📍New Jersey
Building a Successful Mobile Health Training Program
Challenge:
The program faced barriers including delays in receiving certified Mobile Health Units, declining MSN enrollment, and the need to expand eligibility and flexibility in student clinical placements.
Solution:
With HRSA NEPQR support, Seton Hall and the City of Newark built a nurse-led training model that embeds community health into every facet of education and clinical experience.
- Established 2 community clinics and deployed 3 Mobile Health Units to deliver hands-on training.
- Required 120–160 hours of rigorous community-based clinical practice each semester.
- Revised curricula to integrate social determinants of health across didactic and clinical learning.
- Launched faculty development and continuing education opportunities.
- Adapted program eligibility to include students across all four clinical semesters.
- Strengthened partnerships with preceptors, faculty, and community care coordinators.
Impact:
✅ 93 nurse practitioner students trained or on track across 3 specialties
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- 19 Adult-Gerontology
- 16 Pediatrics
- 58 Psychiatric/Mental Health
✅ 17 students opted to return for a second semester
✅ Of 71 students evaluated:
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- 97% reported improved knowledge and skills in addressing individual/community needs
- 98.5% reported increased understanding of community health and underserved populations
- 100% reported greater confidence in serving vulnerable communities
- 87% expressed satisfaction with the clinical experience