U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship Issues National Occupational Framework (NOF) for IPs

Federal Program Highlights the Role of Infection Preventionists, Provides Guidance to Help Address the Shortage of These Essential Professionals Through Apprenticeships

Arlington, Va. – December 12, 2023 – With infection preventionists (IPs) in short supply at the nation’s hospitals, surgical centers, and nursing homes, APIC – the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology – has provided subject matter expertise to help the Urban Institute and U.S. Department of Labor develop a first-of-its-kind framework for IP apprenticeship programs.

The U.S. Department of Labor issued the “Infection Preventionist National Occupational Framework,” a registered apprenticeship framework to help train new IPs and prepare them to work in the field. Under the Employment Training Administration, the Urban Institute, a nonprofit research organization, was awarded a grant to develop an infrastructure of occupational standards for registered apprenticeship programs, helping to accelerate the expansion of such programs throughout the US. The Urban Institute collaborated with APIC on building the framework for IP apprenticeship programs.

“The national occupational framework for infection preventionists establishes a high-quality training standard using Registered Apprenticeship – the nation’s premier earn and learn model,” said Zach Boren, senior policy program manager at the Urban Institute. “With the release of the framework, we aim to support a highly skilled workforce dedicated to safeguarding public health and look forward to the positive impact it will have on infection prevention nationwide.”

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic there was a reported 25% vacancy in the field of infection prevention and control.  Further, with an increased focus on the need for infection preventionists, this field faces a wave of retirements: 65% of IPs are aged 46 or older and 38.5% are aged 56 or older.

This apprenticeship will provide an additional pathway to prepare for a profession in infection prevention and control and aligns with APIC’s own academic pathway for IPs. IPs newly trained through the apprenticeship and professional certification will be fully qualified to take on the myriad of tasks to keep patients and healthcare workers safe from infectious diseases and healthcare-associated infections. 

“APIC is excited to announce the new apprenticeship program which will help to address IP staffing shortages and build the workforce for the future,” said Devin Jopp, EdD, MS and CEO of APIC. “With nearly 40 percent of current IPs expected to retire in the next five years, programs such as this are essential to help attract new candidates to the field of infection prevention and control and improve safety at our nation’s healthcare facilities.”

Founded in 1972, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) is the leading association for infection preventionists and epidemiologists. With more than 15,000 members, APIC advances the science and practice of infection prevention and control. APIC carries out its mission through research, advocacy, and patient safety; education, credentialing, and certification; and fostering development of the infection prevention and control workforce of the future. Together with our members and partners, we are working toward a safer world through the prevention of infection. Join us and learn more at apic.org.

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Media contacts: Aaron Cohen, aaroncohenpr@gmail.com, 301-633-6773; Liz Garman, egarman@apic.org, 202-454-2604