to fill the current gaps and to provide leads with the skills, support, knowledge and networks to enhance safety for all Canadians in LTC settings.”

The Long-Term Care Infection and Prevention and Control Course is facilitated by IPAC Canada education faculty. The hybrid course begins September 1, 2024, with the curriculum being taught virtually over a period of two months, providing students with greater flexibility. Our program is distinct in that it combines online learning with a 3-day, in-person forum to allow students an opportunity work directly with the experts, to answer their questions and work through various scenarios, and, importantly, to fortify their professional networks. Successful students will earn an IPAC Canada Certificate of Completion following this course and will have the required background knowledge to prepare for the Long-Term Care Infection Prevention and Control Certification Exam (LTC-CIP®).

“Protecting vulnerable residents must be a priority,” said Hansen. “We have tailored this course to address educational and professional needs as well as critical industry standards. LTC settings have unique challenges, and this course will help prepare the next generation of professionals to succeed.”

To learn more, visit: https://ipac-canada.org/ipac-canada-long-term-care-infection-prevention-and-control-certificate-course

About IPAC: IPAC Canada is a multidisciplinary not-for-profit dedicated to advancing infection prevention and control by providing members access to evidence-based resources, education, and networking opportunities. IPAC Canada advocates on behalf of all those engaged in the prevention and control of infections to improve patient care and staff health in hospitals, retirement homes, and other healthcare facilities.