Online Courses

Content Summary There are four sections in this course: Section 1: Epidemiology and Important Terms Section 2: Models for Understanding the Infectious Process Section 3: Epidemiology in Practice Section 4: Surveillance There are review questions at the end of each section. These review questions will provide you with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills presented in these sections. In Section 3, you will have the opportunity to look at the case study of foodborne outbreak investigation.  This course may be taken by itself, or as part of the New Public Health Administrators (NPHA) Curriculum. Intended Audience This course is intended for public health practitioners...

There are four sections in this course: Section 1: Background Section 2: BSLs and Use of Equipment for Your Safety Section 3: Pathogens of Risk Section 4: Building Safety into Laboratory Practice There are review questions at the end of each section. These review questions will provide you with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills presented in these sections. There is a post-test at the end of the course.  A Certificate of Completion is awarded on successful completion of this course.  Intended Audience laboratorians who handle biological and microbiological samples in clinical, reference, public health, animal, research or...

There are several sections in this course: Biosecurity and Biosafety Risk Assessments and the AMP Model AMP: Assessment AMP: Mitigation AMP: Performance Developing a Biosecurity Plan Quiz This course includes several interactions designed to underscore concepts discussed in the course, two downloadable risk assessment templates and laboratory guidance from APHL on specimen storage. Intended Audience This course is for clinical laboratorians who want to improve their knowledge of biosecurity practices that protect against unauthorized access, loss, theft, misuse, diversion or intentional release of dangerous biological materials. Learning Objectives At the end of the training module, you will be able to:...

This course provides guidance on the fundamentals of community-based planning, from contributing to a risk assessment to developing emergency operations plans (EOP) and engaging the whole community in addressing all risks and hazards. The course is intended for local public health administrators and local county emergency managers. Intended Audience local public health administrators and local county emergency managers Learning Objectives: After completing this course, learners should be able to: Applythe principles of community-based planning in contributing to a jurisdictional risk assessment for all hazards Expressthe role of risk assessment in developing emergency operations plans Identifya risk-informed planning team and community...

Course Summary There are 6 steps in this course: Step 1: Identify and Define the Problem Step 2: Gather Information Step 3: Develop Alternatives Step 4: Select an Alternative Step 5: Implement the Solution Step 6: Evaluate the Solution Each module includes at least one Review Question. These review questions will provide you with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills presented in the module. Intended Audience Public health leaders who may need to solve a problem or crisis by thinking critically about it and make appropriate decisions using an established six step model Learning Objectives At the end...

Welcome to the Disaster PrepWise Training Program Overview This program series helps train individuals interested in serving as a Disaster PrepWise program deliverer, who then help develop tailored disaster management plans before a disaster or emergency situation happens. As recommended by federal agencies, Disaster PrepWise uses an "all-hazards" approach to address various types of emergency situations. This program includes a series of six modules with additional supplemental modules. In order to receive a certification of completion, you must complete the six modules and receive a 70% or higher on the final assessment.  Intended Audience Individuals and/or groups who are interested...

Course Description Assist individuals with developing messaging to convey information to the general and special populations. It includes guidelines and tools that will help you to create an appropriate message. Intended Audience Health practitioners who need to increase their ability to effectively communicate with the public, media, health care providers and response community during a public health emergency. Learning Objectives: After completion of the course, learners should be able to: Discuss the underlying theories of crisis and risk communication guidelines. Illustrate principles of developing a message map. Explain how to utilize a message map. Describe conducting pre-emergency planning to facilitate...

Contact: N/A Phone: (206) 685-1130 E-mail: nwcphp@u.washington.edu Description: Do you find yourself struggling to communicate your public health message? This self-paced, interactive module is designed for public health professionals, especially those responsible for implementing environmental health programs. It introduces key communication strategies to help field workers successfully educate the public about environmental public health issues, communicate important environmental health information to diverse audiences, resolve conflicts, and market the value of environmental public health activities to clients and the public. Objectives: Summarize the five components of the communication process Describe three skills important for effectively educating the public about environmental public...

