The Escuela Nacional de Sanidad (ENS), founded pursuant to Royal Decree of 9 December 1024, is the oldest institution dedicated to training Public Health professionals in Spain. It contributes to the development and upgrading of the National Healthcare System through the development of training and research programs in the field of Public Health and the Policy and Administration of Health Services.

The ENS mission is classified into three different areas of activity: Training, Research, and Technical and Scientific Advisory Services. ENS is also used as an important debate forum where Public Health professionals can exchange ideas and discuss the trends in Public Health and Health Service Administration.

Post-graduate education is ESN’s main activity. Its training programs are based on research activity conducted by the school’s personnel and those of other Carlos III Health Institute centres, providing the immediate transfer of any advances or progress made to Public Health actions and practice. Teaching activities are divided into several Specialised Training courses (Masters and Degrees) and Continuous Education, both of which are combined to complete basic and advanced training thereby enabling students to cover current demand in professional Public Health and Health Administration practice. Some of the courses are developed in collaboration with the University and several Autonomous Regions. A program of educational activities at a distance is also offered in collaboration with UNED. Each year’s educational program is widely disseminated and is made available at http://sigade2.isciii.es website.

Functions

Its functions are as follows:

a) Provide continuous and permanent training of top and medium level personnel at the State’s health service administrations.

b) Organize and develop general and specialised courses in health service and public health management pursuant to national and international agreements of interest for the development of health policy.

c) Cooperate with organizations, institutions, and public and private associations in activities related to health administration training.

d) Issue diplomas, certificates, or other documents that provide proof of studies carried out and the level of competency achieved.

e) Prepare and define teaching programs and training protocols based on quality criteria in health and public health related aspects in collaboration with any public or private institution pursuant to subscribed cooperation agreements.

f) Undertake as many actions and studies in its area of competency as may be required for providing support to the Ministry of Health and Consumption and the Autonomous Regions.

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