Sterilization Counseling Certification

Because sterilization is permanent, it requires more care and counseling skills from health care professionals than do other methods of contraception. By attending this course, participants learn the basic knowledge and skills to become Certified Sterilization Counselors.

Who should attend?

This course is designed for experienced family planning clinic staff. Family Planning Health Worker Certification is recommended, as well as 1-2 years of education and counseling experience. Participants may include: Nurses, medical assistants, health educators, public service employees, community health workers, peer providers and other interested program staff.

What You Will Learn

At the end of this course , participants will be able to:

• Explain to clients key elements of male and female reproductive systems;
• Identify guidelines for informed consent that are relevant to sterilization counseling;
• Review with clients all temporary birth control methods;
• Describe strategies for minimizing possible regret in clients who decide to become sterilized; and
• Conduct a non-judgmental, non-coercive, and client-centered sterilization counseling session that allows a client to give informed consent and also minimizes the possibility of future regret.

In order to be certified, participants must pass a written examination and successfully conduct a role play of an effective counseling session.

Continuing Education

Health Educator:

California Family Health Council is designated as a provider of Category I continuing education contact hours in health education by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. Health educators attending this program may report up to 15 contact hours.

Nurses:

Provider approved by California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider #CEP 1224, for 18.7 contact hours.

Social Worker:

The California Family Health Council, Inc., provider number 3165, is an approved provider of continuing education for MFT and LCSW licensure requirements in California. This course meets the qualifications for 15.5 hours of continuing education credit for MFCCs and LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.

There is an additional $15.00 administration fee per certificate, payable on site.