This page is under construction and this new program is getting ready to launch, but has not been formally opened yet. Stay tuned or contact healtheq@pitt.edu for more information!
The U.S. continues to face serious disparities in maternal and child health (MCH). There's a shortage of training opportunities and a growing demand for skilled, committed MCH professionals. The MCH certificate program, part of the Center of Excellence (CoE) in Maternal and Child Health Education, Science and Practice, offers a strong foundation in MCH through both classroom and hands-on learning, preparing you with the knowledge and leadership skills to make a difference.
Choose the level of training that fits your goals
There are three certificate options in the student training core of the CoE.
Short-term trainees
This option is appropriate for students with no exposure to MCH who are interested in learning about the unique health challenges faced by these populations. Short-term trainees are not expected to pursue careers in MCH, but to use their knowledge to influence their careers, enabling them to ask questions like, "Will these policies or approaches differentially impact MCH populations?"
- 20 structured contact hours via symposiums and participation in Maternal and Child Health Equity Scholars
- Remaining <20 hours at student's discretion such as a one credit course, MCH training opportunities at Pitt research centers, and participation in the Center for Health Equity's writing lab
Medium-term trainees
This option is appropriate for students interested in MCH but unable to pursue the long-term training and is more than 40 training hours but less than 300. The CoE aims to have no more than 10 medium-term trainees annually.
- attend annual symposia
- participate in Maternal and Child Health Equity Scholars
- core certificate coursework (five credits for public health students and six for others)
- participate in the Center for Health Equity's writing lab
Long-term trainees
This option ensures students develop methodological skills and a core knowledge base in the unique health needs facing MCH populations, and can demonstrate knowledge, skills and abilities in identifying and addressing health inequities/disparities through experiential learning opportunities.
- 15-credits didactic learning
- 300 hours of experiential learning
- participation in Maternal and Child Health Equity Scholars
- doctoral students present work at a conference or author a manuscript