Laboratory Training

Laboratory training courses are developed to provide basic and intermediate level instruction for a variety of skills, techniques, and procedures required in today’s public health and clinical laboratories.   Course content is designed and developed following proven instructional design and adult learning principles through collaborations with CDC and other well respected subject matter experts.  Courses are developed in a variety of modalities to address different skill requirements. 

Hands-on Laboratory Workshops – Through the CDC Training Laboratory and other laboratory sites around the world, course participants are provided hands-on laboratory instruction by recognized subject matter experts.  These skills can then be transferred to other laboratory professionals once the participants have returned to their respective laboratories.  

Distance Learning – Access to distance learning programs can be found through the CDC Learning Connection, HHS Learning Portal, and APHL Continuing Education Center.  This type of learning allows laboratorians the opportunity to receive training while in their own workplace and within their own schedule. 

There are several types of distance learning methods:

• Teleconferences – In the spring and fall of each calendar year teleconferences of public health significance for public health laboratorians are presented.  This course method is used to present timely scientific laboratory information to a wide target audience.  Examples of recent teleconferences include the Radiation Preparedness Series and an Update on the Gulf Oil Spill.  Please see the training calendar for a schedule of upcoming teleconferences.
• Seminars – A number of seminars are offered regionally on topics such as Packaging and Shipping, Biosafety and Biosecurity.  Seminars bring the subject matter experts to the audience allowing for direct interaction throughout the presentation.  
• eLearning -  Engaging eLearning programs are created from technical content combined  with video and audio production, photography, medical illustration and 3D animation to better illustrate the technical concepts.  Elearning is on-line training that affords laboratorians the opportunity to complete training within their own time frame and from their desk  Please see the training calendar for a schedule of current eLearning courses.
• Workshops To Go – Course content and presentation instructions are provided by a local mentor to facilitate a blended learning course comprised of recorded lectures and hands-on exercises.  The blended approach provides all the tools necessary for the facilitator to train other laboratory professionals within their laboratory, state, or region.  Please see the training calendar for a schedule of current Workshop to Go courses.