TCNJ

e College of New Jersey ANNUAL REPORT 2017–2018 SCHOOL OF NURSING, HEALTH, AND EXERCISE SCIENCE NURSING STUDENTS ON RESERVE TCNJ students continue to make a difference in the public health sector of our communities across the state and beyond. Over the last two years, 70 nursing students have been trained on the Medical Reserve Corps curriculum through collaboration with the Mercer County Division of Public Health. These student MRC volunteers supplement existing emergency and public health resources in preparing for and responding to emergencies at the local level. By having its own MRC team, TCNJ is better able to prepare for, respond to, and recover from a disaster or emergency. "TCNJ students who are involved in health professions education are knowledgeable about health risks and the need for clear, quick communication," says Carole Kenner, dean of the School of Nursing, Health, and Exercise Science. "Building on their knowledge, participating in MRC is a natural extension of their education. This experience fits with the TCNJ signature experiences and commitment to community engagement. Having MRC training also provides the students with a stronger resume when they graduate." The students also are available to help the Mercer County Division of Public Health during other emergencies, such as a natural disaster that may require the opening and operation of a Medical Needs Shelter in the county. Those who received the training and have graduated are now equipped to serve as MRC volunteers in their hometown or another location. TRAINING NEW MASTERS OF PUBLIC HEALTH Approved by the Board of Trustees in July 2017, TCNJ's Master of Public Health program welcomed its first cohort of 15 students in fall 2018. Drawing from expertise from all seven schools, the MPH degree is a comprehensive, interdisciplinary program that provides students with the knowledge and skills to protect and improve family and community health in the rapidly changing public health landscape. The MPH program is housed within the college's nationally recognized School of Nursing, Health, and Exercise Science, making it unique among most MPH offerings which are typically housed in schools of medicine. The three concentrations in TCNJ's MPH program represent several of the most critical areas of the public health profession: • The Precision Health track focuses on the application of emerging technology to foster the integration of health with other fields like engineering, computer science, and business innovation. • The Health Communication track explores innovative ways to motivate healthy behavior and reduce health risk via institutions and agencies throughout the nation. • The Global Health track focuses on the impact of culture, social structure, economics, and politics on the health and illness, health disparities, and public health policies worldwide. The Health Communication specialization at the master's level is the only one of its kind in the tristate area. IN THE COMMUNITY TCNJ's Nursing, Health, and Exercise Science programs, through a continuing grant from Novo Nordisk, have increased efforts to reduce Type II diabetes in neighboring communities. Working with various entities in Trenton, TCNJ established a presence in several elementary schools in the community to offer programs to help students of all ages learn about the importance of nutrition and fitness. The program, which began three years ago in second-grade classes in Trenton and Ewing, has grown substantially and now encompasses multiple grades in elementary schools throughout Trenton.

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