Nursing Program Expands Congenital Syphilis Training

October 6, 2026 - 20:42

University of Cincinnati Women's Health Nurse Practitioner students are gaining evidence-based education on screening, diagnosis and treatment of syphilis during pregnancy through a national multisite initiative.

The program addresses a sharp rise in congenital syphilis cases across the United States. Congenital syphilis occurs when the infection passes from a pregnant person to the fetus, and it can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, and serious long-term health problems in newborns. Many cases are preventable when testing and treatment happen early in pregnancy.

Students in the program now work through updated clinical scenarios that reflect real world practice. They learn how to interpret syphilis test results, recognize the stages of infection, and apply recommended treatment guidelines. The curriculum also emphasizes patient counseling, because stigma and gaps in prenatal care often keep people from getting timely screening.

Faculty involved in the effort say the goal is to prepare graduates for the settings where they will practice, including prenatal clinics, community health centers, and rural areas with limited specialist support. Nurse practitioners are often the first point of contact for pregnant patients, so their ability to spot and manage syphilis is critical.

The multisite initiative connects nursing schools across the country so they can share teaching tools and evaluate what works. Program leaders say the approach can be adapted by other institutions that want to strengthen their own maternal health training.