Community Health and Wellness Proficiency Certificate
Description:
The Community Health and Wellness Proficiency Certificate will prepare students to work as Community Health Workers and in related professions. Community Health Workers promote well-being by working with individuals to change health behaviors and advocate for needed services. They often act as the bridge between the community and the health care and social service systems. These professionals are employed in a variety of settings including hospitals, public health departments, and community-based organizations.
This Proficiency Certificate fits within the Health Care Studies degree, without adding any additional courses to the degree. Students may also choose to earn a degree in Behavioral Health and Human Services, Public Health, or a Proficiency Certificate in Personal Training after being exposed to courses in those disciplines. Although the certificate does not fit seamlessly into these programs, it may enhance a student’s resume and add to employment opportunities after graduation.
The Community Health and Wellness proficiency certificate is accredited by the Pennsylvania Certification Board and eligible for candidates applying for a Community Health Worker credential.
Program Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the Community Health and Wellness Proficiency Certificate, students will be able to:
- Explain the behavioral factors that influence health and disease.
- Analyze the impact of social determinants of health on individual and community health.
- Work with clients to identify, explore, and develop culturally appropriate action plans to change health behaviors.
- Use effective communication and ethical practices while advocating for underserved individuals and groups.
Program Entry Requirements:
This certificate is open to interested students. New students are normally required to take the College’s placement test at their time of entry. Students who are identified as needing developmental coursework must satisfactorily complete the appropriate English and mathematics courses as part of the certificate when applicable.
Program of Study and Graduation Requirements:
To earn the Community Health and Wellness Proficiency Certificate, each of the six listed courses must be successfully completed with a C or better. 18 total credits with a 2.0 or higher GPA are required to graduate.
Course Sequence:
| Course Number and Name | Prerequisites and Corequisites | Credits | Gen Ed Req. |
|---|---|---|---|
| PEH 105 - Principles of Fitness and Wellness | 3 credits | ||
| PH 101 - Introduction to Public Health | 3 credits | ||
| BHHS 101 - Introduction to Behavioral Health & Human Services | 3 credits | ||
| NUTR 106 - Nutrition for Healthy Lifestyle | 3 credits | ||
| BHHS 111 - Introduction to Helping Skills | BHHS 101 which may be taken concurrently | 3 credits | |
| PH 102 - Community Health Education and Promotion | PH 101 | 3 credits |
Minimum Credits Needed to Graduate:
18For More Information, Contact:
The Division of Liberal Studies, Room BR-21, 1700 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130, Telephone (215) 751-8450 or the College Information Center (215) 751-8010.
The Division of Math, Science, and Health Careers, Room W1-1, 1700 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130, Telephone (215) 751-8430 or the College Information Center (215) 751-8010.