Building a Career in Healthcare Environmental Services Management

Both the healthcare providers and patients in healthcare settings are vulnerable to a number of infections and other medical threats. There is an increased need for infection control measures in healthcare settings, in order to protect workers, clients and patients from environmental hazards.

This has given rise to the demand for professionals who can effectively manage healthcare environment, ensuring that the building in which business is operating is safe. The sector is going to create numerous jobs in the coming years, as healthcare environment management is now being considered as basic requirement to promote good health and safety for workers as well as patients.

The healthcare environment management professionals are expected to:

• Support the provision of a healthy and safe healthcare environment
• Analyze infection prevention and control requirements in a building
• Comply with current legislation standards and regulations
• Apply infection control procedures and practices to keep the facility environmentally sound
• Manage healthcare environmental services operations
• Develop and implement a departmental budget for environment management
• Apply effective sanitation practices to enhance environmental security
• Maintain all documents and  keep a record of everything in compliance with current healthcare environmental services regulations
  
  

A healthcare management program – environmental services prepares students for challenging yet exciting careers in healthcare environment management. The program helps them develop knowledge, skills and experience necessary to build rewarding careers in this sector.

Healthcare Environment Management Program in Canada

Centennial College’s healthcare management course – environmental services covers a wide range of subjects, including:

• Occupational Health and Safety
• Infection Control
• Cleaning and Linen Methodology
• Role of Healthcare Environmental Service Manager
• Computer Applications
• The Healthcare System
• Communication and Inter-professional collaboration for environmental sciences
• Math Application for Environmental Sciences
• Purchasing and Materials Management
• Management and Leadership Principles
• Healthcare Business Practices
• Human Resources Management
• Plant Operations and Systems Management
• Labour Relations
• Cost Analysis
• Financial Management and Budgeting
  
  

The program incorporates classroom learning, hands-on practical lab experience, field trips, guest speaker presentations, computer education, and two field placements. In addition, the program also combines business, financial and human relations skills to prepare students for challenging careers.

Admission Requirements

In order to apply for this program, students will need:

• Secondary school diploma or equivalent
• English Grade 12 C or University or equivalent
• Mathematics Grade 11 M or 12 C or University or equivalent
  
  

After admission, students require:

• Annual clear police check with vulnerable screening
• Completion and annual renewal of a recognized course in CPR
• Completion of a recognized course in Standard First Aid
• Mask fit testing
• Completion of pre-clearance health form by a registered healthcare practitioner, stating that the applicant meets health requirements of the legislated acts, ministry guidelines and agency policies