Infection Preventionist Career Development and Advancement Guide

The Infection Preventionist Career Development and Advancement Guide was developed by the APIC Professional Development Committee as a comprehensive resource to facilitate recruitment, retention, and promotion of infection preventionists (IPs) in the changing field of infection prevention and control (IPC). It establishes a framework for implementation of the APIC IP Competency Model and provides direction for career entry and progression through expanding IP career stages regardless of practice setting. 

The goals of the guide are to:

Meet the needs of the changing IPC field: The guide shows many different ways to be an IP today. It describes how to enter, become competent, and advance in the IPC field. For the first time, we have defined contributions to the field from paraprofessionals to executives.  

Meet the career needs of the contemporary IP: Skilled IPs can work in healthcare, long-term care, public health, academia and more; and can grow in this career all the way to the C-suite. The guide shows many possibilities and the professional development needed to pursue each one.

Help create a more effective IPC program: Managers can retain and develop IPs by showing them how they can grow in their careers. It includes tools for developing job descriptions, pathways for career advancement, professional development plans, and much more.  

Nonmembers: Download an abbreviated version of the guide.  We encourage you to join APIC to gain access to all of the tools and resources available in the guide. For more details on APIC membership benefits and how to join, visit apic.org/membership.