New Online Programs Address Critical Employment Needs

Capella University, an accredited online university that has built its reputation by providing quality education for adults, announced that it has expanded its public service leadership offerings. They include a new Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) online degree program, as well as new Master of Public Health (MPH) degrees, which replace its Master of Science in Public Health programs.

These new offerings address the two fields with the most critical employment needs — medical and public health, according to Partnership for Public Service’s recent report, “Where the Jobs Are 2009: Mission-Critical Opportunities for America.”

Growing demand for bachelor’s-prepared nurses

Registered nursing is one of the country’s fastest growing occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Because of the increased complexity of today’s health care environment, the National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice has recommended that at least two-thirds of the nurse work force hold baccalaureate or higher degrees. Capella’s new online Bachelor of Science in Nursing, RN-to-BSN Degree Completion specialization, is designed to provide busy RNs with the option to complete their BSN degree online. This online RN-to-BSN Degree Completion specialization incorporates the Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice established by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and is designed to provide licensed registered nurses with the additional knowledge, skills, and decision-making proficiencies needed in today's more complex health care environment.

Capella's new online RN-to-BSN Degree Completion program is provided in a rich, collaborative learning environment that includes interactive multimedia materials and other course work that will help students expand their knowledge of health promotion and disease prevention; multicultural wellness strategies; pharmacology and patient safety; patient care technology; collaborative nursing group processes; leadership and management; and policy, law, ethics, and regulations in professional nursing practice.Capella also offers online master’s and doctoral specializations in the field of nursing.

Online MPH degree program helps address impending shortage of public health leaders

According to the Partnership for Public Service report, the biggest demand for government workers will be in the area of medical and public health, where more than 54,000 jobs will need to be filled in the next three years. Capella’s Master of Public Health, developed around national public health curriculum standards, is designed to help address that need. Three specializations are offered: General Public Health; Health Management and Policy; and Social and Behavioral Sciences.

“We have replaced our MS in Public Health with an MPH, allowing us to further align our degree with national public health education standards and offer the most relevant and recognized degree in the field,” said Suzanne Holmes, DPA, interim co-dean of Capella’s School of Public Service Leadership and faculty chair for public health and public administration. “Capella’s MPH combines a public health focus with a multidisciplinary approach to public service education, which we believe better prepares our students for leadership positions.”

Designed around national public health curriculum standards, the new online Master of Public Health concentrations feature a multidisciplinary approach that combines the study of public health issues and concepts with management sciences knowledge, organizational and financial theory and practice, public administration, and economics. A collaborative project involving local public health organizations is integrated into the curriculum, providing online students with the opportunity to gain practical knowledge of relevant organizations, programs, and policies.

Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), www.ncahlc.org.

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