Currently there is a workforce gap in public health management
positions at the Federal, state, and local levels. This
shortage has resulted from the expansion of public health programs,
competition for trained professionals, and the aging of the current
workforce. Although there are accredited schools of public
health across the United States, those programs provide their graduates
with little practical experience in public health. In Response
to this, CDC developed and implemented the Public Health Prevention
Service (PHPS) Program designed to train and prepare tomorrow's public health
program managers.
In September 1997, CDC established the Public Health Prevention Service (PHPS). PHPS is a 3-year
training and service program for master's level public health professionals. Approximately 25 Prevention
Specialists enter the program annually. The program focuses on public health program management and
provides Prevention Specialists with experience in program planning, implementation, and evaluation
through specialized hands-on training and mentorship at CDC and state and local health agencies. In
addition to on-the-job training, the PHPS program provides formal instruction in program management,
epidemiology, surveillance, emergency response, and project evaluation. Prevention Specialists participate
in a variety of activities, such as seminars, evaluation projects, web-based training, temporary duty
assignments, and conferences that are designed to provide them with essential public health program
management skills.
The selection process for
entrance into PHPS is highly competitive, and candidates are
recruited from schools, universities and public health/management programs across the
country. Currently, 77 Prevention Specialists are gaining
experience at CDC and at state and local health agencies. As
of September 2004, a total of 120 participants have completed the program and
are employed in public health management positions at the Federal, state, and
local levels.
After being accepted into the
program, participants complete two assignments at CDC facilities
during the first year. During years two and three, participants are
placed in field assignments. The majority are located in state
or local health agencies.
The PHPS program offers
participants 1) meaningful work assignments at the international,
Federal, state, and local levels; 2) career development through
PHPS training and other CDC-sponsored activities; 3) opportunities
to work on multidisciplinary teams; and 4) hands-on work assignments
at the national, state, or local levels.
Vision
An enhanced
public health workforce.
Mission
To
contribute to the development of a highly trained public health
workforce of Prevention Specialists with public health experience
and the management and leadership skills necessary to promote the health of
populations at the global, Federal, state, and local levels.
Guiding Principles
Training
and service is our fundamental focus. We provide opportunities
to strengthen and apply knowledge gained in master's degree programs,
sharpen skills, and develop strong networks among a range of
public health professions through
- public
service;
- on-the-job-training
and direct experience with prevention programs and
interventions;
- application
of analytical skills and scientific knowledge to public health
program practice; and
- recognition
of diversity in recruitment and training of Prevention
Specialists, as well as in settings where they are assigned.
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