career advancement

The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology announced the publication of the Infection Preventionist (IP) Career Development and Advancement Guide.

Developed by the APIC Professional Development Committee, the new guide serves as a comprehensive resource to facilitate recruitment, retention, and promotion of IPs in the changing field of infection prevention and control (IPC) and establishes a framework for implementing the APIC Competency Model to develop and advance IPs.

Due to the pandemic and other market forces, the IPC field is expanding, presenting additional career opportunities in healthcare settings as well as public health, research, education, and consulting practice settings, highlighting the need for trained and competent IPs. At the same time, 40 percent of current IPs are approaching retirement age and will soon be leaving the field, creating an urgency to grow the profession.

APIC’s new guide defines career stages, paths, and ladders, and provides templates and tools to develop job descriptions, competency assessments, training, and professional development plans. It provides direction for career entry and progression to ensure the continuing development and growth of a skilled IPC workforce.

“This is a crucial resource for our profession,” says Tania Bubb, PhD, RN, CIC, FAPIC, 2024 APIC president. “We know that competent and knowledgeable IPs are critical to optimize the efficacy of IPC programs. Investing in the growth and development of IPs by providing avenues to enter the field and meet career goals will help to address the IPC demands of the future.”