Concentration Specific Competencies

Biostatistics

Describe the roles biostatistics serves in the discipline of public health.
Distinguish among the different measurement scales and the implications for selection of statistical methods to be used based on these distinctions.
Apply descriptive techniques commonly used to summarize public health data.
Describe basic concepts of probability, random variation and commonly used statistical probability distributions.
Apply common statistical methods for inference.
Describe preferred methodological alternatives to commonly used statistical methods when assumptions are violated.
Apply descriptive and inferential methodologies according to the type of study design for answering a particular research question.
Interpret results of statistical analyses found in public health studies.
Develop written and oral presentations based on statistical analyses for both public health professionals and educated lay audiences.
Apply basic informatics techniques with vial statistics and public health records in the description of public health characteristics and in public health research and evaluation.
Apply biostatistical methods to the design of studies in public health.
Use computers to appropriately store, manage, manipulate and process data for a research study using modern software.
Select and conduct appropriate statistical analysis.
Integrate analysis strategies in biostatistics with principles and issues in epidemiology.
Describe conceptual frameworks in biostatistics.
Critically evaluate basic statistical aspects of public health research reported in the literature

Communication Disorders

Audiology Competencies (Knowledge and Skill Areas)

IV B1: Professional codes of ethics, credentialing
IV B2: Patient characteristics; how they relate to clinical services
IV B3: Educational, vocational, psychosocial effects
IV B4: Anatomy/physiology of auditory/vestibular system
IV B5: Normal development of speech/language
IV B6: Phono/morpho/syntactic/pragmatic aspects of hearing loss
IV B7: Normal speech/language production/perception
IV B8: Normal auditory physiology/behavior over lifespan
IV B9: Psychoacoustics
IV B10: Effects of chemical agents on auditory/vestibular systems
IV B11: Instrumentation and bioelectrical hazards
IV B12: Infectious/contagious diseases/universal precautions
IV B13: Characteristics/measurement of acoustic stimuli
IV B14: Characteristics/measurement of electric/nonacoustic stimuli
IV B15: Principles and practices of research
IV B16: Medical/surgical procedures for auditory/vestibular disorders
IV B17: Health care and educational delivery systems
IV B18: Cultural diversity
IV B19: Supervisory process and procedures
IV B20: Laws, regulations, policies, management
IV B21: Manual communication, interpreters, assistive technology
Prevention and Identification
IV C1: Effective interaction with patients, families, others
IV C2: Prevention of communication disorders
IV C3: Identification of at-risk individuals
IV C4: Screening for hearing impairment/handicap
IV C5: Screening for speech/language impairment
IV C6: Hearing conservation programs
Evaluation
IV D1: Effective interaction with patients, families, others
IV D2: Evaluate information to facilitate assessment planning
IV D3: Obtain a case history
IV D4: Perform an otoscopic evaluation
IV D5: Determine need for cerumen removal
IV D6: Administer assessment methods
IV D7: Perform audiologic assessment
IV D8: Perform electrodiagnostic procedures
IV D9: Perform balance assessment/determine need for rehabilitation
IV D10: Perform aural rehab assessment
IV D11: Document evaluation procedures and results
IV D12: Interpret results for type/severity of disorder
IV D13: Generate recommendations/referrals
IV D14: Provide counseling to facilitate understanding of disorder
IV D15: Maintain records in accord with legal/professional standards
IV D16: Communicate results/recommendations orally and in writing
IV D17: Use of instrumentation in accordance with specifications
IV D18: Determine whether instrumentation is in calibration
Treatment
IV E1: Effective interaction with patients, families, others
IV E2: Develop/implement treatment plan
IV E3: Discuss prognosis/treatment options
IV E4: Counsel patients, families, others
IV E5: Develop culturally- and age-appropriate management strategies
IV E6: Collaborate with other service providers in case coordination
IV E7: Perform hearing aid, assistive device, sensory aid assessment
IV E8: Recommend, dispense, service prosthetic and assistive devices
IV E9: Provide hearing aid, assistive device, sensory aid orientation
IV E10: Conduct aural rehabilitation
IV E11: Monitor/summarize treatment progress/outcomes
IV E12: Assess efficacy of interventions for auditory/balance disorders
IV E13: Establish treatment admission/discharge criteria
IV E14: Serve as an advocate for patients, families, others
IV E15: Document treatment procedures/results
IV E16: Maintain records in accord with legal/professional standards
IV E17: Communicate results, recommendations, progress
IV E18: Use of instrumentation in accordance with specifications
IV E19: Determine whether instrumentation is in calibration

