As of Thursday October 29, 2015, TRAIN, the nation’s premier learning network for professionals who protect the public’s health, now reaches one million learners across the country and around the world.
The TRAIN learning network was launched in 2003 at the request of state agencies to address a pressing need for preparedness workforce training, and reached just 5,841 learners during its first year. Developed and operated by the Public Health Foundation (PHF), TRAIN provides a platform for health agencies to manage, disseminate, and share workforce trainings, as well as for health professionals to access thousands of trainings that address more than 60 subject areas. Health professionals can register as learners on TRAIN at no cost, and the vast majority of trainings available through the network are free.
“Once I created my TRAIN account, I was amazed by how many communications-related trainings were available, which is my area of expertise,” said Shelley Caplan, the millionth TRAIN learner to register and a Strategic Communications Director who works on national public health campaigns.
Not only has the TRAIN learning network grown to include one million learners, thousands of government agencies, universities, and organizations contribute to trainings found on TRAIN as course providers. Additionally, the TRAIN learning network is supported by affiliate agencies consisting of 25 state and three federal affiliate agencies (Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Veterans Health Administration (VHA)), as well as one local health department. The TRAIN learning network is powered by the TRAIN learning management system (LMS), a custom platform built to meet the training needs of the health workforce.
It’s no coincidence that the TRAIN learning network hit the one million learner milestone on the eve of the 143rd American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Meeting. TRAIN has grown due to the ongoing support of the entire public health community, including the health professionals who are registered learners, the organizations that contribute trainings, and PHF’s many public health partners.
Please celebrate with us! Use the #TRAINmillion hashtag on Twitter and Facebook to show your support for the TRAIN community. If you are registered on TRAIN, login and explore new educational opportunities. If you are not yet on TRAIN, join the million-strong TRAIN learning network today by registering at www.train.org.