This concentration in the Health Department  is designed to provide background needed to pursue post-baccalaureate study in various allied health fields. In conjunction with the Community Health major, it provides students with the prerequisite course work needed for programs in such areas as nursing, physical therapy and occupational therapy. The combination of the concentration and the major gives students course work needed for advanced study and the preparation required for a wide variety of community/public health positions.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Assess a community's health needs to determine priority areas amenable to intervention.
2. Utilize models, theories, and frameworks to assess, develop, or plan community health interventions.
3. Analyze the impact and role of public health systems and the environment in the design and planning of community health interventions.
4. Analyze a health issue using an ecological framework to identify opportunities for intervention.
5. Plan an evidence-based program to address a community's health needs and improve quality of life.
6. Select and apply valid sources of secondary data when engaging in community health practice.
7. Collect, analyze, and interpret primary and secondary data needed to address a research question, to evaluate the effectiveness of a program/service, or to assess the health needs of a community.
8. Use the research literature to identify evidence based practices for public health interventions.
9. Plan, implement, and evaluate a health intervention to promote health at the individual, community, or policy level.
10. Collaborate with other community health professionals, stakeholders, and participants to address a community's needs.
11. Effectively communicate community health information in oral and written forms through a variety of sources and channels.
12. Apply ethical principles when working with organizations, communities, and individuals.
13. Demonstrate cultural competence when working with diverse populations.
14. Demonstrate the dispositions needed to be an effective public health professional.
15. Articulate a plan for achieving a career of their choice in public health.

Career Potential

• Community health practitioner
• Nursing (provides prerequisites for advanced programs)
• Physical therapy (provides prerequisites for advanced programs)
• Occupational therapy (provides prerequisites for advanced programs)
• Other clinical careers