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Associate Infection Preventionist Jobs in Portland, OR

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Associate Infection Preventionist information

See Portland, OR salary details

$21

$50

$81

How much do associate infection preventionist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate infection preventionist in Portland, OR is $50.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.99 and $58.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by an associate infection preventionist during their first year on the job?

During the first year, Associate Infection Preventionists often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing infection control guidelines, learning to conduct effective surveillance, and building rapport with clinical staff. They must quickly become familiar with hospital protocols, data analysis tools, and reporting requirements. Additionally, balancing multiple investigations and educational initiatives while ensuring compliance across departments can be demanding, but support from experienced team members and ongoing training helps ease the transition.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate infection preventionist?

To thrive as an Associate Infection Preventionist, you need a background in healthcare, knowledge of infection control principles, and often a bachelor's degree in nursing, microbiology, or a related field. Familiarity with surveillance software, data analysis tools, and CDC infection reporting systems is typically required, and certification such as CIC (Certification in Infection Control) is highly valued. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills are crucial for educating staff and implementing prevention protocols. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure compliance, reduce healthcare-associated infections, and maintain a safe environment for patients and staff.

What is an associate infection preventionist?

An Associate Infection Preventionist is an entry-level healthcare professional responsible for helping prevent and control the spread of infections within healthcare settings. They work under the guidance of experienced infection preventionists to monitor infection data, educate staff on best practices, assist with outbreak investigations, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Their work is crucial for maintaining patient safety and promoting a healthy environment in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities.

What is the difference between Associate Infection Preventionist vs Infection Preventionist?

AspectAssociate Infection PreventionistInfection Preventionist
CertificationsTypically requires a certification like CIC or CIC-eligibleUsually holds a CIC (Certification in Infection Control) or equivalent
Work EnvironmentEntry-level roles in hospitals, clinics, or healthcare facilitiesMore experienced roles, often with broader responsibilities in similar settings
Employer UsageUsed for early-career or supporting roles in infection control teamsUsed for fully qualified infection prevention professionals

The Associate Infection Preventionist role is an entry-level position supporting infection control efforts, often requiring similar certifications as Infection Preventionists. While both work in healthcare environments, the Associate Infection Preventionist typically has less experience and responsibilities. The Infection Preventionist is a more advanced role with greater responsibilities in infection prevention and control programs.

What are popular job titles related to Associate Infection Preventionist jobs in Portland, OR? For Associate Infection Preventionist jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Infection Preventionist jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Infection Preventionist jobs in Portland, OR are:
Associate Infection Preventionist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Infection Preventionist job openings in Portland, OR as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 8% Physical, and 92% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $105,423 per year, or $50.7 per hour.

Nurse (Infection Preventionist Program Manager)

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Portland, OR

$116K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

The Infection Prevention Program Manager Registered Nurse leads the Infection Prevention & Control Program for VA Portland Health Care System, ensuring regulatory compliance, directing system-wide prevention activities, and providing expert guidance to leadership and clinical teams. The role coordinates surveillance, mitigates infection risks, and supports evidence-based practices to promote safe, high-quality care across all care settings.Qualifications:Basic Requirements:
  • English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English.
  • Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate accrediting agency and accredited by one of the following accrediting bodies at the time the program was completed by the applicant: The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE); OR Individuals attending a master's level bridge program in nursing who have completed coursework equivalent to a bachelor's level degree in Nursing may have opportunity to become registered as a nurse with a state licensing board prior to completion of the bridge program. Upon achievement of a State license, the individual may be appointed on temporary basis and later converted to a permanent appointment upon successful completion and graduation from the bridge program. (Reference VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G6); OR In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of a current, full, active, and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement for graduation from an approved school of professional nursing to warrant an appointment as a Nurse who has completed an associated degree/entry level Nursing education program. Credit for foreign nursing education higher that associate degree/entry level requires a formal degree equivalency validation from a recognized equivalency evaluation accepted by VA such as International Consultants of Delaware (ICD).
  • Current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States, or the District of Columbia. Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) Exception: Candidates who otherwise meet the basic education requirements, but do not possess the required licensure, may be appointed at the entry step of the grade and level applicable to the completed nursing education as a GNT on a 120-day temporary appointment while actively pursuing licensure (may be extended up to two years on a case-by-case-basis.)
Preferred Experience
  • Certification in Infection Control (CIC) preferred.
  • Previous managerial experience.
  • Four (4) or more years of experience as an Infection Preventionist.
  • Four (4) or more years of direct nursing care experience.
  • Proficiency in use of Excel and Powerpoint; infection prevention surveillance software; and medical record review.

NOTE: Grandfathering Provision - All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series and performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the standard (1/29/2024) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure/certification.
Grade Determinations: The following Scope, Education and Dimension criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade. The Dimension requirements (Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development and Evidence-Based Practice/Research) are detailed for each grade and level within the online assessment: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12978092.Grade/LevelScopeEducationNurse IIDemonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others.A BSN with 2 years of professional nursing equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR an MSN with one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with no professional nursing experience; OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN with no additional professional nursing experience.Nurse IIIExecutes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience and creative approaches to management of complex client care beyond the immediate practice setting.MSN and 2 years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Master's degree in *related field with BSN and two years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III.*Note: Foreign education programs/degrees are not creditable as related degrees.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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