Applying as a Canadian applicant
Domestic students should apply online or by phone at 1-888-892-2228.
Applying as an International applicant
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 tourVirtual 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.
View our Virtual tourPlease note:
Interested in learning more about this program?
Join us for a virtual information session, offered on the following Wednesdays from 6–7 p.m.:
- May 13 & 27
- June 10 & 24
- July 8 & 22
- August 5 & 19
If you have any questions or would like more information, please email Krisden Galloway.
Program description - September 2026
Serve, protect and promote community health
Advance your career in healthcare or public health with Conestoga College'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®)
Interested in taking this program part time?
See our Infection Prevention and Control part-time program for more information.
Program details
Estimated tuition & fees
The tuition and fee details for the 2026-2027 academic year (September 2026 to August 2027) are provided below for your selected intake. Please note that fees for the 2027-2028 academic year (September 2027 to August 2028) will be released in Spring 2027. Students continuing their studies into the 2027-2028 academic year should review the updated fee details when they become available. Additional costs for books and supplies may apply. All fees are subject to change and are reassessed annually.
Tuition and fee details for terms starting September 2027 and later will be available Spring 2027.
2 Terms
Canadian
International
Canadian fee details
| Description | Fall 2026 | Winter 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Program Tuition Fee (ACR) | $2844.78 | $2844.78 |
| Administration Fee | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Capital Development Fee | $84.22 | $84.22 |
| CSI Advocacy Fee | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| CSI Association Fee | $120.00 | $120.00 |
| CSI Extended Health & Dental Plan Fee | $390.00 | - |
| CSI Legal Care Fee | $35.00 | - |
| CSI UPass Fee | $131.14 | $131.14 |
| Graduation/Alumni Services Fee | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| ONE Card Fee | $9.50 | $9.50 |
| Recreation/Athletics Fee | $74.00 | $74.00 |
| Student Services | $91.50 | $91.50 |
| Student Spaces 2 | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Technology Enhancement Fee | $110.00 | $110.00 |
| CSI - Student Welcome Kit Fee (optional) | $75.00 | - |
| CSI Student Events Fee (optional) | $35.00 | $35.00 |
| Sustainability Fee (optional) | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Term Total | $4085.14 | $3585.14 |
| Year Total | $7670.28 |
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 2026 | Winter 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Grad. Cert. Program Tuition | $8404.29 | $8404.29 |
| Administration Fee | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Capital Development Fee | $84.22 | $84.22 |
| CSI Advocacy Fee | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| CSI Association Fee | $120.00 | $120.00 |
| CSI College Int'l Health Insurance Plan (CIHIP) | $680.00 | - |
| CSI Extended Health & Dental Plan Fee | $345.00 | - |
| CSI Legal Care Fee | $35.00 | - |
| CSI UPass Fee | $131.14 | $131.14 |
| Graduation/Alumni Services Fee | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| ISR (International Student Recovery) | $375.00 | $375.00 |
| ONE Card Fee | $9.50 | $9.50 |
| Recreation/Athletics Fee | $74.00 | $74.00 |
| Student Services | $91.50 | $91.50 |
| Student Spaces 2 | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Technology Enhancement Fee | $110.00 | $110.00 |
| CSI - Student Welcome Kit Fee (optional) | $75.00 | - |
| CSI Student Events Fee (optional) | $35.00 | $35.00 |
| Sustainability Fee (optional) | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Term Total | $10654.65 | $9519.65 |
| Year Total | $20174.30 |
Returning student tuition & fees
View all Canadian tuition & fee details for all levels
View all International tuition & fee details for all levels
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 requirementsFinancial assistance
Awards & scholarships
Student Financial Services awarded more than 400 awards, scholarships and bursaries last year.
Delivery sequence - September 2026 - Kitchener – Doon
| FALL | WINTER | SPRING |
|---|---|---|
| Class | Class |