New foundation Certificate for public health staff
Associate Health Minister Jo Goodhew has today announced the Government is investing $2.3 million over five years to
support the public health workforce.
“A recent study found that only twenty-nine per cent of the public health workforce holds a generic public health
qualification, and that most public health qualifications are only offered at postgraduate level,” says Mrs Goodhew.
"It is important that those working in public health hold appropriate formal public health qualifications because it
enables increased knowledge and expertise, as well as consistent standards of practice.
“From next month a new National Certificate in Public Health will be available. Developed by the Ministry of Health in
collaboration with the public health and tertiary education sector, the Certificate is designed to be a minimum
foundation qualification for those working in public health.
“To support uptake of the Certificate, a number of fees grants and travel subsidies have been made available to eligible
students.
"The Certificate will ensure the workforce has sufficient knowledge and practical skills to develop and implement public
health initiatives to improve population health outcomes overall, and help to address health needs for vulnerable
people,” says Mrs Goodhew.
The newly established Certificate was accredited by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority in 2012 and will be
delivered by Massey University.
Applications for fees grants for 2014 close next week. Further information can be found at www.publichealthworkforce.org.nz
ends