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Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Certificate
Frequenty Asked Questions
APP Certificate Homepage | Course Requirements
What is the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention (APP) Certificate Program?
Co-sponsored by the SC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy and the University of South Carolina Arnold School of Public Health, this certificate program is a credentialing opportunity for practitioners in the field of adolescent reproductive health and other related professions who want to demonstrate their commitment to and competency in the field of teen pregnancy prevention.
Why should I become certified?
An APP Certification is verification of your commitment to providing the best in reproductive health education and services to South Carolina's youth. By earning an APP Certificate, you will:
- Further your development as an Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention professional;
- Achieve certification through USC Arnold School of Public Health, an accredited institution;
- Validate your strong knowledge-base in science-based adolescent pregnancy prevention;
- Demonstrate your commitment to the fields of adolescent and reproductive health;
- Work closely with USC Arnold School of Public Health faculty and staff of the SC Campaign;
- Obtain hands-on professional experience during the project phase of the program;
- Become a certified professional MAPPS provider (approval pending).
How do I qualify for the APP Certificate Program?
Practitioners in the field of adolescent reproductive health and related professions who desire to enhance their adolescent pregnancy prevention skills can apply for the certificate program. A minimum of a high school education combined with a minimum of one year experience in the field of teen pregnancy prevention or related field is required. An associate or advanced degree in a related field may be accepted in lieu of experience.
What should I do if I want to apply?
- Ensure you meet the basic education and experience requirements to apply.
- Complete the application form on the SC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy website, found at www.teenpregnancysc.org. Along with the application, a written Statement of Intent is required.
- Obtain two (2) letters of recommendation.
- Pay the non-refundable application fee ($25), either on-line via credit card or submit payment along with the invoice printed from the website.
When can I apply?
Applications will be accepted starting on August 1, 2007. Applications will only be reviewed twice a year; once in the fall (October) and once in the spring (April). Please refer to www.teenpregnancysc.org for specific due dates and application procedures.
Is the APP Certificate Program limited to a certain number of applicants?
Yes. Only a limited number of applicants will be accepted into the Certificate Program during each enrollment period. The number will vary, but approximately 25 persons will be accepted into each enrollment group.
If I submit an application and pay the application fee, will I automatically be accepted into the APP Certificate Program?
No. Each application will be reviewed to determine acceptance into the program.
Who will decide if I am accepted?
The APP Certificate Application Review Board comprised of SC Campaign staff, USC Arnold School of Public Health faculty and practicing professionals will review the applications and determine acceptance into the APP Certificate Program. Acceptance will be based on successful completion of the application and statement of intent.
When do I find out if I am accepted into the APP Certificate Program?
Applications will be reviewed and you will be notified of acceptance within 4-6 weeks after the biannual fall and spring deadlines. All applicants will be contacted by the SC Campaign.
How much will the APP Certificate Program cost?
- Application fee: $25
- Enrollment fee: $225
- Enrollment fee for retirees or full-time students: $200
The enrollment fee is due upon acceptance into the APP Certificate Program. This fee covers only your entry and participation in the certificate program. Standard registration fees for SC Campaign trainings and educational opportunities still apply.
Will I be able to obtain a scholarship for any portion of the certificate process?
A limited number of scholarships will be available for certificate-seeking professionals. Visit www.teenpregnancysc.org for more information on the availability of scholarships.
Let's Talk Specifics...
How many hours of education and training are required?
120 contact hours are required to earn an APP Certificate. 100 contact hours must be earned through coursework (trainings, online education, readings, etc.) and the remaining 20 contact hours are earned through a capstone project at the conclusion of your coursework.
Are there required courses?
Five (5) general content courses are mandatory (42 contact hours). An additional 36 contact hours must be earned from a selection of human sexuality education courses (12 contact hours) and program implementation courses (24 contact hours). The remaining 22 contact hours of coursework will be earned through approved electives. A complete listing of course requirements can be found at www.teenpregnancysc.org.
Are there any additional requirements for the APP Certificate other than attending trainings?
Yes.
- Workshop assignments; In addition to simply attending trainings, you may be required to complete a take-home assignment to demonstrate and apply what you have learned.
- Capstone Project; at the conclusion of your coursework, 20 contact hours must be earned by conducting an approved project in conjunction with a USC-ASPH faculty advisor.
What is a Capstone Project?
The Capstone project is an opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge you have acquired to design, plan, and evaluate a teen pregnancy prevention program. This project will be designed by the candidate and their advisor to successfully demonstrate the practical application of APP Certificate competencies.
I have participated in a number of SC Campaign trainings already. Will you grandfather those hours?
Yes, up to 20 contact hours can be applied to your requirements if 1) the courses were taken after January 1, 2006; 2) the courses meet requirements determined by the APP Certificate Application Review Committee; and 3) documentation of full attendance is provided. However, this opportunity is only available during the first year of the APP Certificate Program. After the April 2008 deadline, previously taken courses will no longer be accepted.
Can coursework taken outside of the SC Campaign apply towards the APP Certificate?
With prior approval, contact hours from USC-sponsored trainings may also be applied towards the required 120 contact hours. However, the 78 contact hours from required content courses and 20 contact hours from the capstone project must come from the SC Campaign.
Will on-site trainings from the SC Campaign count toward the requirements?
Yes, they can, as long as they meet the core or elective components.
Will SI offerings count toward the requirements?
At this time, Summer Institute sessions will not be counted towards APP Certificate credit.
Can I still earn CEU towards MAPPS or other certifications?
Yes, hours can still be utilized toward other certifications/requirements along with the APP Certificate. The SC Campaign will remain an approved provider of CEU for MAPPS, CHES, Nurses, Social Workers, and Licensed Counselors and Therapists.
Who will maintain permanent records of participants in the APP Certificate Program?
All records will be maintained and available through USC. They will also issue transcript letters and replacement certificates for participants upon request.
What is the time-frame for completing the APP Certificate requirements?
All 120 contact hours must be completed within eight years of a persons' enrollment into the certificate program.
After I have received my APP Certificate, do I have to do anything to keep it current?
The APP Certificate is not time-limited; therefore there are no additional requirements, such as fees or continuing education, once you have earned your certificate.
Who do I contact if I have any questions?
If you have any further questions please contact Erin Johnson at the SC Campaign, appcertificate@teenpregnancysc.org.