Orientation to Public Health is a web-based course that provides learners with a basic understanding of the mission and functions of public health. Designed to orient newly hired support and technical staff to the field, the course consists of two parts:
- Part One introduces the mission and six obligations of public health.
- Part Two explains the ten essential services.
The course uses the metaphor of a new worker orientation (computer-based) to present information. By reading e-mails, completing assigned tasks, and participating in simulated desktop conferences, the learner discovers that public health is very much a part of everyday life, and learns how many different agencies work to carry out its mission.
Newly registered learners login to find a virtual "desktop" they will use to navigate through the course. Sections called "Inbox," "Documents," "Tasks," and "Conferencing" provide access to content. Course components are generated dynamically in response to the learner's progress.
As each new area is explored and tasks completed, more material is revealed. Once learners have entered the course, a "task list" appears on their desktop. This serves as a progress indicator, helping those who logout out and return at a later time to remember work they still need to complete.
As learners work through assigned tasks, they receive feedback alerts regarding how well they have understood the material presented. Upon finishing the course, they may print out a certificate of completion.
Orientation to Public Health provides examples of how a public health agency carries out the 10 Essential Public Health Services (EPHS). "For the past 25 years, the EPHS have served as a well-recognized framework for carrying out the mission of public health. The EPHS framework was originally released in 1994 and more recently updated in 2020. The revised version is intended to bring the framework in line with current and future public health practice." (CDC Website)
The Center for Public Health Continuing Education is currently assessing the course content for updates and encourages learners to view the updated EPHS .
Learning Outcome
As a result of this activity the learner will enhance their knowledge and competence in the mission and functions of public health including the six obligations of public health and the ten essential services.
Continuing Education Credits
New Jersey Public Health CE Credits
Participants who successfully complete this educational program will be awarded 1.0 NJ Public Health Continuing Education Contact Hours (CEs). The Rutgers School of Public Health Center for Public Health Workforce Development has been approved by the New Jersey Department of Health as a provider of New Jersey Public Health Continuing Education Contact Hours (CEs).
To receive NJPH Credits for this course, please email your certificate of completion to Kendra Julien, kj446@sph.rutgers.edu.
Generic Continuing Education Credits
1.0 hours of Generic Continuing Education Credits.
- Training launched: February 1, 2003
- Estimated time: 1 hour
- Training is free and open to the public
The planners, moderator, and presenters do not have any financial arrangements or affiliations with any ineligible companies whose products, research, or services may be discussed in this activity.
No commercial funding has been accepted for this activity.