I chose a career in Infection Prevention and control because of my undying passion to contribute to and be part of a team of dedicated professionals responsible for keeping members of society healthy and safe. The events of the past few years, particularly the covid-19 pandemic, further reinforced the importance of professionals in this field, and this further strengthened my already existing desire to pursue a career in IPAC
To someone interested in the field, my advice will be for the person to invest in learning about the field and seek ways to get hands-on experience. Learning will be primarily by taking courses in Infection prevention and control and subscribing to membership of IPAC Canada and or APIC. Hands-on experience can be gotten through preceptorship with an experienced IPAC professional. This way this interested person will be equipped with requisite knowledge that will help in achieving success.
LTC-CIP is the professional certification awarded to IPAC professionals that have demonstrated satisfactory knowledge in infection prevention and control in long term care settings. The designation is a mark of recognition that bears testament to professional experience and competence to work as an IPAC profession in long term care.
The study materials provided by APIC, i.e. the APIC text online, the Infection Prevention Guide to long-term care by APIC. I also attended several webinars organized by IPAC Canada and Public Health Ontario were all useful resources in helping me prepare for the certification exams. In addition to all these, I had garnered hands-on experience through preceptorship and working as an IPAC lead in a long-term care home.
I would advise anyone pursuing the LTC-CIP certification to subscribe to APIC online either with a group of other individuals or individually so that the person can have access to the latest version of the online text which is the main study material for the certification exam. I would also encourage them to attend training courses and webinars related to infection prevention and control. Lastly, I would advise hands-on experience in the field and shadowing a mentor/preceptor that will serve as a guide through the process.
To keep up-to-date with infection prevention and control practices, I attend different training webinars, knowledge exchange events by reputable organizations, education sessions facilitated by Public Health and IPAC Canada and national and international conferences that are focused on infection prevention and control.
7. How has the LTC-CIP® helped you grow professionally and in your career?
The LTC-CIP has provided me with the recognition required to thrive as an IPAC Professional. It has helped me rise through the rungs of the promotion ladder in Infection Prevention and Control. I started my career in IPAC as an Infection Prevention and Control associate; I progressed to become an Infection Prevention and Control lead and currently I work as an Infection Prevention and Control manager in one of Canada’s most reputable health care organizations. Very recently I was invited to join a committee of 5 IPAC professionals in long term care across Ontario to co-design and co-lead a knowledge exchange event that is being funded by the Canadian Institute of Health Research. All these professional achievements would have been all but a figment of imagination if I didn’t have the LTC-CIP certification.
