Oral

The National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE, the Board) embarked on a landmark effort in September 2005 to develop, administer and evaluate certification examinations for graduates from Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) - accredited schools and programs of public health. The purposes of this effort are to: 1) help improve the quality of education students receive; 2) improve graduates overall effectiveness in the practice of public health; and 3) heighten recognition of graduate-trained public health professionals who have attained the resulting credential. This effort is occurring at a time of heightened interest, when new knowledge, skills and competencies are required to practice public health, the diversity of our nation is increasing, and rapid turnover in the public health work force is anticipated. To that end, APHA’s Education Board co-sponsored a session with the Board at the 2006 APHA annual meeting in Boston, MA to provide an overview of this effort and discuss its broad implications. This follow-up town hall session will: 1) provide an update about the Board’s progress to date in establishing this process and rolling out the exam; 2) highlight relevant issues, opportunities and potential unintended consequences raised since the inception of the project; and 3) discuss the impact of this effort on public health practice. Session participants will have an opportunity to make suggestions and recommendations about ways to strengthen this new process and ensure that it improves the relevance of public health education to practice.

Session Objectives: Describe the purpose of a credential for public health graduates. Articulate the strengths and weaknesses of this effor in improving public health practice.

CE Credits: CME, Health Education (CHES), Nursing