University Times

Health service certificate programs to begin

The College of General Studies (CGS) will offer two health services certificate programs this fall designed to help health professionals improve their skills and advance in their fields.

Each of the programs — Managing Health Services Programs and Projects, and Community Health Assessment — comprises six courses for 18 credits. The two curricula were developed by university faculty, with consultation from advisers within the community and the health industry, and were designed to allow students to improve their communication and management skills and their knowledge of the health field.

Credits earned through the programs also can be applied to a B.A. in health services.

"This is a new market for the College of General Studies," says CGS Dean Susan R. Kinsey. "Research shows that employers are increasingly inclined to invest in short-term education and will use their continuing education dollars to send employees to programs such as these."

The Managing Health Services Programs and Projects Certificate emphasizes grant and research project management; the Community Health Assessment Certificate will aid professionals in social services and public and community health.

"We concentrate on the education and skills that our region's health industry employers are looking for," says Laura Hastings, associate dean for academic affairs in CGS.

For more information, call 412/624-6600, or visit the web site www.pitt.edu/~cgs/health