This presentation details the development process and implementation of a graduate level, inter-professional global health certificate program in a graduate level nursing program. The on- line program was developed in direct response to an identified need from the student body within the HSC. The certificate program, a set of three core courses, a total of 12 credit hours, is designed to prepare professionals with in-depth knowledge to enhance the care of populations in underserved global and rural communities both at home and abroad. Healthy People 2020 (ODPHP, N.D.) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN, N.D.) guided the development of the program content.
Course content is taught by expert health professionals from diverse backgrounds through various technological modalities. Foundational course content includes social determinants of health, application of theory, research, and current evidence related to access to care, culture, ethics, and health policy. Health care systems are explored, with community engagement a key concept threaded throughout the three course program. Current trends and issues in global health are explored including epidemiology, infectious and non- infectious disease processes. Health information technology, including telehealth and the application of informatics in a global health setting is explored through the use of technology with experts from around the world. The use of community health workers as part of the health care system is described through case studies and interactive activities via our online platform. The final course practicum is application of concepts as a Capstone project in a global community of the students choosing.
Completion of the program by the first pilot cohort was in summer 2016. Students reported a high overall satisfaction with the program and student reflections described personal satisfaction in working with medically underserved populations in diverse environments. Discussion will include challenges encountered in implementing the programs, lessons learned, and strategies for success.
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