Professional Development
Program – SkillsUSA
MSDE Academy of Health Professions March 2012
OBJECTIVE
To share experiences of incorporating
SkillsUSA Professional Development Program
(PDP) into MSDE’s suggested Academy of
Health Professions curriculum
SkillsUSA PDP
SCANS
National Healthcare Foundation Standards
SkillsUSA PDP Competency Lists
Level 2 PDP
SKILLSUSA PDP
1.2 Complete self assessment
Students completed a self-awareness unit developed by Maryland State Department of Education for the
Academy of Health Professions, as well as the individual learning styles in the PDP
1.2 Self-motivation techniques
This unit was completed in the PDP
1.3 Time-Management skills were started in the PDP and continued as a class discussion
1.4 Define future occupations
Students completed this by preparing a 5-10 minute presentation about a medical profession of interest.
PowerPoint and a written essay were part of the assignment.
1.5 Cultural Diversity was addressed by a weeklong project where students had to complete a cultural
assessment. Application of knowledge was demonstrated by comparing healthcare in the US to the culture
being studied. The Equity Quotient test was taken in the PDP
1.6 Customer definition was completed in the PDP
1.7 Community Service was completed in the PDP. Students were asked to research/interview a group or
person involved with childhood obesity.
1.8 Effective communication
Students completed a 4 day communications unit in class
1.9 Job shadowing
Actual job shadowing visits were limited. We did multiple career searches and interviewed class
speakers. Our class discussions were centered on the attributes needed to secure & maintain employment
1.10 Employment portfolio
Resumes, references and cover letters were completed.
1.11 Program competencies
AHP Skills checklists addresses this section