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Certificate in Infection Control and Sterilisation
The promotion of infection control is a key risk management strategy aimed at improving infection control outcomes for patients and staff. Quality management of reprocessing of surgical equipment within a Central Sterilising Department is critical for successful patient outcomes.

This Certificate in Infection Control and Sterilisation is considered within the health industry to be the definitive qualification for registered nurses pursuing a career in infection control and sterilisation and is aimed at delivering best practice in this specialty area.

  Application Form
Details
Entry Criteria

Registered (division 1) Nurses, with preference given to those working in infection control, sterilising services, operating suite, high dependency units or isolation wards. Other health professionals may enrol, subject to qualifications and experience.

Training Program
  • Clinical Microbiology
  • Sterilisation and Disinfection
  • Infection Control
  • Management, Communication and Quality Processes
  • Advanced Infection Control or Advanced Sterilisation
Selected Electives

Advanced Sterilisation
  • This elective develops specialised skills for the management of a sterilisation department. Topics unique to sterilisation are investigated to provide the manager with the knowledge to implement the current Australian Standard applying to the provision of the sterilisation services with a healthcare facility. Topics include: steam and water quality, calibration and validation as required by AS4187.
Advanced Infection Control
  • This elective introduces the infection control consultant to more specific issues related to infection control. The topics prepare the student for the role as infection control consultant by investigating infection control issues such as high risk patient populations, the environment as a risk for infection and waste management practices. Extended skills in epidemiology and surveillance prepare the student for requirements of data collection and statistics. The elective also looks at the broad scope of the infection control consultant within the context of a healthcare facility.
Content

Unit 1 Microbiology
  • This unit covers basic, systematic bacteriology, virology, mycology and parasitology. This is complemented with identification of body system infections. Microbiology procedures azs they apply to infection control and sterilisation are demonstrated including student involvement in practical sessions. Methods of overcoming infections are identified including the innate human defence mechanisms and the role of antibiotics. The 3 day microbiology practicum is held at RMIT Bundoora in the first week of the course.
Unit 2 Sterilisation and Disinfection
  • This unit investigates in detail, the requirements of the Australian Standard AS/NZS 4187 'Cleaning, disinfecting and sterilising reusable medical and surgical instruments and equipment, and maintenance of associated environments in health care facilities'. This Standard applies to acute care central sterilising departments. Observation tours to relevant companies is part of the curriculum.
Unit 3 Infection Control
  • This unit addresses the requirement for a health care facility to provide appropriate infection control practices. Issues discussed include outbreak management, infection control in high risk units, neonates and paediatrics, and hospital design. The connection with public health and epidemiology is explored as is the legal and ethical issues raised in infection control. Staff issues such as vaccinations and occupational health and safety are investigated. Application of infection surveillance techniques is discussed.
Unit 4 Management
  • Implementing infection control frequently requires good interpersonal skills. this unit addresses quality improvements, change management, and communication techniques. The unit aims to develop project management, resource management and writing skills. The written assessment develops skills in writing evidence based reports. The final week presentations help to develop more effective verbal communication skills.
    The following units from the Diploma of Management are included in the course:
  • Manage personal work priorities and professional development (BSBWOR501A)
  • Manage operational plans (BSBMGT515A)
  • Build and sustain an innovative work environment (BSBINN502A)
Course Benefits

On completion participants will be able to:
  • Effectively implement an evidence-based infection control program
  • Manage or act as a resource for sterilising services
  • Utilise a quality management approach to improve work practices
Delivery

19 days on-site at Mayfield from 9.00am to 4.30pm; plus a self-paced distance education package.

Dates

Commencing 2 February 2009

2-6 February; 2-5 March; 25-29 May; 27-30 July; 23 November 2009

Assessment

An examination, written assignments, and class presentations. A certificate is awarded after achieving a satisfactory standard in all areas.

Award

Mayfield Certificate

Tertiary Articulation

This program articulates into the Master of Advanced Practice (Infection Control) through distance education at Griffith University for students who have completed an undergraduate degree.

CNE Points

25 CNE points

Fee

$4,715 per person

Closing Date

19 December 2008. Late applications may be considered.

Location

Hawthorn campus

  Application Form