Applied Learning for Undergraduates: Integrating NCHEC Competencies and CEPH Public Health Domains in a Public Health...

Area of Science:

• Public Health Education
• Curriculum Development
• Accreditation Standards

Background:

• Undergraduate public health programs must meet accreditation standards from the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
• Assessing curricular alignment with CEPH Domains of Public Health (PHDs) and National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC) competencies is crucial.
• Gaps in existing curricula can hinder program accreditation and student preparedness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a standalone undergraduate public health program curriculum aligned with CEPH accreditation standards.
• To design a new course, Public Health Practice, integrating real-world experience and essential competencies.
• To prepare students for the practical application of public health principles and challenges.

Main Methods:

• A matrix exercise was conducted to evaluate curricular alignment with CEPH PHDs and NCHEC competencies.
• A new course, Public Health Practice, was developed based on identified curricular gaps.
• Assignments such as needs assessments and logic models were incorporated to foster applied learning.

Main Results:

• The matrix exercise identified specific areas for improvement in the undergraduate public health curriculum.
• The Public Health Practice course successfully integrated practical assignments, exposing students to real-world public health challenges.
• Students were introduced to selected CEPH PHDs and NCHEC competencies through course activities.

Conclusions:

• The developed Public Health Practice course effectively addresses gaps in undergraduate public health curricula.
• Integrating applied learning, CEPH domains, and NCHEC competencies enhances student preparedness for public health practice.
• This course model offers a valuable approach for other undergraduate public health programs seeking accreditation alignment.