The course consists of a Virtual Bioterrorism Workshop. In this interactive workshop you will determine whether to rule out or refer several organisms that are considered potential agents of bioterrorism by applying Laboratory Response Network protocols for Level A (sentinel) laboratories. When a possible agent of bioterrorism cannot be ruled out, you will view a video describing the clinical presentation and etiology of the agent. Intended Audience Laboratorians who handle biological and microbiological samples in clinical, reference, public health, animal, research or teaching laboratories. Learning Objectives After completing this course, you will be able to: Rule out or refer organisms using...

This online course discusses ethics and personal integrity and illustrates how these traits apply to technical staff in a public health or other laboratory. Examples of general workplace ethics are provided. Many of the ways that data integrity can be affected by technical staff are explained, from recognizing when sample integrity has been compromised to documenting errors, handling calibration and quality control issues, and changing or correcting results. Examples are given to show how improper practices and the failure to maintain data integrity can lead to fraud. One section of the course is dedicated to improper laboratory practices and how...

This presentation will highlight the importance of a systematic approach in evaluating the effectiveness of public health programs, practices, and policies. The presentation will provide applied examples of key concepts and principles and emphasize practical approaches for developing and implementing these evaluation efforts. Intended Audience Learning Objectives: Define key concepts in systematically evaluating public health programs, practices, and policies Name the essential elements of evaluation in public health practices to ensure on-going improvement throughout the public health systems Review the elements of the logic model and its role in guiding subsequent evaluation efforts Describe the importance of evaluating effectiveness at...

Contact: Brandi Bordelon Phone: 504-988-1342 E-mail: trdirect@tulane.edu Description: Strategic planning has been known to produce positive results, so why are many state and local health departments hesitant to try it? We'll explore the issue in-depth. Competency: CHCM-M04, M05, M06, M07 

This course invites learners to spend time thinking about and developing their own responses to a variety of ideas and situations about culture, communication and public health. Learners will explore the meaning of culture, methods of communications, and strategies for communicating more effectively. Intended Audience General Learning Objectives: Give examples of discriminating and non-discriminating practices in providing public health services Recognize effective methods/strategies/techniques for unbiased communication Explain how effective cross-culture communication influences public health service and program acceptance Identify specific factors that influence and individuals or group’s acceptance of public health information and services Describe job-specific benefits and effective cross-cultural...

Course Summary There are four modules in this course: Module 1: Public Health Epidemiology for Law Enforcement Officials Module 2: Criminal Investigation for Public Health Professionals Module 3: The Role of the Laboratory - Public Health and Forensic Module 4: Working Together on Investigations After completing these modules, you will be presenting with three case studies. Problems and questions will be discussed and you may also involve in a discussion board for in-depth discussion regarding the case studies. There are practice exercises at the end of each module. These practice exercises will provide you with an opportunity to apply the...

Centrifuges are instruments used to separate mixtures, based on particle size and density, by spinning the mixtures at high speeds. These instruments are essential tools in all types of laboratories. Serious injuries or potential exposures can occur if centrifuges are improperly used or maintained. This basic-level eLearning course provides information on the safe use of centrifuges. Topics covered include major parts of a centrifuge, types of centrifuges, potential hazards, how to work safely with a centrifuge, and what to do if there is an emergency. Audience Public health and clinical laboratory staff, safety professionals and persons interested in safe use...

A chemical fume hood is the main piece of laboratory equipment that protects laboratory staff working with hazardous chemicals. When properly used, fume hoods protect staff from inhaling chemical gases, vapors, and aerosols. They serve as a physical barrier between staff and the hazardous materials inside the hood, and provide some splash protection. This basic-level eLearning course provides an essential understanding of the major components of a chemical fume hood and proper practices for its safe and effective operation. Topics covered include the major components and types of fume hoods and their monitors, maintaining proper airflow, daily use protocols and...

Safety is imperative when working with potentially harmful materials and other hazards in the laboratory. This course is designed to assist clinical and public health laboratory professionals with applying risk management strategies to identify hazards, assess risks, and select appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) options. Objectives At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to: Describe how PPE helps protect laboratory professionals. Recognize hazards and risks associated with laboratory procedures. Identify PPE options, limitations, and considerations for selecting appropriate PPE. Select appropriate PPE options for given clinical laboratory scenarios. Length 1 hour Continuing Education Units (CEU) The Centers...

