September 13, 2005

Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania Announces New Certificate in Health Care and Human Service Management

Shippensburg, Pennsylvania (September 13, 2005) - The director of Shippensburg University's Frehn Center, Dr. Ronald Taylor, announced today a new management certificate program for professionals in the health care and human service field. The non-credit Certificate in Health Care and Human Service Management is being offered in partnership with OPEN MINDS, a research, information, and education service provider specializing in the health and human service field.

"Health care and social services are a major factor in Pennsylvania's economy and the development of the workforce in that sector is key to economic success," said Dr. Taylor. "One main issue is the need for educational programs that will build the management skills of clinical staff, helping them achieve outstanding performance in an increasingly complex regulatory and technological environment."

The management certificate is based on five core managerial competencies: Executive Leadership & Governance; Financial Management & Financial Risk Management; Marketing, Sales, & Development; Strategic Management; and Technology & Information Systems.

To earn the certificate, professionals must complete an application process and earn a minimum of 126 hours of study over a four-year period. Coursework in all competency areas is offered in traditional classroom formats and on-line for participants in Pennsylvania and across the country. The team at OPEN MINDS is coordinating course development, course offerings, and management of the certificate program.

For more information, call toll free 1-877-350-6463 or send an e-mail request to openminds@openminds.com. Both individual and organizational group registrations are available.

Established in 1871, Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania is a nationally recognized university located south central Pennsylvania. The University is one of 14 state-owned universities in Pennsylvania and boasts an enrollment of approximately 8,500 students. The University offers bachelor's and master's degrees in Arts and Sciences, Business, Education and Human Services as well as a variety of credit and non-credit certificate programs.

OPEN MINDS is a national behavioral health and social service industry market research and management consulting firm. Founded in 1987 and based in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, OPEN MINDS mission is to provide executives in the field with the management knowledge and management tools necessary to create 'best value' for consumers by facilitating the development of effective systems for financing and delivering service. The 50 associates of OPEN MINDS provide information, professional education, market research, and management consulting services to payers, regulators, professionals, service provider agencies, and advocacy organizations in the field.