Rapid Response in Graduate Training in Public Health Preparedness to the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Experience of Penn State University.

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted education and training which led academia to revise well-established instructional content and strategies. This report described and evaluated the curricular response of public health preparedness at Penn State to the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

We describe an online, hybrid course focused on the development, approval, and dissemination of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. The course was offered in the spring of 2021 and covered real-time laboratory, public health, emergency management, homeland security, medical, and policy aspects of the vaccines. Additionally, we report the student evaluation results of those who completed the course.

RESULTS

The median and mode scores for student evaluations were 7, on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest). Students enjoyed the instructors because they were employed in strategic positions and explained real-world challenges. Students reported the course as "timely" and "breaking down complex concepts into simple understanding."

CONCLUSIONS

Penn State responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with an innovative course that developed students' real-time understanding of pandemic response. Students gained knowledge and skills relevant to the practice of public health. Based on the positive student feedback, the course will serve as a model for future classes on public health and emergency management.