As healthcare providers, no matter what the setting, we must be aware of protecting the safety of all individuals in our care. This course will allow the learners to be cognizant of how HIV came to be and how it has impacted our society for the last forty years. Statistics, risk factors, and symptoms of HIV will be discussed in an effort to better prepare us for discussions on how to help prevent and recognize HIV in those around us. We will discuss the stigmas involved for those who seek HIV testing and treatment and how we, as professionals, can educate those who may be misinformed about the spread or treatment of HIV. Widespread testing is key to HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support services, so this course will discuss the importance of and the various HIV testing methods available. We must also have a better understanding of today's societal makeup in an effort to help not just one group, but all individuals to prevent or treat HIV effectively. This course will discuss the stages of HIV, including the most serious and deadly: AIDS. You will learn about how treatment impacts the virus, which includes a brief discussion about the actual virus within a cell, in a slightly scientific manner. The course will describe the causes behind HIV drug resistance and how it can be treated, as well as many secondary, or opportunistic infections, that present themselves due to a weakened immune system caused by the HIV virus. Lastly, we must not neglect to create an understanding of what is needed worldwide to end this terrible epidemic.