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CE Course Description

Bloodborne pathogens (BBPs), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV), and common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are all public health issues that disproportionately impact vulnerable, oppressed, and marginalized people and their communities in the United States. According to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), the primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty. Therefore, this mission aligns with the ongoing need for social workers to be knowledgeable and skilled when working with individuals affected by these diseases. Designed for social workers in a variety of community and workplace settings, including health care, social services, and supportive housing, this course provides participants with essential knowledge of HIV, other BBPs, including HBV and HCV, and STDs, including the risk factors, transmission, symptoms, and prevention of these conditions. Workplace exposure risks and best practices for reducing exposure are also reviewed. Occupational and non-occupational exposure responses, reporting, and disclosure in accordance with public health standards and workplace protocols are outlined in detail. Additionally, trauma-informed communication and client-focused education on sensitive health topics are emphasized. Lastly, specific social work implications for practice are discussed. Upon completion, learners will have a strong understanding of disease prevention, early detection, and the importance of reducing stigma to promote overall community health.

Author: Amy Colver, MSSA, MA, LISW  

CE Course Objectives

1. Describe the risk factors, transmission, symptoms, and prevention strategies for HIV, bloodborne pathogens, including the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), and common STDs.
2. Recognize workplace exposure risks and implement appropriate protective measures.
3. Summarize universal precautions and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
4. Explain protocols for exposure response and reporting.
5. Identify trauma-informed strategies to communicate effectively and respectfully with patients or clients about sensitive health topics.
6. Describe harm-reduction and public health efforts within the professional social work role.
7. List specific social work implications for practice.

Social Work Approval

Social Work CE Credit for this course is offered with the following approvals. Many state boards of social work will accept the approvals listed. Provider Approvals by state and license type can be found here.

• Quantum Units Education is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, CAMFT Provider #89970, to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEP. Quantum Units Education maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content.
• Florida board for Social Workers CE Provider #50-8650 (Quantum 'immediately' reports CE Credits to Florida licensees) 
• Illinois Department of Professional Regulation, License No. 159.001261 approved CE Sponsor
• Ohio CSWMFTB #RCST091701 approved CE Provider
• Texas Board of SWE #5070 approved CE Provider
• Quantum Units Education, #1289, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 01/03/2026 - 01/03/2029. Social workers completing this course receive 3.00 'General' continuing education credits.

To see other approvals in your state, see our state by state provider approval listings here.

Course Development: Each course is identified and reviewed by the appropriate Quantum Units Education consultant with professional and licensed expertise in the various disciplines we serve. Our professional consultants oversee course development to satisfy the needs of various professionals based on their board requirements, rate course degrees of difficulty and ensure the course content and exam questions are appropriate, relevant and comprehensive. See our professional staff and their bios here.

*Questions regarding how to take a course, refunds, grievance policy and ADA policy can be found here.
*Questions regarding this course or need support? Contact us at support@quantumunitsed.com.

Added On: 07/02/2026