Background: In 2016, in response to training gaps identified during Ebola preparedness in 2014, the Ministry of Health issued a Health Care Worker All Hazard Personal Protection Training Framework. The framework contains five training components. The first three components cover basic training on routine practices, point of care risk assessment, selection and use of personal protective equipment, and application of additional precautions.
These elements of the training framework were addressed by first replacing PICNet’s previous Provincial Infection Control and Hand Hygiene online education module with two new modules in 2017 and updated in 2022 and 2026, respectively. Following this, Infection Control for High Threat Pathogens online courses were created and updated in 2026. These are not intended to be “stand alone” education, but the first step in a series of online and hands-on simulation practices to be completed by health authorities at specific facilities.
If you have any questions about the modules, including which one you should take, you can contact PICNet. Please note: for any issues with your LearningHub account, including creating/updating your account, completing the modules, and/or printing your certificate, please visit the PHSA LearningHub Help & Support page.
Infection Control Precautions for High Threat Pathogens Education Modules are available on LearningHub
Provincial Infection Prevention and Control Precautions for High Threat Pathogens Course
| UPDATE (Aug 2026): PICNet is pleased to announce the launch of a revised, Provincial Infection Prevention and Control Precautions for High Threat Pathogens (Course # 37760) e-learning course available through PHSA LearningHub. Provincial training standards used in this course include preparedness for responding safely to high threat pathogens (HTPs). |
The new course replaces two previous courses on the PHSA LearningHub:
- Course #17683 PICNet – Infection Control Precautions for High Threat Pathogens
- Course #17945 PICNet – Infection Control Precautions for High Threat Pathogens (PAPR)
Important Course Transition Note: Courses #17683 and #17945 will be retired after September 17th, 2026, and will no longer be accessible after this date. Learners currently registered have been informed to complete these courses or register for the new, revised course. Any incomplete progress in Courses #17683 and #17945 will not be retained after the courses are retired.
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Course Learning Objectives Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to describe and explain:
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What’s New? Key enhancements in the revised course include:
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Please note: This online course must be supplemented with hands-on training at the participant’s worksite or organization. Health care workers designated to care for patients with suspected or confirmed HTPs are required to complete both components.
This course is intended for health care workers who may provide direct care to patients with suspected or confirmed HTPs, including physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, Trained Observers, PPE Doffing Assistants, and BCEHS staff working in the BC Biocontainment Unit, emergency departments, and other designated Type 1 and Type 2 facilities in British Columbia.
Acknowledgements
PICNet gratefully acknowledges the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) High Threat Pathogen (HTP) Sub-Working Group, the BC Biocontainment Team, and the other provincial partners for their collaboration, expertise, collaboration, and valuable contributions to the development, review, and refinement of this course. Their input was instrumental in ensuring the course content reflects current provincial practices and supports preparedness for the safe management of patients with suspected or confirmed high threat pathogens.
Additional Modules on LearningHub
- Biocontainment Cleaning of Medical Equipment for High Threat Pathogens
- Biocontainment Cleaning for High Threat Pathogens (EVS/Housekeeping)
Each health authority will communicate to its staff who should complete which course; please contact your supervisor if you have questions about this.
Modules are hosted on the PHSA Learning Hub, where you can track your courses and print a certificate after completion. Anyone (including health-care workers not employed by a health authority) can access the modules, but please note, in order for each Health Authority to have records of which of their employees have completed the modules, staff must access the modules as follows:
- First Nations, Fraser Health, PHSA, Vancouver Coastal Health, Northern Health, and Island Health and health authority affiliated staff: Use the Learning Hub
- Interior Health staff: Use the i-Learn platform