MSN in Infection Prevention and Control
Develop the expertise you need to improve patient safety by earning your Master of Science Nursing with a specialization in Infection and Prevention Control. One of seven specializations offered by our CCNE-accredited MSN program, our curriculum is specifically designed to be 100% online for maximum flexibility. You’ll be stepping into a field with immense opportunity, having earned the credentials you need to make a difference.
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MSN (Term-Based) vs. MSN Powered by SIMPath®
Which method is right for you?
You can choose from a traditional term-based delivery method or a more flexible method utilizing virtual simulations called MSN Powered by SIMPath® to complete your degree.
MSN (Term-Based)
Ideal for learners who prefer a structured approach with more guidance and less emphasis on computer simulated learning environments.
- Coursework is presented completely online
- Monthly starts
- Total of 12 term-based nursing courses
- Structured 8-week courses
- Complete 1-2 courses in 8 weeks
- 8-week courses may be overlapped or spaced out
- Courses are in a traditional format:
- Highly structured courses with consistent due dates. Discussion posts are due on Wednesdays and papers are due on Monday mornings.
- Regular peer interaction through discussion posts
- Competencies are mainly demonstrated through writing papers
- Fewer virtual simulation assignments
$560 per credit hour or $1,680 per course
Total standard tuition: Up to $20,160 (could be less depending on your transfer credits)
MSN Powered by SIMPath®
Ideal if you are self-disciplined and comfortable with technology. You can move through courses at you own pace and demonstrate your skills utilizing an array of methods.
- Coursework is presented completely online
- Monthly starts
- Register for 16-week semesters and complete the 12 courses at your own pace
- Courses are in our Powered by SIMPath® format:
- Show mastery of competencies in unique ways such as PowerPoint presentations, graphics, videos, papers or something completely new
- Utilize digital resources such as Sentinel Data Labs to enhance the learning experience
- Weekly meeting with your instructor and peers to keep you on track
- No “due dates” – although all projects need to be submitted by the end of the 16-week semester
$4,000 per 16-week semester
Total standard tuition: $16,000 (based on completing graduate in four semesters – can be completed in fewer semesters)
Note: start with a maximum of 3 courses; add as your schedule permits
MSN Infection Prevention and Control Curriculum
A specialization in Infection and Prevention Control (IPC) will develop your expertise in epidemiology and pathophysiology. Our rigorous curriculum covers a breadth of issues in Infection and Prevention, including emerging infectious diseases.
Key courses include:
- Clinical Epidemiology
- Infection Prevention and Control
- Collection and Interpretation of Surveillance Data
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M.S. Nursing, Infection Prevention and Control – Term Based Curriculum
Completion of the MSN, infection prevention and control specialization, requires 36 credit hours. Students may be eligible to transfer up to 18 credit hours from previous graduate study.
View more information on MSN practice experiences.
MSN Core Courses (18 credit hours) Credit Hours* N501PE MSN Role Development* 3 N512 Advanced Pathophysiology 3 N505PE Theoretical Foundations* 3 N515PE Research Design* 3 N521 Advanced Pharmacology 3 N522PE Advanced Physical Assessment 3
Infection Prevention and Control Specialization (18 credit hours) Credit Hours* BIO501 Introduction to Identification of the Infectious Disease Processes 3 EPI500 Clinical Epidemiology 3 N570PE Infection Prevention and Control 3 N571PE Design of a Surveillance System 3 N572PE Collection and Interpretation of Surveillance Data 3 N555PE MSN Capstone 3 * Credit hours are equivalent to semester hours
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M.S. Nursing, Infection Prevention and Control – Powered by SIMPath® Curriculum
Completion of the MSN, infection prevention and control specialization, requires 36 credit hours. Students may be eligible to transfer up to 18 credit hours from previous graduate study.
View more information on MSN practice experiences.
MSN, Powered by SIMPath®
Core Courses (18 credit hours)Credit Hours* N501PE-CBE MSN Role Development* 3 N512-CBE Advanced Pathophysiology 3 N521-CBE Advanced Pharmacology 3 N505PE-CBE Theoretical Foundations* 3 N515PE-CBE Research Design* 3 N522PE-CBE Advanced Physical Assessment 3 MSN Infection Prevention and Control Specialization, Powered by SIMPath® (18 credit hours) Credit Hours* BIO501-CBE Introduction to Identification of the Infectious Disease Processes 3 EPI500-CBE Clinical Epidemiology 3 N570PE-CBE Infection Prevention and Control 3 N571PE-CBE Design of a Surveillance System 3 N572PE-CBE Collection and Interpretation of Surveillance Data 3 N555PE-CBE MSN Capstone 3 * Credit hours are equivalent to semester hours
