College Launches New Public Health Informatics & Technology (PHIT) Programs

PHIT Program Manager Carrie Boericke

Beginning in fall 2022, Dominican College students will be able to study the interesting and expanding field of Public Health Informatics and Technology (PHIT).  PHIT is a multi-disciplinary field applying data science skills to solve complex health care issues and to improve public health outcomes.  The College will offer a PHIT concentration in both the Health Sciences major and the Information Technology major, a PHIT minor, and a post-baccalaureate certificate program for adults.

The College’s Health Sciences program and the IT program in the Business Administration Division have teamed up to lead the PHIT Force. “This is a terrific opportunity to expand career options for Dominican College graduates,” said PHIT Program Manager Carrie Boericke.  “Becoming a public health informaticist will open up paths that are literally just coming into view on the horizon – both in private and public sector institutions.  Data skills will be key to success and social mobility for today’s students.”

The PHIT program at Dominican College is funded through a $1.9 million PHIT Workforce Program grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC). Dominican College was one of only 10 higher education institutions nationwide to receive this funding.  The grant aims to strengthen U.S. public health information technology efforts, improve COVID-19 data collection, and increase the diversity of the public health IT workforce.

Dominican College’s PHIT courses will begin with an introduction to PHIT, including a discussion of career options and case studies of how it can be used to address health disparities in communities.  Students will then hone data and project skills in an emergency response role-play exercise, simulating a public health emergency. All PHIT Force students will have a paid internship to cap off their studies, recognizing that employers are looking for real-world experience in job applicants. 

A consortium has been developed to help administer the program. The consortium, which may expand, now includes Bon Secours Charity Health System, CorEvitas, Cornerstone Family Healthcare, Mount Sinai Health System, EmpiRx Health, and the New York State Department of Health. Consortium members will provide internship opportunities and feedback to keep the curriculum relevant for evolving employer requirements. 

Prospective students interested in learning more about the PHIT Force program at Dominican College should email Assistant Professor Carrie Boericke at carrie.boericke@duny.edu. 

February 3, 2022

College Secures Grants to Support TVI Program

A student in the TVI program at Dominican College is shown here looking through a light filter. This allows a student who is visually impaired to use best contrast when viewing their environment.

Dominican College’s graduate level program to educate teachers of students who are blind or visually impaired (TVI Program) is getting updated equipment thanks to an influx of grant money. The grant money will also be used to support technology, instruction, professional development, student assistance, marketing, and outreach for the TVI Program. The College has secured a total of $394,507 in grants since July 2018.

Dominican College has one of just two graduate level TVI programs in New York State. The College’s program combines both online and on-campus learning and aims to help meet the needs of a severely underserved population. Experts say 5,000 additional teachers of the blind are needed nationwide to serve more than 63,000 students who meet the definition of blindness or low vision.

“The money that we’ve received is very much appreciated and will help us get additional instructional materials, such as braille writers, embossers, and assistive technology devices that our students will utilize in the classroom,” said Yvette Blitzer, Dominican College Coordinator of the TVI Program.

Dominican College is also increasing marketing and outreach efforts for the TVI program in an attempt to educate more students to help meet the demand for teachers of the blind and visually impaired in New York State and across the nation.

Dominican College received grants from the Lavelle Fund for the Blind, the Hearst Foundation, the Sarah K. de Coizart Article TENTH Perpetual Charitable Trust, the Thomas & Agnes Carvel Foundation, and the Ralph M. Cestone Foundation.
The TVI program is a certificate program that also offers students the option of earning a Master of Science in Education.

Beginning this fall, undergraduate students also have the option of earning a master’s degree in the TVI program in five years as part of the Senior Year Overlap Program or SYROP. In this program, highly motivated students are able to earn graduate credits during their senior year, while simultaneously completing requirements in the undergraduate Teacher Education Program.

For more information about the Teachers of Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired Program, contact 845-848-7910 or visit dc.edu.

September 16, 2019

Health Care Management Concentration Introduced

Dominican College is pleased to announce the Advanced Certificate in Health Care Management. This program provides graduate level classes for healthcare professionals and qualified managers who wish to enhance their knowledge of the complex and rapidly shifting health care sector. In a combined evening and online format designed specifically for working adults, students can quickly enter or advance a career in health care management.

The 15 credit Advanced Certificate can be completed in as few as 10 months and will focus on building the knowledge and skills that will have an immediate impact on work performance. Upon completion of the health care credits, participants may seamlessly transition to Dominican College’s MBA program with a Health Care Management concentration, which can be can be completed in as little as 24 months.

In keeping with Dominican College’s focus on small classes and one-on-one relationships, the on campus components provide students with personalized attention and interaction while the online components allow students to work at their own pace, on their own schedule. The College maintains a strong connection to the health care community through its allied health programs, enabling students to interact with noted professionals. Building on the importance of relationship, the director of the program serves as the academic advisor to all enrolled and prospective students.

For additional information about the program or to begin an application please visit dc.edu/MBA, call (845) 848-7908, or email christina.lifshey@duny.edu.

Click here for more information.

March 18, 2014