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Infection Control Prevention Prog Mgr
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Tacoma, WA, 98405
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : 52.15-77.58 HOUR
Date Posted : 31 December 2025
Job Summary and Responsibilities
This position is responsible for overseeing and evaluating a comprehensive Infection Prevention/Control program for the assigned Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) facility/function designed to improve patient safety by minimizing the risk of transmission of healthcare-associated infections associated with medical procedures, equipment and devices. Populations served include patients, employees, volunteers, students and visitors. An incumbent applies sound epidemiologic principles, including risk stratification, to identify target populations, analyze trends and risk factors, and develop and evaluate prevention and control tactics for local application based on overarching strategies and priorities for the Pacific Northwest Division.
Patient-focused functions include risk assessment and risk reduction strategies (infectious disease transmission, construction/renovation projects, water events and air events), hospital-acquired infection surveillance, significant organism surveillance (including emerging pathogens), environment of care surveillance, education and notifiable diseases reporting for inpatients.
Work also involves researching and developing a comprehensive risk assessment(s) on an annual basis for the assigned facility/function, which prioritizes the risks, evaluates achievement of previous years’ plan, and creates a future plan, including stated goals for each distinct factor/element. An incumbent is in frequent communication with managers to provide timely feedback and to develop and implement proactive preventative and corrective action plans in response to actual and potential issues.
Work requires considerable knowledge of professional public health/epidemiology standards/practices/tools in order to assure that infection control and prevention procedures/protocols are understood and applied in the assigned facility in a timely, efficient and effective manner. Duties performed involve weighing and evaluating many factors requiring judgment, analytical ability and problem-solving in dealing with complex data and dynamic situations. Strong change management skills and the ability to work effectively with a variety of internal/external committees/work groups to promote utilization of EMR technologies and associated transition to new healthcare delivery systems is required.
Job Requirements
Education/Work Experience Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in nursing, public health, epidemiology, medical technology program, or other healthcare related field, and five years of recent related healthcare work experience that demonstrates attainment of the requisite job knowledge/abilities.
OR
Graduation from an accredited school of nursing, and five years of recent related work experience that demonstrates attainment of the requisite job knowledge/abilities.
Master’s degree in a related discipline may be substituted for two years of the experience requirement.
Licensure/Certification:
Depending on qualifying degree:
In Nursing: Current licensure by the Washington State Nursing Commission, OR
Other qualifying degree:
National Registration as an MLS (ASCP);
Certification with the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services as a Clinical Laboratory Technologist.
Certification in Infection Control (CBIC).
Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA)
Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRST)
Certified Board of Infection Control
In 2020 united in a fierce commitment to deliver the highest quality care and exceptional patient experience Virginia Mason and CHI Franciscan Health came together as natural partners to build a new health system centered around the patient: Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. Our combined system builds upon the scale and expertise of our nearly 300 sites of care including 11 hospitals and nearly 5000 physicians and providers. Together we are empowered to make an even greater impact on the health and well-being of our communities.
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Frequently asked questions
In Tacoma's healthcare facilities, this manager plays a crucial role by designing targeted infection prevention strategies that minimize healthcare-associated infection risks. Their expertise helps safeguard patients, staff, and visitors, ensuring medical procedures and environments meet rigorous safety standards.
Catholic Health Initiatives often prefers candidates with certifications like CBIC (Certification in Infection Control) or HSPA credentials, alongside nursing or public health degrees. These qualifications demonstrate mastery of epidemiologic principles and infection prevention vital for managing complex healthcare environments.
Strong change management skills and the ability to collaborate across diverse committees are key. Leaders must analyze complex infection data, implement proactive controls, and influence healthcare teams to adopt new EMR technologies, fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
Unlike typical nursing roles, this managerial position emphasizes program oversight, strategic risk assessments, and multi-department coordination. It blends hands-on epidemiology with leadership, focusing on systemic infection control rather than direct patient care exclusively.
Absolutely. Local infection rates and state-specific healthcare policies in Washington shape prevention priorities. Managers must stay current with evolving public health mandates and tailor protocols to the Pacific Northwest’s unique patient demographics and facility environments.
In Tacoma, salaries typically range from $95,000 to $130,000 annually, influenced by experience and certifications. This reflects the specialized nature of infection control management combined with the region’s cost of living and healthcare demand.
Tacoma’s growing healthcare sector has a steady demand for infection control specialists, but competition can be stiff due to the technical expertise required. Candidates with advanced certifications and local public health experience often have an edge in securing positions.
Navigating complex data sets to identify emerging infection risks, coordinating across multiple hospital departments, and adapting protocols during construction or air quality events are common hurdles. Effective communication with clinical and administrative teams is essential to overcome these.
The organization encourages continuous education, offering pathways toward advanced epidemiology roles and leadership positions. Exposure to a wide network of facilities enables skill enhancement in infection prevention technologies and public health strategy development.
While coordinators often handle operational tasks like surveillance and reporting, the Prog Mgr strategizes at a higher level—conducting risk stratification, developing annual prevention plans, and leading cross-functional initiatives to align infection control with broader organizational goals.