About the Western Region Public Health Training Center

Who we are

The Western Region Public Health Training Center (WRPHTC) is one of ten Regional Public Health Training Centers that collectively represent the nation’s most comprehensive resource for public health workforce development. We provide access to world-class professional development, experiential learning, consulting and technical assistance for the public health and healthcare workforce in the pacific southwest.

Our Vision

An empowered and skilled workforce engaged in efforts to advance health equity

Our Mission

We strengthen and support a skilled workforce with data-driven learning tools

Our Services and Specialities

We offer services and support to strengthen the capacity of the public health workforce.

Workforce Needs Assessments:

Identifying the needs of the public health workforce is critical to supporting and increasing its capacity to improve health equity and respond to emergencies. We assess training needs, preferences, and the public health core competencies to inform workforce development.

Learn more about our Workforce Needs Assessments

Professional Development:

We create and deliver free, skill-based training to address gaps identified by training needs assessments and provide opportunities to gain new knowledge and strengthen skills. Our portfolio of professional development opportunities covers multiple modalities and formats.

Download our Course Catalog or visit our Training page

Additional technical assistance

As part of our technical assistance to public health organizations, our team can assist with the following projects and services:

Tailored Training Plans:

Based on training needs assessment results, we create training plans tailored to your workforce’s competency results and training preferences that draw from the resources of the Public Health Training Center Network and other public health course providers. We can identify high quality and interactive training for various public health skills and job tiers, whether for new front-line public health professionals or program managers and supervisors.

Instructional Design & Training Development:

Work with our experienced instructional designers to develop skill-based learning, whether a single asynchronous online course or a live, cohort-based training series. We specialize in public health content, applicable to various industries including governmental public health, healthcare teams, schools, food service, and more. Our instructional specialists can help develop focused learning objectives and engaging interactivities.

Continuing Education Coordination:

The WRPHTC is both a Jointly Accredited Organization and a Designated Multiple Event Provider through the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, accredited to provide credit for: Certified Health Education Specialists, Dietitians, Nurses, Pharmacists, Physicians.

E-Learning Courses:

Access our extensive library of skill-based e-learning courses through the WRPHTC Learning Portal. Our courses are informed by experts and designed by instructional specialists to ensure an engaging and effective learning experience. We can also provide space on our Learning Portal for relevant and reviewed content from other public health organizations.

Webinar Coordination & Support:

We host and manage Zoom webinars, workshops, and training series, including assistance with identifying public health experts in key areas of interest. Topics have ranged from our annual leadership series for emerging leaders to virtual conferences on improving local food systems.

Multimedia Production:

Planning, recording, and editing video and audio content takes time and skill. Whether for a stand-alone product or embedded within on-demand training, our team can provide technical assistance for creating and producing high-quality recordings and creative content.

Who We Partner With

The WRPHTC’s central office is located at the University of Arizona’s Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, with Community-Based Training partners located throughout our region working to build the capacity of the public health workforce. Our partners include:

Public Health Training Center Network

Your Regional Public Health Training Center is a valuable resource for high-quality training and support developed specifically to meet your local workforce development needs. Contact them to learn more about regionally-focused professional development and experiential learning opportunities, as well as consulting and technical assistance services. The WRPHTC is located in HRSA Region 9, which includes Arizona, California, Nevada, Hawaii, and US Associated Pacific Islands.

About Us