LCC’s Environmental Services Courses
The need to pivot in the wake of the pandemic is undeniable. Everything in our world has changed. Lives have been upended, and our economy has grinded to a heart-wrenching halt. Hopefully most of what’s happening right now will one day return to normal, but there will forever be a mark on society indicating that the coronavirus was here. Yet, it’s times like these when innovation and ingenuity are at their greatest. Everywhere you turn, people are responding in incredible ways to help our communities get through this crisis. The faculty and staff at Lane Community College are no exception.
It all started with a conversation between Val Hoyle, Oregon’s Labor Commissioner, and the Lane Community College President, Dr. Margaret Hamilton. The discussion centered around the dire need for more frontline Environmental Service workers, which rapidly became a certificate program at Lane Community College in just a matter of weeks.
Following conversations with representatives from the Oregon Health & Science University and the Oregon Hospital Association, Commissioner Hoyle and President Hamilton put together a task force. In less than five weeks, the team had shaped the Environmental Services Aide curriculum and were ready to launch their pilot program. “The goal was to create a common baseline of Environmental Services knowledge so hospitals don’t have to teach from the ground up. Right now, there’s just not time for that,” remarks Russ.
With guidance from the Oregon Hospital Association, Lane’s Environmental Services Aide Certificate teaches several modules that cover important topics including medical waste stream, blood-borne pathogens, viruses including the coronavirus, chemical safety and PPE. “This 18-hour online certificate program is self-paced and instructor-supported with multiple teaching methodologies featuring videos, activities, quizzes and more. It’s intended for anyone who finds themselves ready for a new path or for those in need of an alternate source of income,” says Russ.
The original 18-hour online course is certified by BOLI and HECC and is oriented toward the healthcare sector. The certification offers both pre-apprenticeship status (from BOLI) and the possibility of “skilling up” by adding other healthcare certifications (from the HECC) After a lot of requests, LCC created the non-healthcare “QuickCourse” oriented toward restaurants, hospitality and retail. It isn’t certified, but it can be a real benefit to businesses to ensure their staff has appropriate training in this current environment.
Environmental Services Aide (Healthcare)
The Environmental Services Aide is a key frontline worker in reducing the outbreak and/or the spread of germs and diseases in healthcare facilities and hospitals. This 18-hour online course will provide students with entry-level knowledge to seek employment in a healthcare facility or hospital on its environmental services team.
Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce members get a discount for the Certified EVS Aide Course! Enter code “SCC30” ($199/reg $229)
Environmental Services (Non-Healthcare)
As the world prepares to reopen after months of quarantine to help stop the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), many people are understandably concerned about returning to work in a multi-employee office, going out to eat at a restaurant, staying in a hotel, returning to school…the list goes on. Similarly, business owners are concerned about how to keep their employees and customers safe.
In this course, we will address some of those concerns using the latest information provided by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and others by explaining how the virus is transmitted and how we all might help to slow the spread of infection through proper cleaning and disinfection. This is an informational course only; it is not a certification program.
Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce members get a discount for the Non-Healthcare QuickCourse! Enter code “SCC20” ($49/reg $69)
