FertilityCare™ Allied Health Education

Countless women and couples have learned how to care for their fertility using the Creighton Model FertilityCare™ System. Internationally recognized, the Pope Paul VI Institute FertilityCare Allied Health Education Programs provide comprehensive, professional education that meets the demands of a newly emerging allied health profession. Competent providers of the Creighton Model FertilityCare System (CrMS) and NaProTechnology require the excellence in education offered by these programs.

> Introduction

The Pope Paul VI Institute for the Study of Human Reproduction is the leading education and research center in the United States in the area of the natural regulation of human fertility and the development of morally and professionally acceptable reproductive health services. Dedicated to Pope Paul VI’s challenge to “physicians and health care professionals” and to “men of science,” it is a living memorial to the challenges placed before us by Pope Paul VI in his encyclical letter Humanae Vitae (Of Human Life).

The Creighton Model FertilityCare System and the new women’s health science of NaProTechnology have been developed through a research and education effort coordinated and directed by Thomas W, Hilgers, MD, director of Pope Paul VI Institute for the Study of Human Reproduction and clinical professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Creighton University Medical Center.

The Creighton Model FertilityCare System provides comprehensive, professional services through individualized follow-up, standardized teaching tools and ongoing research. The Creighton Model is a medically standardized modification of the Billings Ovulation Method. It is the only education program in this field that meets the education demands of a newly emerging allied health profession and provides a case management approach to teaching.

This is the 31th consecutive year in which Creighton Model Education Programs have been offered. Two organizations designed to unite Creighton Model FertilityCare Centers nationally and internationally are FertilityCare Centers of America and FertilityCare Centers International.

Faculty realizes no financial gain from their involvement in the education programs.

Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

> The Creighton Model FertilityCare System Practitioner Program

The 13 month program is the primary program for teachers. There are two education phases, two supervised practica and an On-Site Visit, providing education in both the basic as well as advanced aspects of this System. Only the education phases are done on campus; all other educational services are provided through an innovative system of long distance supervision and On-Site Visitation.

Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Curriculum Content - Education Phase I

The first education phase is an eight day total immersion course. At the conclusion of these eight days, participants should be able to demonstrate knowledge of the following:

• History of Natural Family Planning
• Anatomy of the Male and Female Reproductive System
• The Menstrual Cycle; Statistical Parameters
• The Mechanism of Anovulation and Oligoovulation
• The Physiology of the Cervix
• The Physiology of Breast Feeding and Menopause
• Psychodynamics of Contraception, NFP and Human Sexuality
• Humanae Vitae
• Philosophical Attitudes on Family Life, Family Planning and Unplanned Pregnancy
• Human Sexuality, Married Love and the Use of Natural Methods of Family Planning
• The Beginnings of Human Life
• The Methods of Contraception
• Physical and Psychological Aspects of Induced Abortion
• Teaching Fertility Appreciation and Utilization of Good Judgment
• The Natural Methods of Family Planning and their Comparative Evaluation
• Use Effectiveness of Natural and Artificial Methods of Family Planning
• The Creighton Model FertilityCare System
• The Importance of Standardized Teaching
• Basic Chart Reading and Chart Correcting
• Special System Instructions
• The Scientific Foundations of the Creighton Model
• Basic Principles of Follow-up
• The Organization and Flow of the First and Subsequent Follow-ups
• How to Conduct an Introductory Session and Follow-up
• The Creighton Model Follow-up Form and Techniques of Follow-up
• Critical Evaluation of the Health Benefits of Contraception
• Basic Problem Solving
• An Introduction to Natural Procreative Technology (NaProTechnology)
• An Introduction to a Case Management Approach to Teaching
• The Principles of Case Management
• Case Management Laboratory
• Basic Business Aspects and Marketing of FertilityCare Services
• Utilization of Forms for Record Keeping and Standardized Teaching
• Qualities of Being a Professional

Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Supervised Practicum I

The program involves a faculty supervised experience, which is six months in duration and is to be completed at the new student’s own home location. This structured experience develops basic teaching skills of the program:

• Presentation of the Introductory Session
• How to do a Follow-up
• The Techniques of Follow-up
• Use of Basic Organizational Tools
• Evaluation of Case Reports
• Presentation of the Picture Dictionary
• Teaching Observations
• Basic Case Management
• Case Management Evaluation

Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Practitioner Intern Only - Education Phase II

This education phase is a six day total immersion format, consisting of lecture, clinical group discussion and hands-on problem solving of the advanced aspects of teaching the Creighton Model FertilityCare System. Participants should be able to demonstrate knowledge and ability of the following:

• The Basic Presentation of Cases
• Natural Procreative Technology (NaProTechnology)
• Advanced Case Management I - Infertility
• Advanced Case Management II - Unusual Bleeding
• Advanced Case Management III - Management of Continuous Mucus Discharge
• Advanced Case Management IV - The Use of Yellow Stamps
• The Principles of Pregnancy Evaluation
• How to Conduct a Pregnancy Evaluation
• Basic Communication Skills
• How to Manage the Human Resources of a Creighton Model FertilityCare Center
• Basic Ethical Principles
• Management of Advanced Issues
• Advanced Case Management V - Difficult Cases
• Advanced Organizational Aspects
• Comprehensive Case Review

Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Supervised Practicum II - Practitioner Interns Only

This education experience is seven months in duration and is a supervised clinical experience at the Intern’s home location. The clinical aspects of this supervised practicum are devoted to learning advanced teaching skills in:

• Advanced Chart Reading and Correcting
• Advanced Case Management
• Case Management Evaluation
• Conducting Pregnancy Evaluations
• Writing Goals and Objectives
• Writing Job Descriptions
• Completing Assignments on Advanced Case Management

In addition, this practicum includes an On-Site Visit by a member of the Creighton Model faculty and/or an Educator/Supervisor Intern. At the On-Site Visit the following will be reviewed:

• Introductory Session Critique and Review
• Follow-up Critique and Review
• Tour of Facilities
• Comprehensive Case Review

Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Spanish FertilityCare System Teaching Materials

The Creighton Model FertilityCare System client teaching materials are available in Spanish. However, only a Practitioner Intern who is bilingual and fluent in Spanish will be permitted to teach in Spanish and use those materials. The bilingual student must have successfully completed Education Phase I and Supervised Practicum I in English prior to obtaining the Spanish materials and teaching in Spanish. Certain Spanish teaching materials are available to non-bilingual students during SPII who have an opportunity to teach Spanish speaking couples if one spouse is bilingual.

Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

> The Creighton Model FertilityCare System Instructor Program

This is a seven month program, open to persons with less than two years of post high school education. It is designed to provide only basic education in the Creighton Model FertilityCare System. These teachers may teach only under the supervision of a FertilityCare Practitioner. The training program includes one education phase and one supervised practicum. Only those curriculum items that are previously outlined for Education Phase I and Supervised Praticum I make up the Instructor Program. There is no Education Phase II or On-Site Visit.

Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

> The Creighton Model FertilityCare System Medical Consultant Program

This is a six month program, designed to assist physicians to incorporate into their medical practices the newly emerging science of Natural Procreative Technology (NaProTechnology). It also assists the physician to work in a supportive or administrative role with FertilityCare Programs. This program involves two education phases and one supervised practicum.

Physicians enrolled in the Medical Consultant Program should understand that the medical applications they will learn are related specifically to the Creighton Model FertilityCare System. Therefore, they should plan to have a FertilityCare Practitioner available in their area. It is possible for a physician to enroll in a combined Medical Consultant/Practitioner Program; however, this course is demanding, and one must have sufficient time to complete it.

Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Medical Consultant Specific Curriculum Items

In addition to those topics presented in the Creighton Model FertilityCare System Practitioner Core Curriculum for Education Phase I and Education Phase II (listed previously), Medical Consultants have these additional core components:

• Natural Procreative Technology (NaProTechnology): The New Gynecologic and Reproductive Science
• The Important Role of Medical Consultants in the Future of FertilityCare
• The Creighton Model FertilityCare System Core Curriculum
• Chronic Discharges and the Use of Criteria
• Targeted Endocrine Evaluation of the Menstrual Cycle
• Cooperative Progesterone Replacement Therapy and Medical Support of the Luteal Phase
• The Effects of Stress
• The Evaluation and Treatment of Ovarian Cysts
• The Evaluation and Treatment of Premenstrual Syndrome
• The Dating of the Beginning of Pregnancy
• The Prevention of Premature Birth
• Ovulation and its Anatomic and Functional Disorders
• Types I, II, III, IV and V Luteal Phase Deficiencies and Follicular Phase Deficiency
• Progesterone as a Therapeutic Hormone: Human Identical Progesterone vs. Artimones (Isomolecular vs. Herteromolecular)
  

Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Supervised Practicum - Medical Consultants Only

During the supervised practicum period, those involved in the Medical Consultant Program will be asked to give a total of three hours of in-service lecture time on the Creighton Model FertilityCare System and NaProTechnology to medical professionals in their area. These could include medical students, nursing students, nurses, physicians, colleagues, etc. In addition, there are three open book assignments. The Medical Consultant may choose to complete either an honors project or an honors thesis for an honors program. The honors project involves completion of a use effectiveness evaluation using pre-designed worksheets; the honors thesis consists of a research paper on a topic of one’s choice related to the field of natural family planning. Special recognition will be given to those students who satisfactorily complete assignments for the honors program.

Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Medical Consultants Only - Education Phase II

In addition to those topics listed for the FertilityCare Practitioner Program, the Medical Consultant will also be exposed to the following:

• Research Principles in Natural Family Planning
• How to Conduct a Use Effectiveness Evaluation of Natural Methods of Family Planning
• The Evaluation and Management of the Infertile Couple
• The Evaluation and Management of Irregular Cycles and Unusual Bleeding
• The Presentation of Actual Cases
• Surgical NaProTechnology
  

Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

> The Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant, Nurse Midwife, & Pharmacist Programs

Creighton Model programs are also offered to Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, Nurse Midwives and Pharmacists. For these programs, see applicant eligibility (page 10). These certificate programs include a combination of the Creighton Model FertilityCare Practitioner and Medical Consultant Programs. Both certificates - Medical Consultant and Practitioner - will be presented upon satisfactory completion of the Practitioner Program and all Medical Consultant assignments and examinations.

A FertilityCare Practitioner who is a Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant, Nurse Midwife or Pharmacist may return to Education Phase II and complete the Medical Consultant portion of the program. All Education Phase II dates would need to be attended.

Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

> International Studies

For students who come from countries without communication technology (fax, phone, email, timely mail service), the program for Practitioners must be completed over a nine month period of study at the Pope Paul VI Institute. The student must be able to speak English fluently. The student will be responsible for Room and Board during this study period of nine months, although the staff of the Pope Paul VI Institute will assist in making arrangements.

A short period of study will also generally be available in St. Louis, and the student will conclude study with attendance at the annual meeting of the American Academy of FertilityCare Professionals. Physicians enrolled in the Medical Consultant Program may attend the two Education Phases and do the remaining work at home (unless enrolled in the Practitioner Program). These programs are dedicated Creighton Model programs.

Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Continuing Education Credits for Doctors, Nurses, Physician Assistants, and Nurse Practitioners

Education Phase I

• The Creighton University School of Medicine designates this educational activity for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in this activity. Determination of number of credit hours to be awarded is pending.
• The American Medical Association has determined that physicians not licensed in the US who participate in this CME activity are eligible for AMA PRA category 1 credit.
• The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has assigned 60 cognate hours to this program.
• Application for CME credit has been filed with the American Academy of Family Physicians. Determination of credit is pending.

