Needs assessment and a model agenda for training the public health workforce

Objectives. A training needs assessment project tested the use of "universal" competencies for establishing a model training agenda for the public health workforce. Methods. Agency supervisors selected competencies for training priorities. Regional and national public health leaders used these selections to design the model training agenda. Results. The competencies given high priority by supervisors varied among state and local agencies and included some not within the universal set. The model training agenda reflected supervisors' priorities as well as leaders' perspectives. Conclusions. The universal competencies provide a useful starting point, but not necessarily an exclusive framework, for assessing and meeting the training needs of the public health workforce.