Infection Prevention and Control

Select start date and campus

Close

Applying as a Canadian applicant

Domestic students should apply online or by phone at 1-888-892-2228.

Applying as an International applicant

International students should apply online
Close

Campus tours

Campus tours are one of the best ways to experience Conestoga. During this time, we are offering online guided tours to show you all Conestoga has to offer.

Book your tour

Virtual tours

If you can't make an on-campus tour or attend one of our events, the virtual tour is a great way to visit us.

Program description - September 2026

Serve, protect and promote community health

Advance your career in healthcare or public health with ÌÇÐÄvlog¾«Æ·'s Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Ontario Graduate Certificate, a future-focused program designed for diploma and degree graduates ready to specialize in infection prevention, outbreak management and health system preparedness.

If you are passionate about social justice, public health emergencies, pandemic readiness and protecting communities, this program equips you with the advanced skills and competencies employers are seeking in a post-COVID-19 world. Healthcare systems today require a skilled, adaptable and resilient workforce with the surge capacity to respond effectively to infectious disease threats across multiple settings.

This graduate certificate blends academic theory with applied, simulation-based experiential learning. Innovative technologies are used to create flexible, accessible and inclusive learning environments. Designed for adult learners and working professionals, the program prepares you for the realities of modern, real-time professional practice in healthcare, public health and beyond.

You'll explore the complexities of Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) as a specialized field that spans all healthcare disciplines while also extending into corporate, community and non‑health industries. Through a strong focus on social equity, ethical decision-making, community engagement, person-centred leadership and health communication, you'll gain the knowledge and confidence to advance into leadership and specialist roles.

What you'll learn

Graduates develop advanced competencies in:

  • infection prevention strategies and control systems that protect patients, communities and populations
  • surveillance, audit and reporting methodologies used in outbreak detection and risk management
  • design thinking and program implementation to lead effective IPAC initiatives
  • systems assessment and knowledge translation across healthcare and non-health environments
  • leadership, health communication and strategic decision-making in local and global contexts

Program highlights

  • applied, simulation-based learning grounded in real-world practice
  • application of IPAC principles in healthcare, long-term care, corporate and community settings
  • a capstone project and professional portfolio that showcase original work to employers
  • emphasis on career advancement, workforce readiness and interdisciplinary collaboration
  • learn from industry experts
  • flexible learning options

Career outcomes

Graduates are prepared for roles such as:

  • infection prevention and control professional
  • infection control co-ordinator or lead
  • health and safety officer
  • quality improvement specialist
  • consultant, educator or researcher
  • leadership roles in healthcare and public health

Career opportunities are available in hospitals, long-term care homes, public health units, private and corporate organizations, consulting firms and educational settings.

Certification preparation

The program supports preparation for industry-recognized credentials, including:

  • Certification in Infection Control (CIC®)
  • Advanced Leadership Certification in Infection Prevention & Control (AL-CIP™)
  • Associate – Infection Prevention and Control (a‑IPC™), with no work experience required
  • Long‑Term Care Certification in Infection Prevention (LTC‑CIP®)

Program details

Code: 1621
Start: September 2026
Campus: Kitchener – Doon
Delivery: Hybrid
Length: 1 year (2 academic terms)
Credential: Ontario College Graduate Certificate

Program contact


Academic school

Health & Life Sciences

Events at Conestoga
ÌÇÐÄvlog¾«Æ·
Join an event to learn more about Conestoga. Connect with staff, current students and future Condors to discover why Conestoga is the right fit for you.

Estimated tuition & fees

Tuition and fee details for programs starting September 2026 and later will be available Spring 2026. ​Listed below are the tuition and fee details for the 2025-2026 academic year (September 2025 to August 2026) for your selected intake. Books and supplies may be additional.

Tuition and fee details for terms starting September 2026 and later will be available Spring 2026.

2 Terms

Canadian

International

Tuition
$5578.00
$16319.00
Ancillary Fees
$1849.66
$3148.66
Total Fees
$7427.66
$19467.66

Canadian fee details

Description Fall 2025 Winter 2026
Program Tuition Fee (ACR) $2789.00 $2789.00
Administration Fee $25.00 $25.00
Capital Development Fee $84.22 $84.22
CSI Advocacy Fee $8.16 $8.16
CSI Association Fee $104.04 $104.04
CSI Extended Health & Dental Plan Fee $354.00 -
CSI Legal Care Fee $30.00 -
CSI UPass Fee $124.91 $124.91
Graduation/Alumni Services Fee $20.00 $20.00
ONE Card Fee $8.50 $8.50
Recreation/Athletics Fee $71.50 $71.50
Student Services $89.00 $89.00
Technology Enhancement Fee $110.00 $110.00
CSI - Student Welcome Kit Fee (optional) $75.00 -
CSI Student Club & Society Fee (optional) $10.00 $10.00
CSI Student Events Fee (optional) $35.00 $35.00
Sustainability Fee (optional) $5.00 $5.00
Term Total $3943.33 $3484.33
Year Total   $7427.66

Returning student tuition & fees

View all Canadian tuition & fee details for all levels
View all International tuition & fee details for all levels

International fee details

Description Fall 2025 Winter 2026
Grad. Cert. Program Tuition $8159.50 $8159.50
Administration Fee $25.00 $25.00
Capital Development Fee $84.22 $84.22
CSI Advocacy Fee $8.16 $8.16
CSI Association Fee $104.04 $104.04
CSI College Int'l Health Insurance Plan (CIHIP) $595.00 -
CSI Extended Health & Dental Plan Fee $308.00 -
CSI Legal Care Fee $30.00 -
CSI UPass Fee $124.91 $124.91
Graduation/Alumni Services Fee $20.00 $20.00
ISR (International Student Recovery) $375.00 $375.00
ONE Card Fee $8.50 $8.50
Recreation/Athletics Fee $71.50 $71.50
Student Services $89.00 $89.00
Technology Enhancement Fee $110.00 $110.00
CSI - Student Welcome Kit Fee (optional) $75.00 -
CSI Student Club & Society Fee (optional) $10.00 $10.00
CSI Student Events Fee (optional) $35.00 $35.00
Sustainability Fee (optional) $5.00 $5.00
Term Total $10237.83 $9229.83
Year Total   $19467.66

Returning student tuition & fees

View all Canadian tuition & fee details for all levels
View all International tuition & fee details for all levels

Program device requirements

Program device & software requirements

This program requires you to have a device that meets certain specifications. For most students, this cost is in addition to the tuition & fees listed above.

view device requirements

Financial assistance

The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a needs-based program designed to help eligible Ontario students cover the cost of post-secondary education. Funded by the federal and provincial governments, OSAP is intended to promote equality of opportunity for post-secondary studies through direct financial assistance (grants and loans) for educational costs and living expenses. The amount of funding you are eligible for depends on your program, course load, educational and living expenses, and financial situation. Apply for assistance on the and visit OSAP & aid for more information.

Awards & scholarships

Student Financial Services awarded more than 400 awards, scholarships and bursaries last year.

Search for awards.

Delivery sequence - September 2026 - Kitchener – Doon

FALL WINTER SPRING
Class Class