The University of Nevada, Reno Orvis School of Nursing is expanding its workforce-aligned training with three new microcredentials designed to meet growing demand across healthcare, research and simulation-based education.

Offered through the Orvis School of Nursing's Office of Strategic Partnerships and Practice and supported by Nevada Online, the new microcredentials provide flexible, self-paced learning opportunities that help learners build specialized skills and advance their careers in high-demand healthcare fields.

The new offerings include Introduction to Clinical Research, Reproductive and Perinatal Psychiatry and Healthcare Simulation Technology Specialist. Together, they reflect the School's commitment to creating accessible credentials that support both career entry and professional advancement across interdisciplinary healthcare fields.

"These microcredentials are built to meet learners where they are while connecting them directly to high-demand areas in healthcare," Molly Kokenge, Ph.D., RN, CNL, CEN, associate dean for Strategic Partnerships and Practice, said. "Whether someone is new to the field or looking to expand their expertise, these programs provide practical, relevant skills that translate into real workforce opportunities."

“Nevada Online Next is the professional development side of our program, and we understand the need to continue to engage and educate within the healthcare industry, Carley Ries, vice provost of Online Learning, said. “Regardless of your educational journey, it is imperative that Nevada Online Next partners with subject matter experts to ensure we are educating our community members at-large in a convenient modality to fit anyone’s schedule.”

Building foundational skills in clinical research

The Introduction to Clinical Research microcredential provides learners with a comprehensive overview of clinical trial operations and research fundamentals. Designed for nurses, medical assistants, nursing assistants and health science students, the 10 CEU course introduces participants to research ethics, trial phases, study protocols and data management.

Participants will gain foundational knowledge in clinical research team roles, informed consent, regulatory principles, recruitment and quality assurance. The course was created and is taught by Professor Maryann Holtcamp, MSN, RN, APN, an expert in clinical and translation research within integrated health systems.

Health systems looking to expand their clinical trial workforce can use the microcredential to help employees gain practical research knowledge while strengthening organizational capacity to participate in clinical studies.

Expanding access to reproductive and perinatal mental health care

The Reproductive and Perinatal Psychiatry: Clinical Foundations for Practice microcredential prepares healthcare professionals to better support patients experiencing mental health challenges related to pregnancy, postpartum, infertility and reproductive loss.

The 10 CEU course is designed for an interdisciplinary audience, including nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, therapists, social workers, midwives and doulas. Topics include perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, trauma-informed care, screening and assessment tools, psychopharmacology in pregnancy and lactation and psychiatric emergencies.

Instruction is provided by Orvis School of Nursing Faculty Nurse Practitioner Andrea Thompson, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C, PMH-C, with an emphasis on strengthening clinical confidence and improving access to specialized mental health support across reproductive care settings.

Preparing learners for careers in healthcare simulation

Healthcare simulation has become an essential part of healthcare education, creating a growing demand for professionals who can support simulation operations, technology and learning environments.

To help address this workforce need, the Orvis School of Nursing developed the Healthcare Simulation Technology Specialist microcredential. Open to learners without prior healthcare experience or University enrollment, the program provides hands-on training in simulation operations, environment setup and the technology used to create realistic clinical learning experiences.

Designed for high school and college students, career changers and professionals in healthcare, EMS, military, education and technical fields, the program combines flexible online learning with an optional practicum experience. Through partnerships with the University's Upward Bound and TRIO Scholars programs, it also helps create pathways into healthcare careers for first-generation and low-income students. The program is led by Haley McNeil, MSN, RN, CHSE, director of Simulation.

Meeting workforce needs through flexible education

As healthcare continues to evolve, so do the skills needed to support patients, providers and healthcare systems. The Orvis School of Nursing is creating educational opportunities that respond to emerging workforce needs while making specialized training more accessible to learners across Nevada and beyond.

Developed and taught by faculty experts, these microcredentials provide practical, career-focused learning in areas where demand is growing, and specialized knowledge can make a meaningful difference in healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

"These microcredentials reflect our commitment to preparing a workforce that is ready to meet the challenges and opportunities facing healthcare today," Kokenge said. "By sharing our faculty expertise through flexible, accessible programs, we can help learners build new skills, advance their careers and ultimately strengthen the communities they serve."