Speech-Language Pathology Competencies (Knowledge and Skill Areas)

Standard III-B. The applicant must demonstrate knowledge of basic human communication and swallowing processes, including their biological, neurological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural bases

Basic Human Communication Processes
Biological
Neurological
Acoustic
Psychological
Developmental/Lifespan
Linguistic
Cultural
Swallowing Processes
Biological
Neurological
Acoustic
Psychological
Developmental/Lifespan
Linguistic
Cultural
Standard III-C. The applicant must demonstrate knowledge of the nature of speech, language, hearing, and communication disorders and differences and swallowing disorders, including their etiologies, characteristics, anatomical/physiological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural correlates. Specific knowledge must be demonstrated in the following areas:
Articulation
Etiologies
Characteristics
Fluency
Etiologies
Characteristics
Voice and Resonance (respiration and phonation)
Etiologies
Characteristics
Receptive/expressive language (phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics) in speaking, listening, reading, writing, manual modalities
Etiologies
Characteristics
Hearing, including the impact on speech and language
Etiologies
Characteristics
Swallowing (oral, pharyngeal, esophageal, and related functions, including oral function for feeding; orofacial myofuction)
Etiologies
Characteristics
Cognitive aspects of communication (attention, memory, sequencing, problem-solving, executive function)
Etiologies
Characteristics
Social aspects of communication (challenging behavior, ineffective social skills, lack of communication opportunities)
Etiologies
Characteristics
Communication Modalities (including oral, manual, augmentative and alternative communication techniques and assistive technology)
Etiologies
Characteristics
Standard III-D. The applicant must possess knowledge of principles and methods of prevention, assessment, and intervention for people with communication and swallowing disorders, including consideration of anatomical/physiological, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural correlates of the disorders
Articulation
Prevention
Assessment
Intervention
Fluency
Prevention
Assessment
Intervention
Receptive and expressive language
Prevention
Assessment
Intervention
Hearing, including the impact on speech and language
Prevention
Assessment
Intervention
Swallowing
Prevention
Assessment
Intervention
Cognitive aspects of communication
Prevention
Assessment
Intervention
Social aspects of communication
Prevention
Assessment
Intervention
Communication modalities
Prevention
Assessment
Intervention
Standard IV-G. The applicant for certification must complete a program of study that includes supervised clinical experiences sufficient in breadth and depth to achieve the following skills outcomes (in addition to clinical experiences, skills may be demonstrated through successful performance on academic course work and examinations, including independent projects, or other appropriate alternative methods). Evaluation (must include all skill outcomes listed in a-g below for each of the 9 major areas). a. Conduct screening and prevention procedures (including prevention activities). b. Collect case history information and integrate information from clients/patients, family, caregivers, teachers, relevant others, and other professionals. c. Select and administer appropriate evaluation procedures, such as behavioral observations, nonstandardized and standardized tests, and instrumental procedures. d. Adapt evaluation procedures to meet client/patient needs. e. Interpret, integrate, and synthesize all information to develop diagnoses and make appropriate recommendations for intervention. lf. Complete administrative and reporting functions necessary to support evaluation. g. Refer clients/patients for appropriate services.
Articulation
Fluency
Voice and Resonance
Receptive and expressive language
Hearing
Swallowing
Cognitive aspects of communication
Social aspects of communication
Communication modalities
2. Intervention (must include all skill outcomes listed in a-g below for each of the 9 major areas). a. Develop setting-appropriate intervention plans with measurable and achievable goals that meet clients'/patients' needs. Collaborate with clients/patients and relevant others in the planning process. b. Implement intervention plans. (Involve clients/patients and relevant others in the intervention process). c. Select or develop and use appropriate materials and instrumentation for prevention and intervention. d. Measure and evaluate clients'/patients' performance and progress. e. Modify intervention plans, strategies, materials, or instrumentation as appropriate to meet the needs of clients/patients. f. Complete administrative and reporting functions necessary to support intervention. g. Identify and refer clients/patients for services as appropriate.
Articulation
Fluency
Voice and Resonance
Receptive and expressive language
Hearing
Swallowing
Cognitive aspects of communication
Social aspects of communication
Communication modalities
3. Interactions and personal qualities
Communicate effectively, recognizing the needs, values, preferred mode of communication, and cultural/linguistic background of the client/family, caregivers, and relevant others
Collaborate with other professionals in case management
Provide counseling regarding communication and swallowing disorders to clients/patients, family, caregivers, and relevant others
Adhere to the ASHA Code of Ethics and behave professionally

