Source: NorthTec
NorthTec is launching a free, online course in infection prevention, to assist communities to stay safe during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The self-directed programme, Introduction to Infection Prevention, provides instructions around measures that the public can take to prevent the spread of infection in homes, workplaces and other settings.
It provides basic knowledge about infectious viruses, their risks and means of control. The course enables people to recognise infection and put prevention control strategies in place. It is designed for the general public, so learners do not need to have a medical background to understand it.
The course content has been developed with medical professionals and supplied by the Open Polytechnic of NZ, and is used under permission. It is delivered through iQualify, an online learning platform developed by the Open Polytechnic, and is available through NorthTec’s new FastSkills portfolio of online courses.
The course has three modules: Introduction to disease and infection; Infectious viruses in your environment; and Infection prevention and control. Learners can work through the modules at their own pace, and it takes around 30 learning hours to complete.
Wayne Jackson, NorthTec’s Acting Chief Executive, said: “We are very pleased to be able to offer this programme. Of course it is extremely timely, given the current pandemic and the uncertainty around how the Covid-19 virus might develop over time.
“We’re delighted to be able to offer this course free of charge, to help our community stay safe. People can study from home or anywhere they have an internet connection, at their own pace, and there are no start or finish dates.”
To self-enrol for the course, members of the public simply need to go to the course page and sign up.
NorthTec plans to expand its FastSkills platform during 2020, with a range of low-cost online short courses becoming available.
