Contact Information: 847.376.7616, healthcontacttracer@oakton.edu
The Public Health Contact Tracer Professional program provides training for individuals interested in supporting public health strategies to mitigate disease in the community. Contact tracers identify, interview and provide instructions to individuals with infection or disease. Tracers link individuals with symptoms to community resources for testing and care. Students will acquire skills in communication, counseling/interviewing and foundational knowledge for implementing contact tracing tools and systems. This certificate can be completed in one semester.
Prerequisites:
- Placement into EGL 090 or EGL 097 or higher.
- Successful completion of four Northstar Digital Literacy assessments, including Basic Computer Skills, Internet Basics, Microsoft Excel, and Using Email.
Public Health Contact Tracer Professional Certificate
13 Semester Credit Hours; Curriculum: 0293
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses for a Certificate | ||
| HCT 101 | Introduction to Public Health Contact Tracing | 1 |
| HCT 102 | Public Health and Disease | 1 |
| HCT 103 | Introduction to Public Health Communications | 2 |
| HCT 104 | Disease Tracing Organization and Management | 1 |
| HSV 110 | Counseling/Interviewing | 3 |
| CAB 135 | Electronic Spreadsheeting Using Excel | 2 |
| CAB 140 | Database Application Using Access | 3 |
| Total Hours | 13 | |
Program Learning Outcomes
- Describe the roles and responsibilities of government, non-governmental organizations, and private citizens in maintaining public health.
- Discuss current public health policies that are relevant to preventing spread of infections and protecting individuals/populations.
- Examine resources available from state/local health departments including but not limited to social resources, referrals, protocols/procedures related to testing, treatment, etc.
- Discuss the role of public health surveillance and contact tracing.
- Demonstrate effective communication skills and best practices for remote work.
- Demonstrate proficiency with computers, Customer Relationship Management systems (CRM), and contract tracing.
Public Health Contact Tracer Courses
Course introduces students to a career as a contact tracer and the required skills to be successful. Students will enhance existing technology skills so they can be applied to contact tracing databases. Students will be able to identify critical resources and guidelines to support contacts and use employability skills to acquire accurate information.
Detecting health issues early and responding appropriately are critical to protect and promote the health of individuals and communities. This course will introduce students to the role of public health workers and organizations in the education, policy making and research of disease and prevention to maintain public health. Students will discuss global, national, state and local guidelines and processes related to given diseases.
Health communications provides an opportunity to improve individual and societal health by implementing strategies that educate and affect decisions and actions. This course introduces students to communication theories and skills in the context of health and illness.
Course provides an introduction to contact tracing management and organization. Emphasis is placed on the basic knowledge of types of and purpose of tracing technologies, including CDC’s EPI Info, quality control activities, and the legal and ethical issues around contact tracing.