Evaluating Field Placement Competencies and Workforce Readiness in Region IV Public Health Training Center

Developing a skilled governmental public health workforce requires intentional training opportunities that extend beyond foundational skills. Field placement programs, offered through the Public Health Training Center Network, provide students with practical experience while supporting agency capacity. This Practice Brief Report examines governmental public health field placements sponsored by the Region IV Public Health Training Center between 2019 and 2024 (n = 75). Student evaluations showed frequent practice in data analytics and assessment, policy development and program planning, and communication skills, areas reflecting organizational strengths. However, the findings of Public Health Workforce Interest and Needs Survey highlighted critical workforce gaps in higher-level skills such as budget and financial management, policy engagement, and leadership and systems thinking. Field placement experiences offer an opportunity to introduce students to these complex competencies early in their careers. Intentionally integrating higher-level skills into placement design can strengthen student preparation and help ensure a future workforce ready to address evolving public health challenges.