Oakton launches training program for COVID-19 contact tracers

Oakton Community College is responding to the need for trained workers to limit the spread of COVID-19 by launching the Public Health Contact Tracer Paraprofessional training program.

The online program will quickly prepare students to monitor the contacts of infected people and notify them of their exposure. Courses start May 26. Students can register at www.oakton.edu/tracing.

Health authorities say contact tracing is key to slowing or stopping the spread of COVID-19. The practice is credited for helping to end previous pandemics, including the SARS and Ebola outbreaks.

"The lifesaving impact of this program will be felt for years to come," college President Joianne Smith said in an announcement of the new program Wednesday. The course curriculum aligns with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines for contact tracers, and was developed in cooperation with local health departments, officials say. Students can complete the course in as little as three weeks.

Preliminary information indicates that more than 100,000 contact tracers are needed immediately, school officials say. Contact tracers can earn up to $28 per hour.

For more information on the program, visit www.oakton.edu/tracing.