Strengthening Health Interventions in the Pacific (SHIP)

The Certificate is designed for health professionals at all levels who work with health information and data related to communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health, behavioral health, and environmental, laboratory, and clinical data. USAPI Ministries/ Departments of Health initiate the process by nominating interested staff.

The Diploma and Master’s are geared to students who have successfully completed the Certificate.

SHIP is designed to measurably improve in-country surveillance and health information systems. The training program aims to advance health security in the Pacific Region through the One Health approach to public health, environmental health, and animal health. As a result of this targeted effort, the Ministries/Departments of Health will strengthen their existing systems for collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of health data, and streamline the dissemination of information products to inform decision making.

SHIP Program participants will acquire the knowledge and skills to:

• Detect and respond to public health emergencies, such as disease outbreaks and non-communicable disease crises.
• Collect, analyze, interpret, communicate, and use health data for the purpose of informed decision-making.
• Design, conduct, and report on research projects.
• Evaluate and strengthen surveillance systems, as well as Health Emergency Preparedness and Response capacity.

Participants will also benefit by:

• Applying knowledge and skills directly in their own workplace and, by working in collaboration with their supervisor, develop and implement projects that meet identified health agencies.
• Being mentored by SHIP program faculty.
• Networking with other health professionals regionally and in-country, as well as with U.S. federal and international partners: CDC, PPHSN, SPC, WHO, and others.

Participants who successfully complete course modules and projects will receive degrees accredited by FNU. Tier 1 level courses will provide graduates with accreditation for a Post-Graduate Certificate in Field Epidemiology (PGCFE); Tier 2 graduates will earn a Post-Graduate Diploma in Applied Epidemiology (PGDAE), and Tier 3 graduates will receive a Master of Applied Epidemiology (MAE).

The SHIP program is delivered at no cost to qualified participants.

• Tier 1: Post-Graduate Certificate in Field Epidemiology (PGCFE) (Epidemiology Technician)

This certificate is granted after successfully completing the Data for Decision Making (DDM) course, which consists of four modules plus a field epidemiology project:

1. Introduction to Epidemiology and Field Epidemiology
2. Introduction to Health Information Systems
3. Investigation and Management of Disease Outbreaks
4. Management and Analysis of Health Information Systems Data
5. Field Epidemiology Project

• Tier 2: Post-Graduate Diploma in Applied Epidemiology (PGDAE)

This diploma level incorporates two courses:

1. Biostatistics, Data Management, and Analysis
2. Operational Research (3 Modules to Design, Conduct, and Report on a Research Project)

• Tier 3: Master of Applied Epidemiology (MAE)

The master’s program is achieved by completing three projects:

1. Analytical Epidemiology Project
2. Evaluation of a Health System or Program
3. Health Emergency Preparedness and Response

Throughout each course, students learn by doing. The courses are offered through a combination of classroom-based teaching and learning sessions followed by structured activities that encourage and support the model of learning from work, at work, and for work, where students design and implement selected projects prioritized by their workplace supervisors and Ministers/Directors of Health.

To enroll, SHIP program applicants must have:

• A bachelor’s degree, or three years’ experience working in the health sector; and,
• A supportive reference from a workplace supervisor;
• Endorsement/nomination by the Ministry/Department of Health;
• Applicants without an undergraduate health degree or with less than the required professional experience may be considered for enrollment on a case-by-case basis.

The Ministry/Department of Health must endorse and nominate eligible applicants to enroll with FNU and gain acceptance into the SHIP program. Interested health professionals should seek support and approval from their workplace supervisor and the Ministry/Department of Health.

Candidates for the SHIP program will be evaluated and selected based on the following criteria:

• Meet the minimum qualifications.
• Provide a supportive reference from the workplace supervisor.
• Secure a written endorsement by the Ministry/Department of Health.
• Commit to attending and completing the courses for the SHIP tier they are applying to.
• Complete application and include required supporting documents.

To be considered, interested candidates should complete and submit the following documents:

• FNU Enrollment and Admission Form
• Copy of valid passport
• Copy of birth certificate
• Marriage/court decree or divorce certificate to document any name changes
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Copy of diploma and/or official transcript
• For non-post baccalaureate diplomas, three letters of recommendation and a diploma and/or official transcript of the highest degree attained are required.

2022-2023 SHIP Information Sheet_rvAug26