Course Overview Goal/Intended Audience This course is intended for health care workers in a hospital environment who may need to respond to an incident involving a contaminated patient on the operations level. Prerequisite HAZMAT Awareness for Healthcare Providers is a prerequisite for this course. Capabilities identified: Capability 2: Community Recovery Function 1: Identify and monitor public health, medical, and mental/behavioral health system recovery needs. Function 2: Coordinate community public health, medical, and mental/behavioral health system recovery operations. Function 3: Implement corrective actions to mitigate damages from future incidents. Capability 6: Information Sharing Function 1: Identify stakeholders to be incorporated into...

Course Summary There are four sections in this course: Section 1: CQI Myths Section 2: Brief Overview of CQI Section 3: Incorporating CQI into Organizational Culture Section 4: Demonstrating How CQI works in Governmental Public Health – A Case Study There are review questions at the end of each section. These review questions will provide you with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills presented in these sections. There is a post-test at the end of the course. Intended Audience Board of Health members, Local Public Health Department Directors, Board of Supervisor members, County Leaders, and other professionals who...

Course Summary This guide was developed to support the Points of Distribution (POD) overview video and provide an in depth look into the planning, operations, and demobilization stages of a POD mission. The lessons detail the staffing and procedures any state will need to plan for, execute, and shut down POD operations. The guide also includes key lessons such as safety, equipment, and resource accountability and informs the reader about the “Adopt a POD” program being used by the state of Washington Intended Audience State and Local Emergency Managers Learning Objectives: By the end of reading this Guide you will...

ICS 100, Introduction to the Incident Command System, introduces the Incident Command System (ICS) and provides the foundation for higher level ICS training. This course describes the history, features and principles, and organizational structure of the Incident Command System. It also explains the relationship between ICS and the National Incident Management System (NIMS). The Emergency Management Institute developed its ICS courses collaboratively with: National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) U.S. Department of Agriculture United States Fire Administration’s National Fire Programs Branch Course Objectives: At the completion of this course, you should be able to: Explain the principles and basic structure of...

This course is intended to lay the foundation of knowledge for students who wish to increase their understanding of continuity and building a comprehensive continuity program in their organization or jurisdiction. This course will replace IS-546.A Continuity of Operations Awareness Course and IS-547.A Introduction to Continuity of Operations. IS-546 and IS-547 contain outdated materials and information, are redundant (they contain the same information), and do not align with current federal guidance. IS-1300 eliminates the redundancies by compiling the introductory continuity information into one course, and ensures that the information presented is in alignment with current federal guidance (e.g., Continuity Guidance...

IS200, Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response, reviews the Incident Command System (ICS), provides the context for ICS within initial response, and supports higher level ICS training. This course provides training on, and resources for, personnel who are likely to assume a supervisory position within ICS.   The Emergency Management Institute developed its ICS courses collaboratively with: National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) U.S. Department of Agriculture United State Fire Administration’s National Fire Programs Branch Note: IS-200.c is an updated version of the IS-200 course. If you have successfully completed IS-200.b or IS-200.a, you may want to review the new...

Course Summary This course introduces and overviews the National Incident Management System (NIMS). NIMS provides a consistent nationwide template to enable all government, private-sector, and nongovernmental organizations to work together during domestic incidents. Intended Audience Individuals with emergency management responsibilities including prevention, preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation. Learning Objectives: At the end of the course you should be able to: Describe the intent of NIMS Describe the key concepts and principles underlying NIMS Describe the purpose of the NIMS Components including: Preparedness, Communications and Information Management, Resource Management, and Command and Management Describe the purpose of the National Integration Center...

Course Summary The University of Iowa College of Public Health's Upper Midwest Public Health Training Center (UMPHTC), in cooperation with the Iowa Counties Public Health Association (ICPHA), has developed a series of practiced-based educational programs targeted toward new public health administrators and nursing administrators. The programs are part of the Institute's continuing effort to provide training to strengthen the skills and knowledge of the current public health workforce. The purpose of the course is to cover topics that are especially relevant to new public health administrators. It is hoped that by the end of the course participants will have enhanced...

