182 Micro-credentials and translational workforce development: Motivation and benefits

Abstract

Objectives/Goals: Micro-credentials (MCs) or digital badges are short programs designed to allow learners to gain knowledge and skills at their own pace to tailor their professional development. This study aims to examine the characteristics of learners completing MCs and explore their motivation for pursuing MCs through the University at Buffalo Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) program. Methods/Study Population: Currently, the CTSI offers five MCs in Effective Teaching, Good Clinical Practice, Responsible Research, Scientific Communication, and Translational Teamwork. Individuals who completed an MC (2019–2024) were identified by the UB Office of Micro-credentials. An invitation email and two reminders were sent to all individuals who received MCs asking them to complete a short online survey in July-August 2024. The survey included three questions about the type(s) of MCs completed, learners’ motivation for pursuing MCs, and perceived or actual benefits of completing an MC. The questions included multiple choice, select all that apply, and open-ended format, respectively. The survey was sent using Google Forms; data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. We received 25 completed surveys (29% response rate). Results/Anticipated Results: Since 2019, 85 individuals completed MCs at Buffalo CTSI including 21 faculty, 18 trainees, 26 students, and 20 staff. The most popular MC, Responsible Research (65% of completers), is based on the Responsible Conduct of Research series, which consists of modules on authorship ethics, ethical use of animals (IACUC) and human subjects (IRB), conflicts of interest/commitment, and responsible data acquisition and management. We found that 33% of responders were motivated to obtain the MC to advance their career and for professional development, 30% for lifelong learning, and 23% intended to use the badges to showcase their proficiency to potential employers. The greatest benefits reported were to obtain knowledge/skills for their professional career (46%) and improve their ability to receive research funding (14%). Discussion/Significance of Impact: Micro-credentials are valuable learning tools to stay current on changing research requirements, with ability to engage asynchronously. Badges also provide unique professional development opportunities for students and research workforce (staff and community stakeholders) who have limited resources (time and money).