American Sentinel’s MSN, IPC specialization, was created following similar principles that are outlined in the Infection Control Professional Detailed Content Outline developed by the Certification Board for Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (The Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. is not affiliated with nor endorses any products or services provided herein.)
You Can Afford It
Most of our students graduate debt free by taking advantage of our flexible payment options and 0% financing. Comparing costs for higher education can be tricky. Find everything you need for a total cost comparison here and you’ll see why earning your MSN with American Sentinel offers great value.
More on Master’s in Infection Control
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Graduates of our MSN Infection and Prevention Control can assume management roles in a wide variety of healthcare organizations where they:
- Interpret infection control data
- Assess and manage environmental risks
- Design and implement surveillance systems
- Develop evidence-based practices
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Graduates of the MSN degree program, infection prevention and control specialization, will be able to:
- Apply principles of epidemiology to environmental risk assessment.
- Develop a comprehensive infection prevention and control program.
- Design a surveillance system.
- Interpret infection control data.
- Integrate roles as leaders and collaborators in various healthcare settings.
- Use theoretical knowledge to guide advanced nursing practice.
- Analyze models that expand the role of nurses in a global society.
- Evaluate legislation, policies, and economics as applied to the current healthcare environment.
- Appraise research to enhance professional nursing practice
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All coursework for the Master of Science Nursing is 100% online and includes Practice experiences. Practice experiences do not involve hands-on patient care. Unlike the clinical experiences you completed to become a registered nurse, practice experiences are built in to your courses and do not add additional work.
Practice experiences are interactive learning opportunities where you get to apply the concepts you are learning to real world scenarios. They are an important requirement for accreditation, as it enables students to demonstrate educational competencies.
MSN Practice Experiences
To be at the forefront of nursing education, we not only strive to meet accreditors’ guidelines, but we also work to meet the needs of our nursing students. Both our students and AACN agree, nursing is a practice profession. So, to enhance the experience of our nursing students, we include Practice Experiences as part of our online MSN program. These experiences are built into the courses and do not add additional work. Instead, they offer more interactive learning assignments.
Types of Practice Experiences (PEs)
- PRACTICE LEARNING EXPERIENCES (PLE): Course assignments that allow you to use what you learned in the online classroom out in the real world
- SIMULATIONS (S): Assignments that involve participation in virtual settings
- PRECEPTED PRACTICE EXPERIENCES (PPE): Course assignments that take place in the workplace or other healthcare settings
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The mission of the MSN program is to prepare highly qualified professional nursing personnel to serve global healthcare communities as administrators, educators, and informatics specialists.
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For information on program eligibility requirements, please visit the Master’s Program Admissions Requirements page.
We’re here to answer your questions!
Join an upcoming MSN & BSN/MSN Bridge Q&A webinar!
Reserve your seat:
The mission of the MSN program is to prepare highly qualified professional nursing personnel to serve global healthcare communities as administrators, educators, and informatics specialists.
What Our Students Are Saying
At American Sentinel, you’re constantly learning from others at different hospitals around the country. It has benefited me in ways I didn’t consider. I’m glad I took the leap.

MSN, Infection Prevention and Control with Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital
"When I get this master's degree finished, I think I will have proven something to others and to myself. I’ve enjoyed the intellectual stimulation and the knowledge I've gained. I’m excited to get involved in infection prevention research and take the next step in my career."

MSN, Infection Control and Prevention student, 2019
I love the online structure of it and the eight-week courses, but I especially like the classes.

MSN, Infection Prevention and Control student with HCA
American Sentinel was there for me every step of the way. I went through a whole lot to make this degree happen. The people there were wonderful and helped me whenever I needed it.

MSN, Infection Prevention and Control with Catholic Health Initiatives