No matter how effective a leader/manager you already are, this course is designed to refresh and refine the skills needed to lead your teams to success in today's fast-paced and stressful health care environment.  By exploring effective leadership styles and strategies, this course provides specific tools to enhance leadership/management communication. Intended Audience: Learning Objectives: By the end of the course, you should be able to do the following: Identify the differences between leadership and management, describe the tasks and essentials of effective leadership, and identify the differences between dissonant and resonant leadership styles Understand how and why well intentioned management...

Intended Audience: Learning Objectives: Pre-requisites/Learning Level: None Competencies addressed: CHCM-R07 Utilize effective communication and marketing principles to impact primary health care organization problems and challenges specific to targeted audiences. CEUs Offered: Cost:Free Modality/format:Online Self-Pace Length: 1 hour Presenter(s) and/or Content Experts: Technical requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader  Speakers Registration requirements:Register a free account Creation and/or update: November 12, 2012

On completion of this course, the user will be able to demonstrate written and oral communication skills that are needed as a leader in a health department by:  identifying communication skills, listing effective presentation skills, and distinguishing different writing techniques. Intended Audience: Learning Objectives: Module 1:  Effective Interpersonal Communication - Distinguish the fundamental elements of message, explain the message model, identify tangible and intangible barriers, distinguish the levels of listening, describe the guides to good listening,and explain the key points of basic interpersonal communication Module 2:  Presentation Skills - Identify the objectives of a good presentation, Distinguish physical, mechanical, and...

The purpose of this intermediate course is to acquire a conceptual framework with tools to manage diversity in the workplace as a way of improving service delivery, quality, and accessibility. It is expected that each participant will be able to identify their role in their own organization with respect to diversity and cultural competency and to position their organization as a leading organization in the delivery of culturally competent services. Intended Audience:Knowledgeable Learning Objectives: To mange workplace diversity by enhancing communication skills To manage workplace diversity by enhancing conflict resolution skills with individuals and groups representing diverse cultures To manage...

This series of 14 courses is intended to benefit new public health administrators.Public Health LawRisk CommunicationStrategic PlanningBasic EpidemiologyCommunity Planning to Improve Quality of LifeContractsCritical ThinkingFinancial ManagementFinding & Evaluating Health Info on the InternetGrant WritingHuman ResourcesKnowledge of Public HealthMarketingOverall Aspects of Managing an AgencyCourses address topics including general agency management, grant writing, contracts, critical thinking, human resources, general public health knowledge, etc.Enroll in the curriculum, and then work through the courses in any order. There is a quiz at the end of each course.*Please note that all of the courses that make up this Curriculum are also available individually in the Course...

The University of Iowa College of Public Health's Upper Midwest Public Health Training Center (UMPHTC), in cooperation with the Iowa Counties Public Health Association (ICPHA), has developed a series of practiced-based educational programs targeted toward new public health administrators and nursing administrators. The programs are part of the Institute's continuing effort to provide training to strengthen the skills and knowledge of the current public health workforce Intended Audience Public health administrators and nurse administrators who are relatively new in their positions (3 years or less) and who seek to enhance their skills and knowledge. Learning Objectives At the conclusion of...

This course consists of five 15-minute presentations featuring the topics listed below. A Pre-Test and a Post-Test, to be completed by all participants, have been included to assess the effectiveness of the program. Avian Influenza and Historical Pandemic Events Self-Protective Measures Public Health Approaches to Disease and Illness Prevention Isolation and Quarantine Psychological Impact of Pandemics Intended Audience Iowa’s first responders Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this program, participants will be able to: Describe the history and current status of pandemic influenza. Discuss safety considerations that must be implemented when responding to a pandemic influenza event. Describe public health...

Goal The goal of this scenario is to assess and train mid-level public health professionals in the application of critical thinking as a means of solving problems related to community preparedness for public health emergencies, such as an Influenza Pandemic. The scenario is based on the Critical Thinking course as well as using the established model of Critical Thinking that has six steps: Identify and Define the Problem Gather Information Develop Alternatives Select an Alternative Implement the Solution Evaluate the Solution Intended Audience The audience for this course consists of mid-level public health professionals and/or those responsible for community preparedness...

