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Entry Level Infection Prevention Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MUSC

Respiratory Student Technician I

Charleston, SC · On-site

... entry level · Basic Life Support (BLS) certification preferred Safety & Compliance: · Adheres to all hospital infection prevention policies and CDC guidelines · Utilizes appropriate personal ...

Imh

Endoscopy Technician

Salt Lake City, UT

$20.07 - $28.59/hr

This entry-level role ensures safe and effective care during procedures such as Colonoscopy ... Practices strict infection prevention and high-level disinfection standards, including point-of-use ...

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Entry Level Infection Prevention information

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How much do entry level infection prevention jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level infection prevention in the United States is $42.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.94 and $44.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the career path for infection control?

Entry level infection prevention roles often serve as a starting point in infection control careers, with opportunities to advance to senior infection preventionist, infection control manager, or director positions. Progression typically involves gaining experience, obtaining certifications like CIC (Certified in Infection Control), and developing leadership and specialized skills in healthcare settings.

What kinds of teams or departments does an Entry Level Infection Preventionist typically collaborate with on a regular basis?

As an Entry Level Infection Preventionist, you will frequently work alongside nursing staff, environmental services, laboratory technicians, and clinical leadership to implement infection control protocols. Collaboration is essential, as you may participate in multidisciplinary rounds, conduct training sessions, or assist with audits and data collection. Building strong relationships with these teams helps ensure effective communication and compliance with infection prevention measures across the facility.

Is an Infection Preventionist a good career?

An Infection Preventionist is a healthcare professional responsible for developing and implementing infection control protocols in healthcare settings. The role often requires certification, such as the Certification in Infection Control (CIC), and involves monitoring compliance, conducting staff training, and reducing infection risks. It can be a stable career with opportunities for advancement in healthcare and public health environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Infection Prevention Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Infection Prevention Specialist, you need a background in biology, public health, or nursing, often supported by a relevant degree or coursework in infection control. Familiarity with data analysis tools, surveillance systems, and infection control software such as NHSN is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and teamwork are vital soft skills for effectively implementing protocols and educating staff. These skills help ensure compliance with regulations, minimize infection risks, and promote a safe healthcare environment.

What is the best entry level healthcare job?

An entry-level infection prevention role typically involves supporting infection control protocols in healthcare settings, often requiring knowledge of sanitation procedures and basic healthcare practices. These positions may require certifications such as OSHA training or basic healthcare courses and usually offer opportunities for on-the-job training and skill development.

What is the difference between Entry Level Infection Prevention vs Infection Control Technician?

AspectEntry Level Infection PreventionInfection Control Technician
CertificationsCPH, CIC (preferred but not always required)CPH, CIC (often required)
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, healthcare facilitiesHospitals, laboratories, healthcare settings
Job FocusDeveloping policies, education, surveillanceImplementing infection control measures, data collection

Entry Level Infection Prevention roles focus on developing policies and educating staff, while Infection Control Technicians are more involved in implementing measures and monitoring infection rates. Both roles require similar certifications and work in healthcare environments, but their daily responsibilities differ slightly.

What are entry level infection prevention jobs?

Entry level infection prevention jobs are positions typically found in healthcare settings where individuals assist with strategies to prevent and control the spread of infections. These roles often involve tasks like monitoring cleanliness, collecting and analyzing infection data, educating staff about hygiene practices, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. People in these roles usually work under the supervision of experienced infection preventionists and may be required to have some background in healthcare or science. The goal is to help keep patients, staff, and visitors safe from infectious diseases. Entry level positions provide valuable experience for those interested in advancing to more specialized infection control roles.

How to get into infection prevention?

To pursue an entry-level infection prevention role, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions preferring healthcare-related certifications such as Certified in Infection Control (CIC) or training in healthcare sanitation. Relevant skills include attention to detail, knowledge of infection control protocols, and the ability to work in healthcare or clinical environments; on-the-job training is common for new hires.
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Entry Level Infection Prevention jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Infection Prevention job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $88,084 per year, or $42.3 per hour.

Nurse (Infection Preventionist Program Manager)

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Portland, OR

$116K/yr

Other

Re-posted 11 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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