Ramsey County Public Health Career Pathways Program

About the Program

Category: Health (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

The Ramsey County Public Health Career Pathways (PHCP) Program was designed to support the public health infrastructure that is declining, help address the racial disparities that exist in accessing health care and provide low wage earners in the county with an opportunity for professional growth and development. Two career tracks were created, one for registered nursing and the second is for community health worker (CHW). The program provides college preparatory coaching and mentoring, tuition reimbursement, technology equipment, book stipends, laboratory fees and incidental expenses for transportation and/or childcare, and other related academic costs. A wage supplement is also provided to allow participants to enroll in the academic program fulltime while working a reduced schedule. Selection priority is given to those who live in Ramsey County, are single parents, receiving public assistance and/or member of an underrepresented group in the Public Health workforce. Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, participants can promote into registered nursing positions throughout the county. Participants on the community health worker pathway will receive a community health worker certificate and will be eligible to become a certified community health worker. Both pathways provide an opportunity to change the participant’s professional trajectory and economic status. A community member governance committee was also created to inform and advise on participant selection and program development