Online Graduate Certificate in Infection Control and Prevention

What is an Infection Control Certificate?

Designed for working professionals, Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health’s online Certificate in Infectious Disease Prevention and Control prepares you to work in healthcare settings, public health agencies, the pharmaceutical sector, and other organizations engaged in work related to the prevention and control of infectious diseases. You will learn from the faculty at Drexel University's Dornsife School of Public Health, as well as from experts in the field, who have extensive knowledge and experience in infectious disease prevention and control.

Drexel Dornsife’s online infection control and prevention certificate program provides foundational knowledge that allows public health and healthcare professionals to specialize in the prevention of infectious diseases. With a focus on fundamental content in infectious disease, epidemiology and surveillance, and patient safety, this infection preventionist training program was designed for those with a strong background in biology, health sciences, and/or professional experience working clinically in healthcare settings. For example, nurses and physician assistants interested in working in Infection Prevention and Control, or epidemiologists seeking expertise in infectious diseases and their control.

Program at a Glance

• 18 quarter credits
• Industry-experienced faculty from Drexel’s Dornsife School of Public Health
• Drexel is the first institution in Philadelphia to be accredited by the Council on Education in Public Health (CEPH)
• 100% online
• Upon completion of the Certificate in Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, you'll earn 18 quarter credits that may be transferred into our online Master of Public Health program
• U.S. News & World Report ranks Drexel Dornsife the #1 graduate school of public health in Philadelphia and a top school nationwide
• No GRE required

In the Program, You'll Learn To:

• Describe how biological agents affect human health
• Apply biological principles to the development and implementation of disease prevention, control, or management programs
• Specify approaches for assessing, preventing, and controlling environmental hazards related to microbiological threats that pose risks to human health and safety
• Apply epidemiological and other methods appropriate for population-based inquiry and to control the spread of infectious diseases in populations
• Identify key sources of infectious disease data for epidemiological purposes
• Apply quality and performance improvement concepts to address organizational performance issues

What Can You Do With Infection Control and Prevention Training?

The control and prevention of infectious diseases have become central challenges for healthcare professionals around the world. Healthcare associated infections, antimicrobial resistant organisms, and pathogens arising from the pressures associated with One Health, urbanization, and globalization, contribute to emerging infectious diseases that require special training for public health and healthcare practitioners who are charged with their control. Professionals with training in infectious disease prevention and control are needed in hospitals, long-term healthcare and skilled nursing facilities, public health agencies, non-profit organizations, and in the pharmaceutical industry. 

Infection Control & Prevention Healthcare Career Opportunities
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of epidemiologists will grow 19% from 2023 to 2033. Employment of microbiologists is projected to grow 7% and for occupational health and safety specialists (both related occupations) is projected to grow 14%. Learn more about public health jobs.

How Much Can You Make with a Graduate Certificate in Infectious Diseases and Infection Control?

Infection Control & Prevention Graduate Certificate Salary Expectations

Salaries within the infection prevention and control field, and within the larger public health field, are largely based on factors like title, location and years of experience. Learn more about public health salaries.

How Long Does It Take to Complete a Graduate Certificate in Infection Control and Prevention?

Drexel’s online Certificate in Infectious Disease Prevention and Control can be completed in as little as nine months. Should you choose to matriculate into the Master of Public Health program, the credits you earn in this certificate can be used as electives.

Related Programs

• Master’s in Public Health (MPH)
• MS in Infection Prevention and Control
• Certificate in Epidemiology and Biostatistics
• Certificate in Global Health
• Certificate in LGBT Health
• Certificate in Maternal and Child Health
• Certificate in Public Health
• Certificate in Urban Health
• On-Campus Public Health Programs

State restrictions may apply to some programs.