How about some continuing education credits to go with that mint chocolate chip ice cream cone?
Online learning fits most summer schedules offering flexibility and convenience. The Western Region Public Health Training Center (WRPHTC) at the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, currently offers 130 free online courses and recorded webinars on Moodle.
“We provide experts in the areas of nutrition, obesity and addiction. We also address emergency issues, such as the opioid epidemic and disaster preparedness," said Abigail Stoica, MPH, associate director of the Western Region Public Health Training Center.
Many of the training courses are approved for continuing education credits for registered nurses, and continuing professional education units for registered dietitians and certified health education specialists at no cost to users.
Since January 2018, a total of 5,050 people completed courses through the regional training center which provides free training and continuing education for the public health workforce in Region 9 of the Health Resources and Services Administration, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which covers Arizona, California, Nevada, Hawaii and the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands.
Here are the top 10 most popular courses offered by the Western Region Public Health Training Center in 2018-2019:
- Preventing Legionnaires' Disease
- Public Health Essentials in Action Online
- Quality Improvement Series
- Opioid Use, Abuse, and Solutions
- Professional Ethics and Personal Values
- Stock Albuterol Inhaler Training for School Personnel 2018
- Getting Results: Motivational Interviewing
- Communication Skills for Successful Healthcare Team Relationships
- Sexual Violence Training for Community Health Workers/Promotoras
- Prioritization and Time Management
“With public health being a multi-disciplinary field whose mission is carried out by a workforce that comes from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds, public health training centers provide valuable opportunities for introductory and continuing education focused on public health skills,” said Stoica.
“Our data indicates that one fifth of the governmental public health workforce in Arizona has no degree and only 6.5 percent has a Master of Public Health. Creating and implementing training with subject matter experts at our college and in the field helps address gaps in knowledge and skills experienced by our public health workforce,” Stoica added.
"The team of public health educators at the Western Region Public Health Training Center is focused on solving some of the most pressing public health issues facing our nation," said UA President Robert C. Robbins, MD. "The Center is an incredible resource for health departments and community agencies throughout the United States. Improving and protecting the health of people here in Arizona and across the nation is an important part of our mission, and I am very proud the UA can serve our community like this."
What participants are saying about our most popular courses...
Preventing Legionnaires’ Disease: a collaboration with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
"I only had a cursory knowledge of Legionella before completing this course. This course has great information; I now feel like I have a better understanding of the disease and steps to reduce risk.”
"This course is great for individuals who advise or oversee any environmental health programs that deal with a building or water systems. Material was appropriate for the audience. Detailed information on steps needed to take to prevent and remediate Legionella."
Public Health Essentials In Action Online
"I learned a lot of new information that I have never learned before regarding public health. I probably would have never learned this information if I had not taken this course.”
"I thought training went great. Loved how I could hear the explanations of the answers."
Quality Improvement Series
"Loved the videos - clear, concise, and great overview of many different types of data presentation. Loved the exercises in between! Thank you."
For more information about the Western Region Public Health Training Center and to review all available courses, please visit the website: www.wrphtc.arizona.edu
