MSN: Infection Prevention & Control Degree Programs & Career
Closely related to public health, infection prevention and control is a sub-discipline of epidemiology concerned with preventing healthcare-associated infection. Nurses with this specialization will have the expertise necessary to develop programs to monitor critical infection prevention and control indicators in healthcare delivery systems in settings such as doctors’ offices, hospitals, clinics, on-site care, and more. Having expertise in epidemiology and data analysis are necessary strengths for any IC nurse. Often times, becoming an infection control nurse can be a first step toward becoming an expert healthcare epidemiology practitioner and obtaining certification by the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC).
How to Become an Infection Control Nurse
To become an infection control nurse, students typically complete the following steps:
- Complete an Associate’s Degree in Nursing or a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing program
- Earn a Registered Nurse Certification
- Meet the professional experience conditions
- Enroll and complete a Master’s in Science Nursing degree with a concentration in infection prevention and control
- Obtain certification and proper licensure for the infection prevention and control specialization (requirements vary by state)
Salary and Career Information for Infection Control Nurses
The expected salary, career growth, and work environment for an infection control nurse might include:
- Median Expected Salary: $74,710, according to salary.com’s most recent report
- Job Prospects: Very good
- Job Setting: Nursing homes, hospitals, acute care facilities, public health organizations, dialysis centers
Qualifications for an Infection Control Nurse
To become an infection control nurse, students are typically required to meet the following job qualifications:
- Obtain certification from the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology
- Select a specific area of study which may include prevention and control of infections in hospitals, long-term care facilities, public safety, bioterrorism, and ambulatory care practices
- Possess computer skills using various applications such as word processing, presentation, and online database systems
Infection Control Nurse Job Description
An infection control nurse is typically responsible for the following job duties:
- Create infection prevention and control guidelines
- Oversee public health programs and evaluate health safety standards
- Collect data and investigate human or animal diseases and preventative care
- Work closely with physicians, researchers, and government health officials to track and identify dieases
- Collaborate with staff on research and professional practice projects that address disease prevention and health promotion
MSN Degrees for Aspiring Infection Prevention & Control Nurses
Top Masters in Nursing Schools
A master’s degree in nursing can be the first step to becoming a nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or clinical nurse leader (CNL). Several accredited online MSN programs are listed below. Fill out any school’s form to quickly receive additional information and application materials.
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Georgetown University – Georgetown University has been educating nurses and helping improve healthcare since 1903. The programs are designed to help the next generation of nursing leaders with majors available in: Family Nurse Practitioner and Midwifery/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. |
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Capella University – This masters in nursing program is designed specifically for nurses who wish to enter the teaching profession as nurse educators. With practical applications and engaging assignments, student can accomplish the assets required to be successful in leadership and educational positions with in the nursing industry. The Nurse Educator degree curriculum is centered around the industry’s best practices and standards and is constantly updated to reflect the latest developments. |
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Kaplan University – Kaplan University offers a number of RN to MSN degrees for those seeking career advancement. Each program allows students to focus their curriculum on their particular career interest. In addition to the general program, specializations are also offered in informatics and health education. |
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Sacred Heart University – Sacred Heart University offers accredited BSN to MSN and RN to MSN programs that prepare students for leadership or specialized positions, including clinical nurse leadership (RN to MSN option), nursing education (RN to MSN option), and patient care services administration (RN to MSN option). |
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American Sentinel University – American Sentinel University offers a wide variety of accredited online masters in nursing degrees, each with a specific focus designed to teach MSN students the exact skills they need for their particular career focus. By specializing in Management and Organizational Leadership, Infection Prevention, Case Management, or Nurse Informatics through online courses as opposed to campus programs, students can complete assignments at a time and place that is convenient. |
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University of Phoenix – University of Phoenix offers a number of online master’s in nursing programs. Their general MSN degree program gives students a well-rounded master’s in nursing education, while more specific degrees are available in health administration, health education, and nursing informatics. |
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Drexel University – The Masters in Nursing Leadership program from Drexel is designed for students who want to take leadership positions in the health community, and involves leadership training and learning the skills needed to manage other nurses. Drexel University provides an affordable option through online courses which can cut down on many of the cost associated with on-ground programs. DU offers a Masters of Science in Nurse Leadership. |
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Grand Canyon University – Grand Canyon University’s online masters in nursing programs focus on becoming a leader and an educator respectively. These accredited degrees are offered via a fully online curriculum. The Masters in Nursing Leadership prepares RNs for roles as leaders in a variety healthcare settings; the Masters in Nursing Education prepares RNs for teaching positions within the nursing profession. |
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Gonzaga University – Gonzaga University offers a wide range of Masters in Nursing degrees, allowing students to fulfill high level roles and leadership roles in Nursing. These MSN degrees, whose options include nursing education (MSN), nursing education (RN to MSN) and health systems leadership, can be completed at a relatively fast pace and provide more convenience to students with busy or inconsistent schedules. |
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Benedictine University – Benedictine University offers a fully online masters in nursing degree. This accredited program includes focuses on leadership, education, administration, global healthcare among other topics. With this versatile degree, students can choose from several opportunities as they present themselves. BU has campus and online courses available for their MSN program. The online course can be completed at a pace that is comfortable to you. |
