The School of Public Health at the University of Nevada, Reno has launched the Donor Management and Transplantation Science (DMTS) Certificate Program, a cutting-edge program designed to advance training for the leadership, management and coordination of the organ and transplantation process. The program is accepting students for the fall 2024 semester.
“This 15-credit online certificate program serves post-baccalaureate students working in the health care sector, such as nurses, PAs, MDs, DOs, public health professionals, respiratory therapists and other health care practitioners,” DMTS Certificate Program Director Nilay Etiler, M.D., said. “As the organ donation and transplantation industry continues to evolve and expand, so does the need for advanced trained professionals in the field.”
School of Public Health Dean Emerita Trudy Larson, M.D., identified the need to create the DMTS Certificate Program during her tenure as dean and through her board service with Nevada Donor Network, which was the first organ procurement organization (OPO) to support the program.
“Through my work on the board, I was aware of the need for trained professionals in donor management and transplantation science,” Larson said. “Most OPOs had few trained potential employees available. It took the OPOs months to train these critical frontline workers.”
Students who complete the program will be employed in organizations and institutions related to organ donation and transplantation services and become liaison persons between the donor's family, the OPO and ultimately the transplantation team. The program will open new career paths and strengthen the talent pool for OPOs nationwide.
“Donation and transplantation are life changing and life giving,” Larson said. “With long waiting lists for organs, OPOs need to expand and find more organs. That requires staff. Working with donor families is hard, but hugely rewarding. It provides an opportunity to create hope from deep sadness. Working with families and transplant teams is also extremely rewarding. Both of these positions are challenging and provide lifelong satisfaction and offer the opportunity to be part of life-changing work.”
Donor Network West joined Nevada Donor Network in support of the program, which not only addresses a critical workforce challenge but also advances health equity in the organ donation and transplantation field.
“Health inequity and disparities significantly impact organ donation and transplantation nationwide,” School of Public Health Dean Muge Akpinar-Elci, M.D., said. “We must work together to build a skilled workforce equipped to increase awareness about organ donation, enhance outreach efforts to underserved and minority populations, and ensure equitable allocation of organs, resources and information. Our school is grateful for the support of Nevada Donor Network and Donor Network West as we work together to achieve this mission.”
For more information, email Program Director Nilay Etiler, M.D., or call (775) 682-6258.
