APIC Publishes Career Development and Advancement Guide for Infection Preventionists

Accelerating growth of the IPC workforce is essential to meet future needs

Arlington, Va., May 3, 2024 - The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology today 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% 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," said 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."

Founded in 1972, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) is the leading association for infection preventionists and epidemiologists. With more than 15,000 members, APIC advances the science and practice of infection prevention and control. APIC carries out its mission through research, advocacy, and patient safety; education, credentialing, and certification; and fostering development of the infection prevention and control workforce of the future. Together with our members and partners, we are working toward a safer world through the prevention of infection. Join us and learn more at apic.org.

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Media contacts: Aaron Cohen, [email protected], 301-633-6773; Liz Garman, [email protected], 202-454-2604

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