With the COVID-19 pandemic, the spotlight is shining on public health, as public health directors and advisors are featured in the news for their leadership and expertise and many others are hard at work behind the scenes. Together, their efforts are making communities safer and healthier, helping to reduce the pressure on the nurses, doctors and other care providers in our healthcare system.
Since the start of COVID-19, public health workers have been at the forefront of the pandemic, as we help to slow the spread of the cases; working closely with our healthcare partners to track infection rates and exposure; in addition our work will help to shape policy at the local, state and national levels; and protect the health of those around us. Today, more than ever, public health practitioners are uniquely able to create change to support, policies, and increase the quality and equality for accessibility of healthcare.
South University recently launched an online Contact Tracing course available to the public at no cost. This training is available for those seeking employment to expand this much needed workforce, in support of public health agencies as they increase their workforce to conduct contact tracing for COVID-19.
Get Started Today: To register and explore what it takes to conduct a contact-tracing interview to visit us at www.southuniversity.edu
“At South University, we were aware of the pressure public health workers and agencies were under long before COVID-19 began,” said Dr. Jason Robertson, Chair of the Public Health programs in the South University College of Nursing and Public Health. “As COVID-19 spread, we knew from practice partners that training for contact tracing was needed for the public health workforce that could quickly and efficiently assist a wide variety of public health agencies.”
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 Jason Robertson |
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While many states have launched a large-scale effort to train contract tracers, this course is available nationally with the guidelines set forth by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
“South University is excited to offer this program at no-charge to individuals keen to help in the Covid-19 pandemic, by providing them with the knowledge to work with public health agencies in countering the spread of the virus.” Brian McAulay, South University’s Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.Students will take mini-assessments throughout the course and a final assessment at the end. Participants who receive a score of 80% or better on each assessment will receive a non-credit bearing certificate of completion that they can download and use to verify their completed training. To date, over 900 individuals have participated in the course, so far.
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 Brian McAulay |
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South University’s Public Health programs set our students up to be able to develop much needed skills, whether you’re new in the field or continuing your education. Through our bachelor’s and master’s programs, we are here to help guide the next generation of public health leaders and influencers for the health of the world tomorrow.
In the weeks and months ahead, public health professionals will continue to be involved in the work towards a vaccine, the ongoing tracking of the virus, and the planning for relaxing guidelines for businesses and communities when it is safe to do so. Already, as a result of the efforts of public health professionals, the United States has achieved meaningful changes that are helping to flatten the curve, reduce the spread of the disease and save lives – reinforcing that this field is invaluable to our towns, states and nation. No matter what lies ahead, one thing is sure – public health professionals will continue to be there working with people and communities to help us get through it safely.
To find out more about South University or to register for the Contact Tracing Course – please visit: www.southuniversity.edu
Programs, credential levels, technology, and scheduling options vary by school and are subject to change. Not all online programs are available to residents of all U.S. states. Administrative office: South University, 709 Mall Boulevard, Savannah, GA 31406-4805 © 2020 South University. All rights reserved.