About the program

Today’s healthcare environment is changing, and there’s an increased need for infection control measures, outbreak or pandemic planning, isolation cleaning levels, emergency preparedness and timely response in the healthcare setting. In this college health diploma program’s courses, you’ll learn to develop, implement, and monitor operating systems and preventative maintenance in the housekeeping, laundry, maintenance and transportation areas within the environmental department of a healthcare facility. You’ll also learn about the emergence of new technologies to fight antibiotic-resistant “superbugs” and to help support disease control of Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs).

The curriculum will include concepts of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) as well as going “green” for a healthier environment and to reduce pollution and the carbon footprint. You’ll also research the use of effective eco-friendly products with lower volatile organic compounds.

To help you acquire the necessary skills, the Healthcare Environmental Services Management program from Centennial College will also expose you to the industry’s best practices and continuous quality improvements to coordinate and monitor building, sanitation, maintenance and operating systems. You’ll also be informed of the wide range of environmental issues healthcare facilities encounter as they work to comply with the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, Health Canada, Occupational Health and Safety, Provincial Infectious Diseases Advisory Committee (PIDAC) and other regulatory requirements.

As part of Public Health Ontario, the PIDAC has created best practice documents, reports and recommendations on matters related to communicable diseases, immunization, and infection prevention and control and surveillance. Centennial’s HESM program is recognized as a recommended program that managers and supervisors in environmental service departments can attend when directly related to environmental cleaning in health care.

Career Prospects

Career Outlook

• Healthcare Environmental Service Management
• Healthcare Facilities & Building Operations Manager
• Healthcare Laundry Supervisor
• Housekeeping and/or Laundry Supervisor
• Environmental Services Management
• Linen and Transportation Supervisor
• Property Manager