Degree

The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) released the Curriculum Guidelines for Undergraduate, Certificate and Graduate Degrees in Infection Prevention and Control to assist universities, globally, in aligning their infection prevention and control curriculum.

In March of 2021, APIC announced the formation of the IP Academic Pathway , which was the first national effort to link undergraduate and graduate programs to the field of infection prevention and control.

“The work of the IPAP in developing curriculum guidelines for undergraduate, certificate, and graduate programs in infection prevention and control is a critical milestone for our profession,” said Carol McLay, DrPH, MPH, BSN, RN, CIC, FAPIC, FSHEA, APIC’s 2025 President, “By establishing clear educational standards, we are not only advancing the quality of IPC education but also ensuring that future IPs are well-prepared to meet the evolving challenges of healthcare and public health globally.”

Infection preventionists work to prevent healthcare-associated infections by isolating sources of infections and developing and implementing evidence-based practices to prevent and contain the spread of dangerous organisms. They practice across myriad healthcare settings including hospitals, outpatient facilities, long-term care, home care, and ambulatory surgery centers.