Goal This course is designed for local public health agencies and professionals who may be involved in public health disasters. The goals of the course are to: Increase awareness of the importance of using PPE in public health emergencies and crises. Reinforce appropriate PPE in different crisis situations and biohazards. Intended Audience The intended audience for this course is local public health employees/ agencies and “on site” professionals who may be involved in public health emergencies such as flooding, disease outbreak,  hurricanes and floods, debris cleanup, mass fatalities, or any other related public health emergencies. Length The length of time...

Goal To provide just-in-time information on donning and doffing PPE procedures when providing care to a person under investigation (PUI) patient with confirmed Ebola who are clinically stable and do not have bleeding, vomiting, or diarrhea, often considered “dry” patients. Intended Audience Public Health professionals and/or hospitals interested in learning the procedures for donning and doffing PPE. Learning Objectives At the completion of the course, learners should be able to: Identify type of PPE combination used at your facility Apply proper procedures and safe work practices when using PPE Illustrate proper donning and doffing procedures Competencies The following Core public...

There are three modules in this course: Iowa Legal Code and Quarantine and Isolation provides a detailed account of the legal tools available in Iowa code and how to use them. You will have the opportunity to test your understanding of the material presented at various points in the module. Quarantine and Isolation During a Public Health Disaster contains information on legal tools that can be used during a public health disaster. Included in this module is a link to an article that discusses key considerations in making the decision to impose a wide-scale quarantine. Resources is a list of...

The purpose of this course is to provide public health officials with information regarding smallpox to be able to respond quickly and effectively to smallpox outbreaks and in case smallpox is used as a bioterrorism weapon. There are ten modules in this course: Smallpox: The Disease Rash Evaluation  Distribution & Storage  Reconstitution of Vaccine Vaccination Clinic Set Up Administering Vaccine  Screening  Site Care/Take Evaluation  Adverse Reactions  Quarantine & Isolation Intended Audience Those who have successfully completed an Iowa Department of Public Health Smallpox TTT program with updated information and an opportunity to review the subject content. Learning Objectives At the end...

This presentation provides an overview of the theories behind social marketing, social marketing strategies, how it works, and examples of effective campaigns Intended Audience: Learning Objectives: By the end of the course, you should be able to do the following: Understand social marketing. Social marketing theories and strategies. Principals and evidence of effectiveness. Pre-requisites/Learning Level:None Competencies addressed: Communications 1.9.  Share information that is understood by the average person using the media, various electronic technologies, and community networks. CEUs Offered:N/A Cost:Free Modality/format:Online Self-Pace Length:1 hour Presenter(s) and/or Content Experts: Technical requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader  Speakers Registration requirements:Register a free account Creation...

Contact: Brandi Bordelon Phone: (504) 988-1342 E-mail: trdirect@tulane.edu Description: The "Messenger Chronicles: Effective communication strategies for difficult conversations" presents a new framework for communication in difficult situations.  This framework shifts focus away from managing "difficult" people towards and understanding of the process of difficult conversations and accepting responsibility for one's own performance.  Given realistic situations and real-world conversations, learners will experience communication strategies and practical techniques in context.  The "Messenger Chronicles" is organized into a number of modules that simulate realistic conversations.  Many of the conversations are split into three sections:  Read, Think and Analyze.  Learners will read a conversation...

The "Messenger Chronicles" online training series presents ideas for communication in difficult situations.  The "Managing Stress and Time" module, helps learners to recognize the symptoms of stress and the factors that may increase their susceptibility to stress.  Strategies to manage stress are offered in the scenario-based training.  Learners are also given a framework for managing and prioritizing tasks to help minimize "stress-causing" situations.  Job aids like the "Project Startup Tool" and the "Urgent/Important Matrix" are provided for learners' use. "Managing Stress and Time" features strategies and frameworks used in real world situations that learners can apply to their own environments. ...

There are five sections in this course: Section 1: The National Laboratory Response Network Section 2: Basic and Advanced Sentinel Laboratories Section 3: Role of Public Health Labs in Emergency Response Section 4: Role of Sentinel Laboratories in a Bioterrorism Event Section 5: Role of Sentinel Laboratories in a Chemical Event Modules 1 through 3 contain "pop quizzes" to assist you in understanding and assimilating the information. Module 4 and 5 contains scenario exercises to enable you to apply what you have learned to situations that may occur during a bioterrorism or chemical event. Intended Audience Individuals who work in...