The MCH Certificate Program: a new path to graduate education in public health.

摘要: Objective: The purpose of the MCH Certificate Program was threefold: to develop a new educational initiative in response national and local demands for increased workforce capacity, eliminate key financial nonfinancial barriers advanced academic preparation, improve rates recruitment retention students from minority communities, thus enhancing quality services available region. Methods: An Program, designed clinicians (e.g., nurses, occupational therapists nutritionists) public health practitioners as bridge graduate programs health, combined competency based curriculum with skills workshops, leadership seminars, mentoring, small group activities, an interactive teaching format. Results: Students first two cohorts (n = 45) report expansion core knowledge (issues, policies, strategies), enhanced self-confidence, efficacy. Half have experienced job changes that represent responsibility, leadership, professional advancement. A third are enrolled or completed formal program study MCH. Conclusions: This innovative now its fourth year, is approach increasing capacity successful model instruction adult learners. It has potential adaptation variety settings populations, helps expand continuum training experiences schools health.