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Concordia Nebraska's MPH 505: Biostatistics course earns certification from National Certification Council for Activity Professionals

by Amy Crawford

Seward, NE (05/06/2025) — Concordia University, Nebraska's MPH 505: Biostatistics course recently earned certification from the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals (NCCAP). This certification, which is a continuing education pre-approval, ensures participants that sessions attended as continuing education meet NCCAP criteria for certification. It also reassures sponsors and instructors that educational sessions and their presentation meet NCCAP standards.

University Professor of Health and Human Performance and Master of Public Health Program Director Dr. Jen Janousek and adjunct instructor Dr. Damien Byas recently completed an innovative enhancement to the MPH 505: Biostatistics course. MPH 505 is a healthcare- and public-health-focused course that instructs students in statistical methods used to collect population-based data as well as to use important statistical software.

"This redesign integrates AI tools, STEM-focused learning and professional development opportunities to prepare students for success in public health careers," said Janousek. "The updated course features cutting-edge AI-driven data analysis tools, statistical software and informatics concepts designed to engage students and enhance their workforce readiness."

In the course, students develop practical skills through real-world projects, including creating AI-generated pivot tables, health data calculators and interactive dashboards. Graduates of the course earn professional development certificates in data science and analytics, positioning them as competitive candidates in the job market.

"My teaching philosophy focuses primarily on preparing the health or medical student for readiness in successfully managing their careers and their lives," said Byas. "I do believe that what students learn within the classroom setting in many instances, can be applied to real life and career related circumstances. Additionally, I find that this new course structure has been developed in such a way that each student may find the information and resources helpful and beneficial to their process of learning".

This initiative reflects Concordia Nebraska's mission to prepare students for impactful vocations and underscores the university's commitment to innovation in STEM education and public health training.

"I would say it is somewhat rare to have continuing education built into a graduate course," added Janousek. "We are hoping that this might interest course-work-only students in addition to benefiting our Master of Public Health students."

The course will be offered in the 2025 Fall B term.

Earlier this year, Concordia Nebraska's Academic Excellence and Innovation Fund recently awarded Janousek a grant for $1,606 to improve the curriculum for the graduate-level course. This initiative reflects Concordia's vocations to prepare students for impactful vocations and underscores the university's commitment to innovation in STEM education and public health training.

About Concordia University, Nebraska

Concordia University, Nebraska, founded in 1894, is a fully accredited, coeducational university of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod located in Seward, Nebraska, which currently serves more than 1,700 students. Concordia offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in an excellent academic and Christ-centered community that equips men and women for lives of learning, service and leadership in the church and world. For more information, visit cune.edu.

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