Developed in Partnership

In the past, the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) held annual interdisciplinary workshops to inform and update health and social care professionals about the health and social impacts of viral hepatitis.  In an effort to reach a broader audience, BCCDC partnered with BCIT’s Specialty Nursing department to create a new and unique online learning opportunity.  Available throughout the year, with start dates in January, April and September, this new distance education course will allow learners from across the country to access materials and knowledge previously available only at the annual workshop. 

The only course of its kind in Canada, NSOH7700 Viral Hepatitis is aimed at both healthcare professionals who care for patients living with hepatitis as well as social service providers who deal with at-risk clients.  The course will provide a foundation of knowledge about the medical and social aspects of viral hepatitis for those new to hepatitis care and will advance the expertise of those already involved. The course will be presented using both individual patient and population health perspectives.  Topics covered include:

• the epidemiology and prevention of Hepatitis A, B and C
• anatomy, physiology and pathology of the normal and abnormal liver
• client assessment: health history and physical exam
• treatment and management of viral hepatitis
• hepatitis B and C as chronic illnesses
• social stigma and the management of viral hepatitis
• harm reduction and priority populations
• the impact of health literacy on viral hepatitis prevention, care and treatment

This course will be offered each term, with start dates in January, April and September, and will not require any additional texts or course materials. 

Nurses who are members of the Canadian Association of Hepatology Nurses may be eligible to receive a bursary to cover the tuition costs upon completion of this course. For more information on the CAHN bursary contact Cathy Dale at Cdale@rogers.com.


Course registration is now available online. 

For more information, view the Course Outline.

For further information contact Janet Morrison, BCIT School of Health