Community Health Education

Describe the role of social and community factors in both the onset and solution of public health problems.
Identify the causes of social and behavioral factors that affect health of individuals and populations.
Identify basic theories, concepts and models from a range of social and behavioral disciplines that are used in public health research and practice.
Apply ethical principles to public health program planning, implementation and evaluation.
Specify multiple targets and levels of intervention for social and behavioral science programs and/or policies.
Identify individual, organizational and community concerns, assets, resources and deficits for social and behavioral science interventions.
Apply evidence-based approaches in the development and evaluation of social and behavioral science interventions.
Describe the merits of social and behavioral science interventions and policies.
Describe steps and procedures for the planning, implementation and evaluation of public health programs, policies and interventions.
Identify critical stakeholders for the planning, implementation and evaluation of public health programs, policies and interventions.
Conduct health needs assessments at both the individual and community level, including analysis of social, political and bureaucratic barriers that impede health promotion efforts.
Identify, analyze and interpret factors influencing people's health status through a strong foundation in epidemiology and social and behavioral theory.
Demonstrate sensitivity to diversity in communities.
Plan, develop, and implement community health education programs using a variety of strategies to improve a community's health.
Develop, analyze and evaluate public policies that have an impact on people's health.
Manage and administer fiscal and organizational resources to insure optimal program and service delivery.
Evaluate the process and outcome of community-based health education programs.
Identify and articulate the ethical dilemmas inherent in planned, intentional social and behavioral change strategies.
Communicate the mission of public health effectively.

Environmental Health Sciences

Specify approaches for assessing, preventing and controlling environmental hazards that pose risk to human health and safety.
Describe the direct and indirect human, ecological and safety effects of major environmental and occupational agents.
Specify current environmental risk assessment methods.
Describe genetic, physiologic and psychosocial factors that affect susceptibility to adverse health outcomes following exposure to environmental hazards.
Discuss various risk management and risk communication approaches in relation to issues of environmental justice and equity.
Explain the general mechanisms toxicity in eliciting a toxic response to various environmental exposures.
Develop a testable model of environmental insult.
Describe federal and state regulatory programs, guidelines and authorities that control environmental health issues.
Recognize the major sources of environmental insults and the physical, chemical, radiological, and biological characteristics involved in establishing materials as potentially deleterious.
Assess the potential impact of these insults on human health.
Explain the factors and principles basic to determining the pathways by which humans are exposed to environmental insults.
Evaluate the environmental fate and transport of materials and biological uptake by humans.
Apply models for estimating human exposure from the dispersion of contaminants into air, surface and ground water.
Determine the biological basis of injury for a given exposure to toxic materials through environmental pathways and the resulting human health effects produced from such exposure.
Interpret models used to perform risk assessments for exposure to such materials.
Critique the basic methods for measuring environmental media, requirements for sampling, the sensitivity and reliability of analytical methods.
Identify mandates from regulatory agencies, advisory bodies and professional organizations for the development and dissemination of technical information which control policies for environmental health problems.
Demonstrate skills in technology transfer acquired during academic training.

