Bakersfield College will open a week-long Public Health course on Infectious Disease Contact Tracing next week.

This course is targeted for current employers who mY need their employees to act as contact tracers for the organization, individuals who are currently in the health sciences, as well as those who have been laid off during this COVID-19 induced recession and want to gain the skills to re-enter the workforce, BC said in a news release.

“Designing a one-week course to train individuals with the skills to provide contract tracing in an effective and efficient manner is one way Bakersfield College has responded to the nationwide discussion of disease transmission and prevention,” said Public Health Professor Charles Daramola. “I am so proud of the college for offering this timely and valuable curriculum and I am proud of the community and our students for filling these courses each time. Contact tracing holds significant power in our fight against COVID-19. Training and equipping community members with the necessary skills will be key to our communal success.”

While not a requirement, it is recommended that the student have a background in public health services. Those who have completed PBHS B20 – Introduction to Public Health – or have experience in health related fields will have the best advantage in quickly learning the Contact Tracing Course material. 

It is not necessary to already be a Bakersfield College student to take the Contact Tracing Course. All community members are welcome to enroll. BC staff can support interested community members in enrolling, using the Student Information Desk (SID), a virtual support portal Bakersfield College has made available since shifting to a virtual learning environment this past spring. 

The one credit course (PBHS B99) begins Monday, Sept. 28 and will conclude Friday, Oct. 2.

To learn more about disease transmission and prevention, enroll today in PBHS B99 by visiting www.bakersfieldcollege.edu.