Competency-based education (CBE) is, as its name suggests, learning based on developing and demonstrating competence, so prioritizing what a student can do over how much time they put in. Southern New Hampshire University’s College for America (CfA) competency-based curriculum is made up of real-world projects which count toward skills-based “goals.” CfA blends academic content with the soft skills and core competencies that employers are looking for.

The DSRIP Statewide Investment Competency-Based Training Program aims to build the competence and confidence of the frontline healthcare workforce to improve the capacity of these workers to perform most effectively within team-based care models. The program also endeavors to make it possible for individual frontline healthcare workers to pursue higher education, if they so desire. MassHealth via Commonwealth Corporation is partnering with Southern New Hampshire University to deliver their existing Healthcare Management Fundamentals Certificate program to individuals who work at MassHealth ACOs and CPs and their participating provider entities. Individuals must have a high school diploma or GED and less than an associate’s degree to be eligible for the program.

This Healthcare Management Fundamentals Certificate program is implemented by SNHU’s College for America department, which manages its competency-based education (CBE) programs. CBE learning is based on developing and demonstrating competence, so prioritizing what a student can do over how much time they put in. Southern New Hampshire University’s College for America competency-based curriculum is made up of real-world projects which count toward skills-based “goals.” CBE programs at SNHU blend academic content with the soft skills and core competencies that employers are looking for Completion of the program equates to 30 earned credits, which can be applied to other associate’s or bachelor’s degree programs at Southern New Hampshire University or transferred to other colleges or universities (depending on the transfer policies of those colleges and universities).

The technical and program-specific support provided through College for America is supplemented by access to a one-to-one coach at Commonwealth Corporation. For all student employees enrolled in the College for America program, Commonwealth Corporation staff provides and manages direct, one-on-one coaching and mentoring. Students meet in person or virtually with their coach to discuss assignments, review schedules, learn about methods for time management, discuss interactions with supervisors, and generally receive support beyond what is provided through the College for America academic program.