Epidemiology

Explain the importance of epidemiology for informing scientific, ethical, economic and political discussion on health issues.
Describe a public health problem in terms of magnitude, person, time and place.
Apply the basic terminology and definitions of epidemiology.
Identify key sources of data for epidemiologic purposes.
Calculate basic measures.
Evaluate the strengths and limitations of epidemiologic reports.
Draw appropriate inferences from epidemiologic data.
Communicate epidemiologic information to lay and professional audiences.
Comprehend basic ethical and legal principles pertaining to the collection, maintenance, use and dissemination of epidemiologic data
Identify the principles and limitations of public health screening programs.
Articulate the role of epidemiology in preserving and improving public health. Contrast the epidemiologic population-based approach with the clinical perspective. Pose the appropriate research question when given a public health or medical problem requiring a epidemiologic investigation.
Identify sources of health-related data in order to describe the distribution of disease in populations. Generate hypotheses from descriptive data on disease frequency in relation to person, place and time. Interpret health status indices based on these data, such as mortality and morbidity rates.
Explain the critical differences between epidemiologic descriptive and analytic study designs, the measures that can be estimated from each, and their strengths and limitations. Describe how to select an appropriate study design for a specific research question or health problem.
Develop field epidemiological procedures consistent with recognized standards of good epidemiological practice. Identify practical issues in conducting epidemiologic studies.
Identify primary and secondary sources of health data and methods for accessing these sources. Identify the key theoretical and practical issues in selecting study subjects. Identify demographic, social/behavioral and environmental factors which have an impact on the problem under investigation.
Analyze data using appropriate epidemiologic and biostatistical techniques under the guidance of someone with more advanced training. Define, compute, and interpret epidemiologic measures of prevalence, incidence, relative risk, attributable risk, mortality ratios and estimates of their variance. Use computer software for data processing and statistical analyses.
Recognize the various forms of potential bias in epidemiological data and their potential for occurrence in specific study situations. Propose methods to measure them and (adjust for them) reduce their influence on the measures of major interest. Explain and apply methods of standardization or adjustment for factors such as age and gender in a study population. Discuss the implications of study findings.
Evaluate the evidence in favor of and against the likelihood that an observed association in epidemiologic studies is causal using a set of criteria. Define the concept of the multifactorial nature of disease.
Conduct a systematic critical assessment of published epidemiological and clinical studies and present these findings to a variety of audiences.
Evaluate the extent to which existing epidemiological findings can be translated into practical public health interventions.
Articulate the role of epidemiology in public health surveillance. Present the purpose and problems of interpretation in surveillance for acute and chronic diseases and other factors important for public health.

Health Policy and Management

Identify the main components of the organization, financing and delivery of health services and public health system in the U.S.
Describe the policy process for improving the health status of populations.
Describe the legal and ethical bases of public health and health services.
Apply quality and performance improvement concepts to address organizational performance issues.
Demonstrate leadership skills for building partnerships.
Apply principles of strategic planning and marketing to public health.
Communicate health policy and management issues using appropriate channels and technologies.
Apply the principles of program planning, development, budgeting, management and evaluation in organizational and community initiatives.
Explain methods of ensuring community health and safety preparedness.
Apply “systems thinking” for resolving organizational problems.
Identify and analyze the social, economic, legal, ethical and political issues germane to national and local health policies.
Demonstrate knowledge of the history, dynamics, structure, financing and function of the health care delivery system.
Apply theoretical concepts and practical techniques of administration to the management of health programs.
Design and implement effective health services.
Prepare budgets for and control the financial performance of health organizations.
Plan and implement research, quality improvement and/or evaluation projects within agencies, institutions and organizations.
Identify, analyze and solve strategic and operational leadership and managerial problems.
Demonstrate a mastery of oral and written communication skills.

Kinesiology

Critique the terms, concepts and methods used in kinesiology.
Assess the potential impact of physical activity on human health.
Demonstrate critical thinking skills in evaluating the literature in kinesiology.
Design and conduct research in kinesiology.
Critique the results of research in kinesiology.
Translate the results of kinesiology research to different target populations.
Synthesize the knowledge and skills from different sub-disciplines to resolve special research or application problems.

