HIV/AIDS Course

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This program is Approved by the National Association of Social Workers (Approval # 886463870-8049) for 7 continuing education contact hours.

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This program is approved for 7 continuing education hours by:

The California Board of Registered Nursing # CEP 14462
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) # 886463870-8049
The Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling #50-14000
Texas Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists # 628
Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors #1646
The Texas Board of Social Worker Examiners # 5547
The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) # 6412

After completing this training the professional healthcare provider will be able to:

1. Explain to clients the HIV/AIDS disease.
2. Discuss a brief history of the epidemic.
3. Identify the physiological characteristics of HIV/AIDS
4. Explain the psychosocial issues seropositive patients present.
5. Assess and provide psychosocial services for people living with HIV and AIDS.
6. Distinguish between typical myths and misconceptions versus knowledge and facts about HIV/AIDS
7. Recognize and integrate into treatment the changing biopsychosocial impact of AIDS as people live longer due to increased knowledge and improved treatment.

I. INTRODUCTION

In 1981 the first known case of HIV/AIDS was diagnosed in the United States. Since that time, our country has gone through many phases of fear, misinformation, prejudice, sorrow, anger, compassion, apathy, and hope. HIV is the cause of one of humanity's deadliest and most persistent epidemics.

Discussing HIV may lead to debates as moral, physical, social and political biases are revealed. Along with the debates are the millions of people who have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, many who have died from the effects of the virus, and many others who still live with it. Having a correct and thorough understanding of HIV/AIDS is critical in offering effective counseling and support to clients who are dealing with their diagnosis.

Chapters II-VII of this course are entirely derived and adapted from the U.S. government site hiv.gov along with supplementation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chapter VIII will focus on the counseling aspects of dealing with the clientele dealing with HIV/AIDS.