Governors State Offers Contact Tracing Course
June 30, 2020
Governors State University
Contact: Tonya S. Roberson, PhD, MPH
Phone: (773)979-3918
Email: troberson4@govst.edu
For Immediate Release
Governors State University Offers
Contact Tracing Certification Course
University Park, IL – Governors State University is offering a new certificate program in response to the COVID 19 pandemic: COVID-19- Contact Tracing: Changing the face of the Public Health Workforce.
The effects of COVID-19 on the health of racial and ethnic minority groups is still emerging. This unique and innovative investigation course was developed by a multi-disciplinary team of Public Health Experts with over 70 years of experience in providing assistance to the underserved population. It is vital to provide training to a workforce of individuals to deal with this population because it takes a special skill. Search any job board and you will find employers seeking “Contact Tracers.” This hot, new, high-demand role is popping up everywhere. Whether a municipality, medical center, or large public and private organizations, socially responsible companies need a Contact Tracer on staff. Communities must scale up and train a large contact tracer workforce.
Contact Tracers or Contact Tracing Investigators contact patients who are suspected to or have tested positive for COVID 19 to obtain the places and names of others that the patient had contact with. With the City of Chicago recruiting over 600 Contact Tracers and a starting wage of $20 an hour; $24 an/hour for supervisors, this position is an opportunity to reach underserved communities, impact health disparities as well as provide employment opportunities.
Governors State University is providing online certification courses for those seeking to become Contact Tracers, public health professionals or students looking to learn more about the novel COVID19 virus and “the principles behind isolation and quarantine of contacts as a public health measure.” After completing this course, students should be able to conduct contract tracing according to the established protocol.
Course registration is now available online with courses available throughout the month of June. The first class begins June 1 with a registration fee of $265. CEDA is offering grants for those students who meet income requirements. Below is the link to registration:
https://www.enrole.com/govst/jsp/session.jsp?sessionId=PU20CITCO&courseId=CTIC&categoryId=10009