Nutrition

Critique the terms, concepts and methods in nutritional sciences and in public health.
Select and use appropriate anthropometric, biochemical, clinical, dietary, functional and socioeconomic assessment techniques to identify and prioritize nutritional problems and needs of populations and communities.
Develop intervention strategies to correct nutritional problems in target populations.
Demonstrate critical thinking skills in evaluation of the literature.
Design and conduct applied nutrition research.
Describe the role of agencies, advisory bodies, and professional organizations responsible for development and dissemination of technical information and for formulation of nutritional policies.
Identify the relationships between local, national, and global nutritional and public health problems.
Translate results of nutritional research to different target populations (public, peers, parents, etc.).
Integrate knowledge in nutrition, public health, and other disciplines for the identification and evaluation of nutritional problems and in development and implementation of guidelines and policies.

Online Master of Public Health in Nutrition

Critique the terms, concepts and methods in nutritional sciences and in public health.
Select and use appropriate anthropometric, biochemical, clinical, dietary, functional and socioeconomic assessment techniques to identify and prioritize nutritional problems and needs of populations and communities.
Develop intervention strategies to correct nutritional problems in target populations.
Demonstrate critical thinking skills in evaluation of the literature.
Design and conduct applied nutrition research.
Describe the role of agencies, advisory bodies, and professional organizations responsible for development and dissemination of technical information and for formulation of nutritional policies.
Identify the relationships between local, national, and global nutritional and public health problems.
Translate results of nutritional research to different target populations (public, peers, parents, etc.).
Integrate knowledge in nutrition, public health, and other disciplines for the identification and evaluation of nutritional problems and in development and implementation of guidelines and policies.

Online Master of Public Health

Apply the ecological model to the understanding of public health systems, issues and solutions.
Apply appropriate methods of qualitative and quantitative research and investigation strategies to prevent or address public health problems.
Apply concepts from informatics to select health information data sources which investigate, measure and evaluate public health problems.
Apply evidence-based practices in public health.
Analyze the ethical and legal dimensions of public health practice.
Interpret leadership research and theory to articulate own leadership development plan and effectiveness
Assess, plan, implement and evaluate the factors, solutions, policy, programs and outcomes to assure the health of the public.
Understand the administrative, financial, workforce culture, and delivery mechanisms that guide the operations and impact of the public health system.
Use an understanding of cultural diversity, genomics, and public health system challenges to articulate programs to reduce health disparity globally.
Apply social, behavioral, and cultural theories to understand program needs and intervention strategies in public health.
Understand the nature of environment, its relationship to health and its role in assuring the health of the public.
Communicate effectively in writing, oral and electronic delivery modes.

Undergraduate BS in Public Health

Students will be able to utilize basic epidemiological skills to approach a community health problem and use basic data for program design and implementation.
Students will have the ability to design and implement community health assessments and be able to understand community dynamics – political, economically, etc. in order to completely comprehend why these health problems exist.
Students will be able to critically examine community needs through the use of group dynamics skills; identify and approach appropriate stakeholders in order to address community health problems and provide support to public health managers addressing a variety of health issues on the community level.
Students will be able to comprehend the role of the media in solving health problems, and utilize/involve the media in planning public health interventions and be able to articulate major causes, interventions and possible solutions to current public health crises, i.e. bioterrorism.
Students will have a strong understanding of behavioral change theories and be able to apply them in health education programs; be able to comprehend health policies, how these policies are form and enforced and will have the ability to design, implement and evaluate health programs.

Worcester MPH

Be competent in the identification and interpretation of health-related data in order to describe the distribution of disease in populations.
Identify and analyze the social, economic, legal, ethical and political issues germane to national and local health policies.
Explain the factors and principles basic to determining the pathways by which humans are exposed to environmental insults.
Demonstrate knowledge of the history, dynamics, structure, financing and function of the health care delivery system.
Conduct health needs assessments at both the individual and community level, including analysis of social, political and bureaucratic barriers that impede health promotion efforts.
Apply theoretical concepts and practical techniques of administration to the development and management of health programs.
Demonstrate knowledge of terms, concepts and methods in biostatistics and data management.
Manage and analyze data using appropriate epidemiologic and biostatistical techniques under the guidance of someone with more advanced training.
Critically evaluate statistical aspects of public health practice and research.
Demonstrate a mastery of oral and written communication skills, especially vis a vis the missions of public health and community based health education. Interpret and communicate results of studies to public health practitioners and the public.
Demonstrate sensitivity to diversity in communities.

School of Public Health and Health Sciences