Students in the Public and Community Health Program develop the ability to understand, analyze, problem-solve, and communicate effectively in a complex, rapidly changing world. Students learn how to promote health and wellness through improved health literacy, attitudes, skills, and behaviors. As a result of their preparation, they are able to positively influence health behaviors and disease prevention in order to improve the health status of individuals, families, communities, states, and the nation. The interdisciplinary liberal arts perspective on this community health curriculum prepares students to act as informed and engaged community members and leaders. Courses emphasize prevention and management of injury and disease, emotional health and overall wellbeing, health promotion skill-building, epidemiology, nutrition education, and theories of health behavior. The Public and Community Health program prepares students for careers in county and state public health departments, private health agencies, hospitals, health clinics, nonprofit agencies, and with community organizations. Graduates may also be able to pursue additional training/education in various allied health professions, including accelerated bachelor of science nursing (BSN) programs. Completion of the community health major establishes eligibility to sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) examination.
CHL 110 • Introduction to Healthcare 2 Credits
An introduction to various health professions and the healthcare system in the United States. Emphasis on understanding the healthcare system, current issues in healthcare, and healthcare career paths. Development of healthcare literacy and navigating healthcare culture. Students examine education, training and licensure and/or certification requirements for potential careers.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
CHL 112 • Public and Community Health 4 Credits
An overview of the major concepts and principles of public and community health including population health, trends, and policy. Introduces strategic planning and evidence-based interventions aimed at improving and promoting the public's health. Examines the community and public health policy progress at organizational and governmental levels.
Offered: Spring.
CHL 314 • Foundations, Administration, and Evaluation of Health Education 4 Credits
Introduces the health education and health promotion professions, including historical, philosophical, and theoretical foundations of health education. Explores theories of behavior change, the responsibilities of health educators, and investigates career opportunities. Examines the theoretical and practical basis for planning, implementing, administering, and evaluating health education programs.
Prerequisites: CHL 112. Offered: Spring.
CHL 318 • Epidemiology 4 Credits
Introduces the history, philosophy and methodology of epidemiology to identify, prevent, and control disease and health-related conditions in populations. Students collect, interpret, and communicate epidemiologic data and study results.
Prerequisites: CHL 112. Offered: Fall, even # years.
CHL 345 • Disease Prevention and Epidemiology 4 Credits
Analysis of chronic and chronic infectious diseases, and injuries from personal, societal, and global perspectives. Focuses on the prevention, identification, and control of diseases and injuries. Examines the relationship of health promotion and lifestyle to disease and injury.
Prerequisites: CHL 112. Offered: Fall.
CHL 493 • Public and Community Health Internship I 2 Credits
Applies academic knowledge and professional skills to achieve personal and professional goals in a 90-hour, practical, off-campus experience. The faculty instructor must approve the site during the semester before the internship. An on-line seminar meets regularly with the Bethel faculty instructor and student peers to process internship experiences and assignments.
Prerequisites: CHL 314; Major in public and community health; Consent of instructor. Offered: Fall, Spring. Special Notes: Course is graded on an S/U basis.
CHL 494 • Public and Community Health Internship II 4 Credits
Applies academic knowledge and professional skills to achieve personal and professional goals in a 180-hour, practical, off-campus experience. The faculty instructor must approve the site during the semester before the internship. An on-line seminar meets regularly with the Bethel faculty instructor and student peers to process internship experiences and assignments.
Prerequisites: CHL 314; CHL 493. Offered: Fall, Spring. Special Notes: This course is graded on an S/U basis.