from the editor
from the editor
New National Occupational Framework for Infection Preventionists is Announced
Late last year , the Association for
Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology ( APIC ) reported the welcome news that the U . S . Department of Labor has developed a first-of-its-kind framework for infection preventionist ( IP ) apprenticeship programs .
The Infection Preventionist National Occupational Framework is designed to help train new IPs and prepare them to work in the field . According to APIC , the Urban Institute , a nonprofit research organization , was awarded a grant to develop an infrastructure of occupational standards for registered apprenticeship programs , helping to accelerate the expansion of such programs throughout the U . S . The Urban Institute collaborated with APIC on building the framework for IP apprenticeship programs .
“ The national occupational framework for infection preventionists establishes a high-quality training standard using Registered Apprenticeship – the nation ’ s premier earn and learn model ,” said Zach Boren , senior policy program manager at the Urban Institute , in a statement . “ With the release of the framework , we aim to support a highly skilled workforce dedicated to safeguarding public health and look forward to the positive impact it will have on infection prevention nationwide .”
As we know , even before the COVID-19 pandemic , there was a reported 25 percent vacancy in the field of infection prevention and control . APIC says with an increased focus on the need for infection preventionists , this field faces a wave of retirements : 65 percent of IPs are age 46 or older and 38.5 percent are age 56 or older .
APIC says this apprenticeship “ will provide an additional pathway to prepare for a profession in infection prevention and control and aligns with APIC ’ s own academic pathway for IPs . IPs newly trained through the apprenticeship and professional certification will be fully qualified to take on the myriad of tasks to keep patients and healthcare workers safe from infectious diseases and healthcare-associated infections .” APIC CEO Devin Jopp says the program will help to address IP staffing shortages and build the workforce for the future . “ With nearly 40 percent of current IPs expected to retire in the next five years , programs such as this are essential to help attract new candidates to the field of infection prevention and control and improve safety at our nation ’ s healthcare facilities ,” he said in a statement .
Until next time , bust those bugs !
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6 • www . healthcarehygienemagazine . com • january 2024