BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Bakersfield College recently announced the launch of a week-long Infectious Disease Contact Tracing Course running from July 27 - 31.

The course is aimed at current employers who need their employees to act as contact tracers, students in health sciences, and people recenlty laid off due to COVID-19.

The class is online and counts for 18-course hours.

Students will learn about coronavirus, infectious diseases, and develop the skills needed to perform contact tracing.

“We’re excited to open this course up to the community. Aggressive contact tracing is the quickest route to re-opening our country and state. We are doing our part to train this needed workforce,” said Dr. Charles Daramola, Professor of Public Health Science at Bakersfield College. “While a background in healthcare will make it easier to absorb the material in this fast-paced course, anyone can learn the methods used to perform contact tracing. The four-part series will teach everything you need to know about infectious disease theory and develop the skills needed to be an effective, compassionate contact tracer.”

It is encouraged that the student has a background in public health services.

The course will be held online Monday-Friday.

Students will study one topic a day and then take an exam on Friday.

The coursework can be completed online any time that day.

All community members are welcome to apply.

The Student Information Desk will connect students with a live expert to help with the enrollment process, you can access immediate support at: https://cccconfer.zoom.us/j/96138317818#success.

Students must enroll prior to the start date of July 27.

To enroll in the Contact Tracing Course or to find out more information, please contact the Public Health Sciences department at publichealth@bakersfieldcollege.edu or visit www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/student and request support from the Student Information Desk now available with extended hours and weekends.