Program reaches beyond borders

The College of Nursing and Health Innovation continues to reach out to health professionals around the globe with innovative certificate programs that tackle crucial public health issues.

The college has partnered with a consortium of nine universities in Central and South America to provide continuing education options for health care providers including nursing students and practicing nurses, as well as other providers in dentistry, medicine, nutrition, and environmental engineering.

Now in seven countries including Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Costa Rica, and Panama, the program is a partnership pairing UT Arlington’s Center for Hispanic Nursing and Health with Miami-based Whitney International University System.

Launched in 2013, the program serves as a bridge between educators and professionals across borders, says Margarita Trevino, UTA’s director of the program and a clinical associate professor of nursing.

“It’s a great opportunity to reach out and network with colleagues in other countries,” she says.

Upon completion, the students receive a certificate showing they have expertise in critical public health issues. Dr. Trevino says the partnership helps other countries develop a more qualified workforce and contributes to improving patient outcomes while helping UTA faculty better understand other cultures and public health systems.