Infection Prevention and Control Programme

Current context

The prevention of infection is central to health and wellbeing, and to the increasing threat of antimicrobial resistance.

The rapid rise in resistance needs healthcare professionals to adjust their clinical practice. To reflect the evolving evidence and models of service provision.

This programme will prepare participants for challenges directly impacting on the prevention and management of infection.

This programme is open to anyone regardless of RCN membership status.

Designed to develop clinical leadership skills in the prevention of infection. It may be of interest to those in roles across health and social care with a focus on the prevention of infection.

The programme has been developed to support:

• trainee infection prevention and control nurses/practitioners in all care settings
• surveillance nurses/practitioners
• new appointee directors of infection prevention and control, with no IPC experience
• infection prevention and control practitioners who would like to refresh their knowledge and skills
• health protection practitioners
• infection prevention leads in independent care settings, such as nursing homes or GP practices
• nurses leading IPC components of NHS provider commissioning bodies
• ward managers and matrons.

The aim of this programme is to critically evaluate the knowledge and evidence underpinning infection control practice. To inform changes in practice. The programme aims to enable participants to lead change within their place of work.

Participants will develop knowledge, skills and understanding related to the prevention of infection. Principally infections acquired through the provision of health and care services. Plus, the associated impact of antibiotic resistance.

• plan a service improvement in your workplace
• learn the most effective way to manage change in your place of work
• experience coaching as a supportive development tool and understand how to coach colleagues.

The module is delivered on a part-time basis. To study alongside your professional practice as part of your continuing professional development.

A range of teaching and learning methods will be used. A blended learning approach of:

• synchronous and asynchronous online teaching sessions
• online discussion
• reflection on practice
• independent study and research
• online learning materials
• work-based learning.

Assessment

For those undertaking the module with academic credits, formal assessment will be via submission of a 3000-word Service Improvement Plan.

This programme is open to staff across health and social care and offers two entry options. RCN membership is not essential. NMC registration is not a requirement of enrolment on this programme; acceptance is subject to meeting the entry requirements below.

General requirements

• Technology access: All applicants will need access to a laptop or tablet with camera and microphone capability. A mobile phone is not suitable.

Entry options

1. Programme completion without academic credits. 

• Applicants will receive a certificate of completion; a minimum attendance rate will apply.
• No specific academic entry requirements are needed for this route.
• English language requirements: you will need a good understanding of English.

2. Programme completion with academic credits. 

• Applicants will receive a certificate of completion; a minimum attendance rate will apply.
• Successful completion of the summative assessment will result in the award of 20 academic credits. 
• Entry Requirements:
• English language requirements: you will need a good understanding of English, with the ability to write in English at the academic level required.
• Degree Level: Ideally, applicants should hold a diploma or above. Minimum Level 5 (RQF/CQFW), Level 8 (SCQF) or equivalent.
• Master’s Level: Applicants must hold a degree or above. Minimum Level 6 (RQF/CQFW), Level 9/10 (SCQF) or equivalent.

Online synchronous teaching sessions run on two consecutive days per month plus, an optional pre-programme introduction.

• With academic credits: £1,555 + VAT
  
• Without academic credits: £1,130 + VAT

VAT registered charities can claim back VAT for employees undertaking this module. 

Price includes:

• all programme materials
  
• 6 half-day online teaching sessions
  
• online educational resources
  
• six coaching sessions
  
• Service Improvement Project/Plan assessment.

Fees must be paid in full in advance of the programme start date. 

FAQs

How much will it cost to take this programme?

With academic credits: £1,480 + VAT.
Without academic credits: £1,100 + VAT.

Can my organisation fund the programme on my behalf?

Yes, your organisation can fund the programme on your behalf.

Once I have expressed my interest, how many weeks do I have to complete the payment and enrolment process?

Enrolment and payment are due before the programme start date.

How long is the programme?

The module runs over a 13-week period.

The synchronous teaching sessions are delivered on six half days. Two consecutive sessions each month. 

How much study time is needed?

Participants will need to commit a total of 200 hours study.

This includes the online teaching sessions, independent study and research and work-based learning. Plus, six hours of one-to-one coaching. This equates to approximately 15 hours of study per week.

Is coaching offered as part of this programme?

Yes, the programme includes six hours of one-to-one coaching.

The coaching supports learning, and preparation for the assessment. Study skills and assessment guidance are also available from the module tutors. Our RCN library staff also offer a range of support and resources to help.

Is all the learning online?

Yes, module delivery is 100% online.

Made up of online teaching sessions and self-directed learning.

What time do the online sessions run?

Classes run 09:15–13:00. The pre-meet runs 09:15-11:00*. *This may be subject to slight changes; participants will be notified where applicable.

How many CPD hours is this programme worth?

Up to 30 hours of of participatory learning and additional individual learning hours

Will I be issued a certification on completion of the programme?

Yes, a certificate will be issues on completion of the programme.

Do I need to buy any specific equipment to undertake this module?

You will need access to a laptop or tablet with camera and microphone capability. A mobile phone is not suitable.

Is this programme suitable for newly registered nurses?

Yes, this programme is suitable for newly qualified nurses.

Do I need to be in a leadership role to join this programme?

No, you do not need to be in a leadership role to complete this programme.

The service improvement plan will help you to show value whatever your role.

We do recommend you have your line manager's support to complete this programme. To support the demands of time needed for online classes and independent study. 

Do I need any previous academic study to complete this programme? 

If you wish to complete this programme without academic credits, no previous academic study is required.

If you wish to complete this programme with academic credits at Degree Level, you should ideally hold a diploma or above. Minimum Level 5 (RQF/CQFW), Level 8 (SCQF) or equivalent. For master’s level study you must hold a degree or above. Minimum Level 6 (RQF/CQFW), Level 9/10 (SCQF) or equivalent.

Where can I find out more?

Please visit our web page and complete the expression of interest form, or send your queries to IPCeducation@rcn.org.uk.

Will the member of staff need to take study leave from work?

Yes. Staff need to attend all six half days with study time to complete the programme.

Programme delivery is 100% online and requires a total of 200 hours study. This includes the online teaching sessions, independent study and research and work-based learning. Plus, six hours one-to-one coaching.