Education Phase II

• The Creighton University School of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 69 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in this activity.
• The American Medical Association has determined that physicians not licensed in the US who participate in this CME activity are eligible for AMA PRA category 1 credit.
• The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) cognate hours have been applied for and are pending.
• Application for CME credit has been filed with the American Academy of Family Physicians. Determination of credit is pending.

These activities have been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint sponsorship of Creighton University School of Medicine and Pope Paul VI Institute. The Creighton University School of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Continuing education credit for nurses, social workers and allied health professionals is provided by Iowa Western Community College, Iowa Board of Nursing Provider #6, and Iowa Board of Social Workers Provider #59.

Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Final Certificate Examination

All students enrolled in the Practitioner, Instructor and Medical Consultant Programs are required to take a criterion referenced, professionally administered final certificate examination. The Practitioner certificate examination is given in November, the Instructor exam is given in May, and the Medical Consultant examination is given on the last day of the second education phase in April.

Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Applicant Eligibility

The Pope Paul VI Institute Allied Health Education Department welcomes applications from individuals or couples with strong motivation and commitment to the very highest quality educational services in natural family planning.

• PRACTITIONERS:
  1. Registered nurse with current license
  2. Allied health professional with a BA or BS degree in:
     a. Health or basic sciences
     b. Behavioral sciences
     c. Social sciences
     d. Education
     e. Other non-health fields are individually recognized
  3. Associate degree/diploma such as:
     a. Licensed Practical Nurse
     b. Human Services Practitioner
     c. Or, the equivalent of two years of college study

• MEDICAL CONSULTANTS:
  1. Medical physician with current license
  2. Nurse Practitioner, Physicians Assistant, or Nurse Midwife with current license and able to legally prescribe medications and order tests (with or without proctoring) in the state of practice.
  3. Pharmacist with current license

Further eligibility criterion requires that the applicant(s) do not prescribe or refer for contraceptives, do not perform or refer for sterilization or abortion, practice (use) natural family planning or, if single and celibate, monitor their natural fertility and be a philosophical acceptor of natural family planning. This program recognizes that human sexuality is a function of the whole person and not just a function of its parts. It further recognizes the scriptural notation that we are “created in the image and likeness of God” and that such a philosophical principle ultimately dictates the approach to the human person that will come under the care of a FertilityCare professional.

Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

> The Fertilitycare Educator Program

This 13 month program is the most advanced program available in fertility care. It is available only to FertilityCare Practitioners with at least one year of teaching experience and who are certified as a Practitioner (or in the process of being certified) by the American Academy of FertilityCare Professionals (AAFCP). The individual must have a Bachelor’s Degree or be a Registered Nurse. Some focus areas of this program include: developing and implementing a Creighton Model Education Program that meets the standards of the AAFCP; and serving as faculty on an established education program. This program has two education phases, two supervised practica and an On-Site Visit. Contact the Pope Paul VI Institute Allied Health Education Department for more details on the curriculum content of this program.

Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

> The Fertilitycare Supervisor Program

This program is 13 months in duration and is available only to FertilityCare Practitioners with at least one year of teaching experience and who are certified as a Practitioner (or in the process of being certified) by the American Academy of FertilityCare Professionals (AAFCP). Some focus areas of this program include: becoming involved as a clinical faculty member, a supervisor or an on-site coordinator for a Creighton Model Education Program. This program has two education phases, two supervised practica, and an On-Site Visit. Contact the Pope Paul VI Institute Allied Health Education Department for more details on the curriculum content of this program.

Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Joint Sponsorship and Certificates

Pope Paul VI Institute FertilityCare Allied Health Education Programs are jointly sponsored by the Creighton University School of Medicine, Division of Continuing Medical Education and the Pope Paul VI Institute for the Study of Human Reproduction. Upon satisfactory completion of course requirements, a certificate will be issued and signed by the President of Creighton University, the Vice President for Health Sciences and the Director of the Pope Paul VI Institute.

Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

> American Academy of FertiltyCare Professionals Accreditation

Pope Paul VI Institute FertilityCare Allied Health Education Programs are accredited by the American Academy of FertilityCare Professionals (AAFCP). The education programs provide students the appropriate education background to become eligible for the certification procedures of the AAFCP.

Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Tuition

All tuition costs must be paid upon entry into the program or according to the tuition payment schedule provided by the program. The following tuition has been established for each program:

• FertilityCare Practitioner ..................................................................................................................................................... $2,475
• FertilityCare Instructor ......................................................................................................................................................... $1,895
• Natural Family Planning Medical Consultant ................................................................................................................... $2,060
• Natural Family Planning Medical Consultant/ FertilityCare Practitioner Combined Course ................................ $2,775
• FertilityCare Educator ........................................................................................................................................................... $2,390
• FertilityCare Supervisor ....................................................................................................................................................... $1,925
• Medical Consultant Auditors ................................................................................................................................................ $1,900

Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

>Textbook Fees

Required textbooks and client teaching supplies are purchased from Pope Paul VI Institute Publications and are subject to shipping charges and/or Nebraska sales tax. Fees for required textbooks vary depending upon the education program. All programs require Anatomy and Physiology: A Primer for the FertilityCare Professional. The Medical Consultant, Educator and Supervisor programs require The Medical and Surgical Practice of NaProTechnology. If these are already owned, a reduction in Publications fees may be requested.

• FertilityCare Practitioner ................................................................................................................. $302.35†
• FertilityCare Instructor .................................................................................................................... $212.40†
• Natural Family Planning Medical Consultant .............................................................................. $657.30
• Medical Consultant /Practitioner Combined ................................................................................ $642.30†
• FertilityCare Educator ...................................................................................................................... $745
• FertilityCare Supervisor .................................................................................................................. $600
• Medical Consultant Auditor ............................................................................................................ $487.30

† These programs require the purchase of client teaching materials. Cost of client teaching materials varies depending upon whether or not the student is providing Creighton Model FertilityCare Services within the confines of an existing center that is affiliated with FertilityCare Centers of America. If beginning an independent center, the approximate cost of client materials, in order to meet the requirements necessary for program completion, is $450.50. It should be noted that initial outlay of expenses for these supplies may be reimbursable from client fees. Current materials distribution procedures take into account the need to provide the most cost effective means possible to minimize the additional costs of shipping and/or sales tax for students. International students should expect to pay higher shipping costs. The room, board, and round trip transportation for the Practitioner On-Site Visit will be the responsibility of the student. These same expenses will be the responsibility of the Educator/Supervisor Intern for his/her initial On-Site Visit.

Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Financial Aid

The Pope Paul VI Institute has limited ability to provide financial assistance. A resource guide for funding suggestions has been developed for students. Medical Military applicants may qualify for funding through the Military. Contact your Military’s Education Service Office.

• Archbishop Daniel E. Sheehan Scholarship Fund
  Named for the late archbishop of Omaha, these are tuition scholarships only and do not apply to the materials fee, room and board or On-Site Visit expenses. This scholarship fund can assist some students with up to 50% tuition reduction. For the most part, these scholarship funds are restricted to the State of Nebraska.
• Pope Paul VI Institute Scholarship Fund
  These are tuition scholarships only and do not apply to the materials fee, room and board expenses or On-Site Visit expenses. These can assist students with tuition reduction in variable amounts and are not restricted by geography.
• Nancy Botkin Memorial Scholarship
  These are tuition scholarships only and are restricted to students in the FertilityCare Educator program.

Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------