This module introduces the fundamentals of strategic planning. Learners will explore key terminology, its purpose and benefits, and practical approaches such as Bryson’s 10-step model and Lynch’s Prescriptive Model. Through the examination of sample strategic plans from public health agencies, participants will identify essential components and develop strategies for creating clear, effective, and actionable plans.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this training learners will be able to:
- Define strategic planning.
- Explain the benefits of strategic planning.
- Distinguish between simple, complicated, and complex situations in strategic planning.
- Describe general approaches for strategic planning.
Format: Self-paced training (work at your own pace, use "save and exit" as needed).
Duration: ~60-90 minutes
Arranged by: Allison Root, DrPH, RDN, MCHES
Subject Matter Expert: Ernest P. Schloss, PhD
Narration: AI voice technology (WellSaid)
Target Audience: Public Health Professionals including community health workers, doctors, nurses, social workers, dietitians, and health educators.
Published: 2015. Updated 2026.
Disclosures: The planners, reviewers, and authors have no declared conflicts of interest.
CE Available:
- Continuing Education Contact Hours for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES): This program is designated for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES®) and/or Master Certified Health Education Specialists (MCHES®) to receive up to 1.5 total Category I continuing education contact hours (1.5 Advanced Credits and 1.5 Continuing Competency Credits). WRPHTC provider number 99036.
The WRPHTC is a Designated Multiple Event Provider of Continuing Education Contact Hours (CECH) for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES) through the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc.
