Indiana Tuberculosis Education

Every ten seconds, someone dies due to tuberculosis.   American Lung Association in IN

The Tuberculosis Education Program in Indiana was created by a joint effort of the American Lung Association in Indiana, The Indiana State Department of Health, the CDC, and many dedicated health professionals.

Tuberculosis is still a risk to residents of Indiana. Each year approximately 120 new cases of tuberculosis are reported.  In 2009 there were 3 cases of multi-drug resistant in Indiana. Fortunately, Indiana's TB rates are relatively low compared to the rest of the nation. But, with people traveling to and from "hot spots" such as Africa, Eastern Europe, former Soviet Union countries and Mexico, the incidence is likely to rise. Additionally, new drug-resistant strains are arising. The new forms of TB are resistant to many drugs and are fatal about 40% of the time. Tuberculosis is still prevalent globally with as many as one-third of the world's population infected with latent tuberculosis and ten percent of those infected developing active TB in their lifetimes.

The American Lung Association in Indiana, in conjunction with the Indiana State Department of Health, performs administrative duties surrounding TB certification classes intended for health care professionals to give TB skins tests and follow-up evaluations.

The American Lung Association in Indiana holds CDC updates when applicable, and a TB Symposium every other year to update health care professionals with the latest educational information available. The next TB Symposium scheduled for 2013.

The American Lung Association of Indiana, in conjunction with the Indiana State Department of Health, performs administrative duties surrounding TB certification classes intended for health care professionals to give TB skins tests and follow-up evaluations. The American Lung Association of Indiana holds CDC updates when applicable, and a TB Symposium every other year to update health care professionals with the latest educational information available. The next TB Symposium scheduled for 2013. 

UPCOMING COURSES: For a list of TB Education Courses, go to the Upcoming TB Courses tab on the TB Toolbox located on the right side of this page.
MEDICAL TB QUESTIONS: For all questions regarding TB medical issues, please contact the Indiana State Department of Health at 317-233-7545.

TB PROGRAM QUESTIONS: Please refer to the TB Toolbox on the right side of this page for more information

TB EDUCATION PROGRAM GOALS

  1. To provide participants with the education necessary to understand the history, pathogenesis, epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment and control of tuberculosis infection and disease.
  2. To provide healthcare workers with the education necessary to administer, read, and record Mantoux tuberculin skin tests.
  3. To inform healthcare workers and community members about the current trends and concerns of tuberculosis infection and disease.

BASIC TUBERCULOSIS AND SKIN TEST COURSE

Description:  This course is designed for, but not limited to, licensed healthcare providers who administer, read, and record Mantoux tuberculin skin tests.  Persons who successfully complete the course will receive a validation card.  In agencies or facilities where training is mandated, copies of these cards should be available for survey review.  Basic TB validation cards will expire in three (3) years. A revalidation course will need to be completed for a new card.

Target Audience:  Interested persons involved in tuberculosis-related activities.

Prerequisites:  None

Criteria to receive a validation card for Basis TB and Skin Test Course:

  1. Complete the Basic TB and Skin Test Course
  2. View the most recent TB video produced by the CDC
  3. Pass a Post-test of twenty-five (25)-questions with a score of 80% or above

And, under direct supervision of the instructor:

  • Demonstrate proficiency in reading “Reactor Arm” induration
  • Demonstrate competency in the administration of the Mantoux TST

Criteria to revalidate Basic Tuberculosis and Skin Test Course

  • Must complete revalidation course within 3 years and receive a score of 80% or better on the 10-Question revalidation test
  • After 3 years and 30 days of initial Basic Card issuance, participant will need to re-take the Basic Course

INSTRUCTOR TUBERCULOSIS COURSE

Description:  This course provides those who have successfully completed the Basic Tuberculosis and Skin Test course with the skills necessary to teach that course.

Target Audience:  Healthcare professional responsible for tuberculosis education

Prerequisites:

  • Evidence of completion of the Basic Tuberculosis and Skin Test Course (From the American Lung Association in Indiana)
  • Signed Instructor Agreement

Criteria to apply for the Instructor Course:

  • Must be a healthcare professional who is responsible for tuberculosis education and who holds a four (4)-year degree in a health-related field or a current Indiana professional license
  • Must have taken the Basic Tuberculosis and Skin Test Course within three (3) years and not less than six (6) months of applying for the Instructor Course

Criteria to receive a validation card as a TB Instructor:

  • Complete the TB Instructor Course
  • Demonstrate knowledge of current trends and developments regarding tuberculosis; pass a fifty (50)-question final examination with a score of 90% or above

Criteria to remain a TB Instructor:

  • Attend updates or Symposium as required
  • Teach at least one (1) basic course per year
  • Remit a $45 administrative fee to the American Lung Association of Indiana each January
  • Demonstrate knowledge of current trends and developments regarding tuberculosis by participating in occasional testing as determined by the ALAIN

Note: The Tuberculosis Education Program in Indiana is only for use in Indiana by our authorized and active Tuberculosis Instructors and Trainers.