Cultural Competency & Health Equity

Mandatory in CA, NJ, WA, and CT. Implicit bias, culturally responsive care, health disparities, and social determinants of health.

8 Units

Early Units (Foundation)

Building Skills

Advanced Concepts

Capstone/Synthesis

Understanding and Addressing Implicit Bias in Healthcare

Implicit biases are unconscious attitudes and stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions. In healthcare, these biases contribute to disparities in care quality and outcomes across demographic groups.

20 minutes

Cultural Humility: A Lifelong Commitment

Cultural humility represents a shift from mastery-based cultural competence to a process of lifelong learning, self-reflection, and partnership with patients. This approach acknowledges the limitations of cultural knowledge and emphasizes respect for patients' expertise about their own lives.

20 minutes

Health Disparities by Race, Ethnicity & Socioeconomic Status

This unit examines health disparities affecting racial, ethnic, and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. Clinicians learn the scope of documented inequities, underlying mechanisms including structural racism and social determinants, and evidence-based strategies for reducing disparities through clinical practice and advocacy.

20 minutes

LGBTQ+ Health Considerations & Inclusive Care

This unit examines LGBTQ+ health disparities, barriers to care, and clinical competencies for providing affirming services. Clinicians learn inclusive communication, screening for unique health risks, and evidence-based care for gender transition, sexual health, and mental health needs in LGBTQ+ populations.

20 minutes

Language Access Requirements & Interpreter Use

This unit examines language access as a civil right and clinical necessity. Clinicians learn legal requirements, evidence supporting professional interpreter use, and practical skills for working with interpreters to provide safe, effective care for patients with limited English proficiency.

20 minutes

Disability-Competent Care & ADA Compliance

This unit examines disability-competent healthcare that respects autonomy, ensures accessibility, and addresses health needs holistically. Clinicians learn ADA compliance, social model principles, and strategies for overcoming barriers that people with disabilities face in accessing quality healthcare.

20 minutes

Social Determinants of Health Framework

This unit examines social determinants of health—economic, environmental, and social conditions affecting health outcomes. Clinicians learn screening tools, referral strategies, and healthcare system innovations addressing social needs as fundamental components of comprehensive healthcare.

20 minutes

Culturally Responsive Communication Strategies

This unit examines culturally responsive communication as foundational to equitable care. Clinicians learn strategies for building trust, navigating cross-cultural interactions, addressing health literacy, and ensuring communication promotes rather than undermines patient autonomy and therapeutic relationships.

20 minutes

Learning Progression

This course is designed to be taken sequentially. Earlier units establish foundational concepts that later units build upon. While you can explore units in any order, following the numbered sequence provides the most coherent learning experience.