Bloodborne pathogen training can be obtained from a variety of sources, depending on the reason for the training. Classes are frequently provided colleges, universities, hospitals, labs, and other facilities where people may come into contact with blood as part of their work to meet internal or government requirements. Independent workshops or courses geared toward specific professions, such as tattoo artists and law enforcement officers, are also available. Before enrolling in a bloodborne pathogen training course, make sure it has an approved curriculum that will meet the trainee’s needs.
Doctors, nurses, and other health-care professionals are trained in bloodborne pathogen procedures in school, and they frequently have access to refresher courses through their workplace. A hospital, clinic, or research facility may offer courses on a regular basis to allow employees to refresh or recertify their skills. It is frequently done on the premises to make it easier for employees to get to class, and it may qualify for continuing education credits in professions where practitioners must demonstrate that they have completed a certain number of hours of education each year.
Because of the nature of the work, public health clinics and other government agencies may provide bloodborne pathogen training to professionals who are at risk of exposure to such pathogens. These programs provide training for police officers, firefighters, and teachers. A traveling educator may be requested an employer, such as a school district, to provide basic training and certification to employees.
Professional organizations offer bloodborne pathogen training for tattoo artists and piercers. Many of these organizations provide correspondence training so that members can learn and maintain skills while living in remote areas. In other cases, if enough members show interest and the organization believes it would be worth paying for a class or workshop in a rented facility, it is possible to attend a workshop in an urban area, usually with a limited number of spaces.
Bloodborne pathogen training should cover the basics of complying with government regulations, such as the Occupational Health and Safety Administration’s guidelines for dealing with situations involving bloodborne pathogens. In addition, if industry standards and practices go beyond government requirements, the course should make attendees aware of them. In cases where specific certifications are required for employment, attendees should double-check that the documentation from the class will be accepted before enrolling to avoid attending a class that will not meet the requirements.