Microcredential
A Systems Approach to Infection Prevention and Control
On this page: Overview | Entry requirements | Scope of future study | Learning outcomes | Course structure | Fees | Apply
Important dates
| 2026 | Applications close | Commences | Census Date | Academic Withdrawal** | Ends | Grade Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | 14 January 2026 | 19 January 2026 | 2 February 2026 | 23 February 2026 | 29 March 2026 | 13 April 2026 |
| Term 2 | 8 April 2026 | 13 April 2026 | 27 April 2026 | 18 May 2026 | 21 June 2026 | 6 July 2026 |
| Term 3 | 1 July 2026 | 6 July 2026 | 20 July 2026 | 10 August 2026 | 13 September 2026 | 28 September 2026 |
| Term 4 | 23 September 2026 | 28 September 2026 | 12 October 2026 | 2 November 2026 | 6 December 2026 | 18 January 2027 |
| 2027 | Applications close | Commences | Census Date | Academic Withdrawal | Ends | Grade Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | 13 January 2027 | 18 January 2027 | 1 February 2027 | 22 February 2027 | 28 March 2027 | 12 April 2027 |
| Term 2 | 7 April 2027 | 12 April 2027 | 26 April 2027 | 17 May 2027 | 20 June 2027 | 5 July 2027 |
| Term 3 | 30 June 2027 | 5 July 2027 | 19 July 2027 | 9 August 2027 | 12 September 2027 | 27 September 2027 |
| Term 4 | 22 September 2027 | 27 September 2027 | 11 October 2027 | 1 November 2027 | 5 December 2027 | 4 January 2028 |
| 2028 | Applications close | Commences | Census Date | Academic Withdrawal | Ends | Grade Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | 12 January 2028 | 17 January 2028 | 31 January 2028 | 21 February 2028 | 26 March 2028 | 10 April 2028 |
| Term 2 | 5 April 2028 | 10 April 2028 | 24 April 2028 | 15 May 2028 | 18 June 2028 | 3 July 2028 |
| Term 3 | 28 June 2028 | 3 July 2028 | 17 July 2028 | 7 August 2028 | 10 September 2028 | 25 September 2028 |
| Term 4 | 20 September 2028 | 25 September 2028 | 9 October 2028 | 30 October 2028 | 3 December 2028 | 2 January 2029 |
Overview
This microcredential builds on the foundational concepts introduced in the first microcredential and equips nurses with advanced knowledge and skills that are grounded in a systems-based approach to infection prevention and control. The primary aim of this microcredential is to develop comprehensive understanding of communicable diseases, health care acquired infections, and the principles of epidemiology and surveillance essential for effective infection prevention and control.
This microcredential is the second in a series of three that corresponds with the unit of study 364 Infection Prevention and Control in Clinical Practice.
Entry requirements
Available to all registered nurses and midwives regardless of the workplace setting
Pre-requisite
Scope of future study
This microcredential is the second in a series of three. Completing all three in the series allows you to apply for credit towards the unit 364 Infection Prevention and Control in Clinical Practice (6 credit points) to build towards a full Graduate Certificate in Acute Care Nursing, Graduate Certificate in Aged Care Nursing, Graduate Certificate in Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Nursing, and Graduate Certificate in in Perioperative Nursing at ACN.
Which unit does this microcredential align with?
Learning outcomes
- appraise the role of the nurse in preventing and controlling infection within the context of their practice
- evaluate strategies employed to identify and control institutional and community-based infection outbreaks
- investigate environmental considerations related to infection prevention and control in the context of their practice
- justify appropriate strategies for the prevention of infection
Course structure
Topics
- Module 1: Microbiology and the immune system
- Module 2: Healthcare acquired infections (HAI’s)
- Module 3: Communicable diseases
- Module 4: Epidemiology
- Module 5: Surveillance
- Module 6: Quality improvement
Assessment
- Essay
Fees
Members: $881
Non-members: $979
Fees are GST inclusive and are subject to change without notice.
Meet your Nurse Educator
Sharron Smyth-Demmon, Nurse Educator – Higher Education
RN, MCN, B.Ed (Prof. Hons), DPSN, Cert IV TAE, MACN, MACORN, NSWOTA, ACPAN
e: sharron.smyth-demmon@acn.edu.au
» About me
Sharron coordinates our Graduate Certificate in Perioperative Nursing. She began her nursing career in the United Kingdom where she worked in primarily in the field of women’s health, both in an acute gynaecological setting and in primary health as a qualified family planning nurse. Sharron has several years of experience within the perioperative setting, mainly in anaesthetics and recovery. She also has extensive experience in the day surgery environment. Sharron has 30 years of nursing experience and sees nursing as not only a science but also an art, with compassion, humanity and empathy at its core.
» Collapse
Apply now
Please ensure you read all course information and make sure you meet entry requirements prior to commencing the application form.
Application will not be progressed until all relevant documentation has been received by Customer Services.
We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health care professionals to study this course. If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person we encourage you to let us know in your application. If you require assistance with completing your application or support during the course, please don’t hesitate to let us know.
Application form will open in a new window. Your privacy is very important to us. To better serve you, the form information you enter is recorded in real time.
How microcredentials work
Start with a single course, build practical skills you can use immediately, and stack credits towards a graduate certificate when you’re ready.
1
Choose your first course
Start with any microcredential that fits your goals and interests. Each course is online, self-paced, and designed to make an impact in your practice right away.
2
Build your expertise
As you complete more courses, you build expertise in essential areas. Each microcredential you complete adds to your skills and prepares you for greater responsibility.
3
Stack towards a Graduate Certificate
Combine your completed courses to work towards a graduate certificate, creating a pathway to formal qualifications on your own schedule.
Why study with ACN
*The ACN Member discount cannot be applied to the Graduate Certificate in Nursing (Re-entry).
Discover more course options from ACN
We’re here to help you every step of the way
For general information please contact:
Customer Services
t: (02) 9745 7500
e: customerservices@acn.edu.au
More information
Credly platform
Credly FAQs
Postnominals