NAHQ Micro-Credential: Performance and Process Improvement Info Session-Video - NAHQ Micro-Credential: Performance and Process Improvement Info Session

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Elise Eckenrode, NACU’s Senior Director of Professional Development, introduces NACU’s microcredential program and spotlights the second credential: Performance and Process Improvement (PPI). NACU’s microcredentials are built from the twice-validated Healthcare Quality Competency Framework, which includes eight domains and detailed competency/skill statements across foundational to advanced levels. Each microcredential offers self-paced e-learning, downloadable resources, and a comprehensive multiple-choice assessment. Successful learners earn a digital badge (shareable on LinkedIn), a certificate, and continuing education credit (CNE or CPHQ CE). Participants receive six-month access and may retake assessments during that period. The program is designed for CPHQs seeking deeper expertise and CE, professionals building domain-specific skills, and those with new job responsibilities; CPHQ certification is not required.<br /><br />A panel of PPI subject matter experts (Claire Davis, Carol Ganein, Tim McClung, and Jacqueline Hunter) emphasizes that PPI—covering improvement methodology, project management, and change management—is foundational to achieving sustainable quality and safety. They highlight benefits such as common language, workforce empowerment, better outcomes, efficiency, cost reduction, and a lasting culture of quality. They also stress soft skills (listening, facilitation, influence, courage) and recommend starting small, demonstrating wins with data, and building coalitions.<br /><br />Eckenrode outlines PPI content: three modules using hospital scenarios, Lean concepts (including Gemba walks), a Mastery Lab with varied settings, and poster templates to share results. The final assessment has 30 questions, is open-book, and can be retaken. Pricing is $359 for members and $529 for non-members, with access via NACU’s website and “MyLearning.”

Keywords

NACU microcredential program

Performance and Process Improvement (PPI)

Healthcare Quality Competency Framework

self-paced e-learning modules

digital badge and certificate

continuing education credit (CNE/CPHQ CE)

Lean methodology and Gemba walks

quality and safety improvement

change management and project management

open-book multiple-choice assessment