Professional Development/Continuing Education

Public health is an exciting and fast-paced field that responds to new and emerging issues. Public health professionals must remain informed and educated in both knowledge and skills to ensure that our public health system continues to protect our health. Opportunities for workers in the field to continue to learn and grow professionally include in-person events, distance-learning courses, and online modules.

• New York Learns Public Health – The Office of Public Health Learning Management System
• University at Albany School of Public Health – Center for Public Health Continuing Education (UASPH-CPHCE)
  • UASPH-CPHCE: PHTC-Online
• University at Albany Public Health Leaders of Tomorrow (PHLOT) Program
• University at Albany School of Public Health Center for Public Health Continuing Education
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Learning Connection
• National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) University
• Fellowship Programs
  • Empire State Fellows Program (ny.gov)
  • New York State Public Health Corps (ny.gov)
  • New York State Fellowship Programs (ny.gov)
• Internship Programs
  • New New York Leaders: Student Intern Program
    The New New York Leaders: Student Intern Program brings students into state government where they will be exposed to the work of governing and introduced to the increasingly complex policy challenges facing New York State. The program attracts talented students from undergraduate and graduate programs at colleges and universities throughout New York State, as well as New York State residents studying elsewhere. Each intern works in a particular area within an executive branch agency or department. While providing hands-on program assistance, interns will interact with government leaders and policy-makers.
  • The CDC Public Health Associate Program PHAP
    The Public Health Associate Program (PHAP) is designed to train early-career public health professionals who have a recent bachelor's or master's degree and an interest in public service and public health. Throughout the two-year training program, associates gain hands- on experience that will serve as a foundation for their public health careers. Applications open in January of each year and must be completed through the USAJobs website.
  • Wadsworth Laboratory Undergraduate Training Opportunities
    Wadsworth Center hosts an NSF-funded Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) summer program. Ten students are selected from colleges across the country to work for 10 weeks on independent research projects with scientists. Students received a stipend plus housing and a meal allowance. Only US citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply.
    The Wadsworth Laboratory also offers volunteer opportunities for undergraduates throughout the academic year and summer breaks.

Credentialing Public Health Professionals

Beginning in the summer of 2008, graduates of accredited schools and programs of public health will have the option to take an exam to become certified in public health. More information on certification is available from the National Board of Public Health Examiners Web site .

Certificate Programs

Obtaining a certificate in public health is a good way for those already working in the public health field or in a related field to improve upon their basic public health knowledge and skills, as well as an opportunity for individuals considering a career move or an advanced degree to learn more about the field and gain a basic understanding of the core areas of public health. In addition to certificates in basic public health, some programs also offer specialized certificates that allow public health professionals to gain a deeper understanding and targeted skills in certain areas—for example, in maternal and child health or in emergency preparedness.

Some New York State graduate schools and programs in public health offer certificates. Visit the individual school and program sites to learn more.