Academic training is supplemented by a multi-week UCSF continuing education course, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, taught by practitioners in various aspects of the field. Trainees also gain practical experience in the evaluation and treatment of city and county workers through San Francisco Occupational Health Services. Additional specialized training is offered in acute toxicology through the San Francisco Bay Area Poison Control Center. Directed by Dean Sheppard, MD, the mission of LBC is to use cell and molecular biology to study important questions about diseases of the lungs and airways. In addition to coursework in occupational health, master's students elect preparation either as adult nurse practitioners or as middle management administrators.
Doctoral students are prepared to assume academic or other leadership roles in the field.
There are clinical, administrative and research placements in a variety of occupational health settings in the Bay Area. Many of the graduates of the program work with current students as preceptors in these field placements. Through the COEH occupational health clinics, the students interact with both the occupational hygiene and ergonomics students from UC Berkeley and the occupational medicine residents from UC San Francisco. Clinical rounds also afford the opportunity for interdisciplinary case management. Continuing education courses for practicing occupational health nurses are offered as well.