New Professionals Program

Purpose

The New Professionals Program is designed to equip new public health professionals with the confidence and expertise needed for successful, long-term careers in local governmental public health in North Carolina. This is achieved by providing a combination of education, coaching, and peer learning opportunities.

Eligibility

New full-time early career staff of NC Local Health Departments with less than two years of public health experience. 

Curriculum

New Professionals Program participants will be enrolled in our curriculum, which includes the following:​

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• Asynchronous Learning (E-Learns): Required e-learns based on the Public Health Services Framework that provide essential and contextual information about public health in NC and incorporate real-world examples, case studies, and knowledge checks. The e-learns complement the learning that takes place in the educational sessions and are designed so that the content applies to staff in various public health roles.

• Synchronous Learning (Virtual Educational Sessions): Required educational sessions once a month that allow for hands-on practice building tangible and strategic skills needed for public health practice.  

• 1:1 Coaching Sessions: Coaching sessions with a professional coach every month, where fellows can discuss professional goals, program progress, and their skills application project. 

• Applied Learning Opportunities: 

  • Skills Application Project: A required project to be completed during the program that will be based on the participant’s area of interest and expertise, and allow for self-directed learning. Projects can be included in the professional portfolio and will be presented during the final monthly educational session.  

  • Professional Development Events: The opportunity to attend professional development and networking events identified by the Pathways Program Team. Participant attendance is strongly encouraged at the North Carolina Public Health Association (NCPHA) Fall Educational Conference and the North Carolina Public Health Leaders Conference each year.