A perspective on non-traditional academic programs in the health sciences

Area of Science:

• Public Health Education
• Higher Education Studies

Background:

• The 1970s saw a rise in non-traditional academic programs.
• Recommendations from influential commissions spurred this growth.
• Public health schools pioneered off-campus, non-traditional offerings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on three distinct off-campus public health programs.
• To highlight alternative approaches in public health education.
• To analyze the impact of non-traditional programs on practitioner training.

Main Methods:

• Monographic reporting of case studies.
• Analysis of three specific off-campus public health programs.
• Review of trends in non-traditional academic program development.

Main Results:

• Three alternative off-campus public health program models were presented.
• Evidence suggests a growing trend in non-traditional educational formats.
• These programs are designed for health service personnel.

Conclusions:

• Non-traditional, off-campus programs are a significant development in public health education.
• Continued growth is anticipated as more programs are developed and reported.
• These programs are likely to reshape the training of public health practitioners.