UAlbany Increases Access to Skills Training for Public Health Nurses

 

ALBANY, N.Y. (May 11, 2009) -- The University at Albany School of Public Health's (SPH) Center for Public Health Continuing Education will develop a technology-based training program for public health nurses with a three-year, $365,666 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. The project will develop a non-degree certificate program for public health nurses, PHN Ready, which increases access to skills training through electronic means such as the Internet, DVDs, online courses and Webinars.

PHN Ready will package the Center's existing technology-based public health content including online courses and archived broadcasts as well newly-developed training offered through live broadcasts and Webinars. With the project, the Center plans to reach approximately 650 nurses in local New York State health departments as well as 2,000 nurses nationally. The Center expects to recruit the first group of nurses as participants in the certificate program in the fall 2009.

"This grant allows the Center to showcase its expertise in technology-based learning and demonstrate its commitment to continuing the education needs of the public health work force in both New York State and the nation," said SPH Dean Philip Nasca.

The development of technology-based learning is part of the Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration's Technology-Based Learning Initiative, launched by the Federal Government in 2006.

"Public health nurses are the backbone of local public health departments throughout the country," said Cheryl Reeves, director of the School's Center for Public Health Continuing Education. "We are very pleased to provide this free training to them in way that overcomes some of the barriers of time, distance, and resources that limit access to professional development.

Students and faculty at UAlbany's globally-oriented School of Public Health study the most profound health issues facing us today: the origins of disease such as cancer, the threat of bioterrorism, the spread of HIV/AIDS, and other emerging diseases, the lack of affordable and accessible health care for individuals and families, environmental hazards, substance abuse and social violence, maternal mortality in developing countries, the promises and threats of genetic engineering, and protecting food and water supplies.

Through its partnership with the New York State Department of Health, the UAlbany School of Public Health offers students access to internships at the Health Department, Albany Medical College, and a variety of other public and private health institutions throughout New York.

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