Canadian Infection Prevention and Control Courses
CHICA-Canada Online Novice Infection Prevention and Control Course
Deadline for applications for the 2013-14 course is March 25, 2013.
The CHICA-Canada Novice Infection Prevention and Control (IP&C) course will be offered from September to June each year.
Preference for admission to this interactive online distance education course will be given to the novice infection prevention and control practitioner (less than 2 years' experience) currently working in IP&C. Applications will also be considered from others working in healthcare and/or exploring opportunities in IP&C.
The course consists of six modules and a 12 hour practicum. The duration of each module is approximately one month with a one-week break between modules. There is a longer break scheduled over the December holiday period. The course will run from September – June.
Student evaluation consists of online discussions, a final take-home exam, and may include assignments. Graduates will receive a certificate of completion from CHICA-Canada on successful completion of the six modules (with a minimum grade 65% in each module) and successful completion of the practicum.
Students must be able to dedicate 12-15 hours per week to read course material, participate in discussions and complete assignments and exams.
The course is web-based and students may log in at times that are convenient for them without concerns about time-differences across Canada. The course is facilitated by both an instructor and an online discussion facilitator.
How computer literate do you need to be?
As the readings and discussion will be web-based, you will need internet access. The course utilizes the e learning tool, Blackboard. You do not have to be a computer expert but a basic level of comfort with the computer is necessary. You will need to know how to move around the course web page and type in your comments and questions (instructions will be provided). Basic instructions will also be provided and course faculty will be there for support.
Topics and Schedule
Fall:
- Module 1 (6 weeks): History of IP&C; IP&C Roles and Responsibilities; Teamwork in IP&C; Ethics in IP&C; 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
Final Practicum (June):
This is a twelve-hour learning experience where the student is mentored with an experienced IP&C professional. 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 IP&C
3. Surveillance
4. Auditing
5. Staff education on IP&C 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 CHICA
Tuition
Tuition is $1700.00 CDN for all six modules and the practicum. Tuition is paid in two installments of $850.00 due August 1 and February 1. Tuition can be paid through post-dated cheques or credit card. The cost of any textbooks required is not included in the tuition.
Completion Certificate
On successful completion of the course,and by request, students will receive a Certificate of Completion from CHICA-Canada. See Course Policy.
Inquiries
Questions about the course should be directed to Heather Candon or Jane Van Toen, CHICA-Canada Course Coordinators at chicabasicde@mymts.net.
Application
Applications are now being accepted for the 2013-14 course. The application deadline is March 25, 2013.
