Public Health Micro-Credentials
Drexel University’s Dornsife School of Public Health developed five micro-credentials (mini-courses) as part of a collaboration with the Pennsylvania Department of Health Long Term Care Task Force.
These micro-credentials were created for staff in Pennsylvania long-term care facilities, but they are now available nationwide. They are self-paced and may earn continuing education credits.
Long-Term Care Facility Micro-Credentials
The following public health micro-credentials from the Long-Term Care Resiliency Education Program are self-paced and online:
These micro-credentials focus on continuing education and training for staff and leadership at long-term care facilities like skilled nursing facilities, senior living centers, and veterans homes.
The target audiences for these micro-credentials are front-line staff and administrators of long-term care facilities, including:
- Administrators
- Nurses (BSN, RN, LPN)
- Social Workers and Licensed Professional Counselors
- Certified Nursing Assistants, Medical Assistants, and other healthcare support staff
- Other professionals in long-term care areas such as Environmental Services and Food Services
Register for a Micro-Credential
Table of Contents:
What Is a Micro-Credential?
Micro-credentials are short, focused credentials designed to provide in-demand skills, real-life examples, opportunities for growth, and continuing education credits.
What Is the Difference Between a Micro-Credential, Certification and Continuing Education?
Public health micro-credentials, certifications, and continuing education all serve different purposes but are related in their goal of advancing knowledge and skills in the field. Here’s a general summary:
- Micro-credential: If you want quick, specialized training
- Certification: If you need a formal, recognized credential for career advancement
- Continuing education: If you want to stay updated and maintain certifications
How Do Micro-Credentials Work?
Micro-credentials are short, focused courses that demonstrate competency in a specific skill or subject.
Micro-credentials are designed to be more flexible and accessible than a traditional degree, making them useful for working professionals looking to stay informed about the latest best practices.
What Are the Benefits of Getting a Micro-Credential?
Earning a micro-credential in public health comes with several benefits, especially for professionals looking to attain job skills like managing a emergency or controlling a disease outbreak in a nursing home.
Some key advantages include skill development, convenience, and affordability. Employers increasingly recognize micro-credentials as proof of continuous learning and adaptability.
Program Details and Tips for Getting Started
How Long Is Each Public Health Micro-Credential?
Each micro-credential is broken into three modules:
- Modules 1 - 3 provide instructional content with self-check activities.
- Module 4 includes a final exam.
What Is the Cost for Each Micro-Credential?
Each micro-credential costs $250 and is paid via credit card when you register.
How Can I Sign Up for a Micro-Credential?
Participants can sign up as an individual or a group:
Register and pay for a micro-credential
How Do I Access the Modules and Materials?
After successfully registering for a micro-credential, within five business days students will receive a welcome email with important information about how to log in and access the modules and materials using Drexel University’s Blackboard Learn website.
Blackboard Learn is a secure learning management system that requires a User ID and Password. All the materials that you need to complete the training modules will be available on Blackboard Learn.
Watch this video for details log in instructions for Drexel Blackboard Learn. If you need technical support with Blackboard please review these tutorials or contact Drexel University Instructional Technology Group at itg@drexel.edu or 215.895.1224.
Students earn a digital badge upon successful completion of a micro-credential.
Is There a Final Exam?
Upon completion of all three modules, students take a final examination that covers the materials from all three modules.
Will I Receive a Certificate of Completion?
Students will earn a digital badge (like the example pictured at right) upon successful completion of the micro-credential.
In order to earn the badge, students must pass the final examination and complete the end-of-course evaluation.
How Can I Receive a Refund for a Registration?
Payments are not refundable. You may, however, transfer the registration to a different participant. If you have any questions please email cc3995@drexel.edu.
Will I Receive Continuing Education Credits?
Many professionals can earn continuing education credits for the long-term care micro-credentials. Learn more about the approved organizations:
| Approved By |
Credits |
Details |
| National Association of Long-Term Care Administrators Board (NAB) |
Each micro-credential has been approved for 13.5 program hours. |
For long-term care administrators |
| Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) |
Each micro-credential is being offered for up to 13.5 annual training hours. |
For administrators of personal care homes and assisted living residences |
| Pennsylvania State Nurses Association |
Each micro-credential is being offered for up to 12 hours of continuing education. |
Drexel University College of Medicine/BHE is an approved provider of nursing continuing professional development by the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. |
Depending on your accrediting organization, you may also earn continuing education credits.
Interested in a Graduate Program in Infection Prevention and Control?
Drexel University’s Dornsife School of Public Health offers an online Certificate in Infection Prevention and Control and an Online Master of Science (MS) in Infection Prevention and Control.