In response to the need for well trained public health professionals, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) implemented the Public Health Prevention Service (PHPS), a 3-year training program for persons interested in developing skills in planning, implementing, and evaluating programs and interventions. The goal of the training program is to provide a range of educational experiences that build upon previous academic and work-related experience. Since its inception, 75 persons with Masters degrees have been accepted into the program and are currently gaining experience at CDC and health departments across the country. To refine a comprehensive, 3-year training plan that incorporates all program competencies, a needs assessment has been undertaken. PHPS fellows are being included in all project phases, including the development and administration of the needs assessment and the implementation of recommendations. The process includes an extensive literature search and the development of a survey instrument. To gain a complete picture of the training needs, various forms of the instrument will be administered to program participants, their mentors, and their supervisors. The data collected will be used to evaluate existing education and develop an overall training plan. This presentation will discuss the development of the needs assessment, the involvement of the PHPS fellows in the process, the data collected, and recommendations for continuing professional education in the public health workforce.
Keywords: Needs Assessment, Professional Training
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.