by Caroline Tomlinson, Communications Content Manager
The health care profession could be in crisis if it doesn’t find more professionals to meet the growing demand, according to recent data provided by the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC). Along with its health care offerings in PA studies, pharmacy, nursing, athletic training and pre-med, Cedarville University is helping to address the need by offering a new public health certificate for professionals in health care, social work, business, public administration and more.
Many factors are driving the health care shortage, including the COVID-19 pandemic and America’s aging population. The most acute shortages are in the areas of physicians, nurses, midwives and health care educators. Experts predict a shortage of nearly 30,000 nurses by 2025. The COVID-19 pandemic also revealed the need for trained public health professionals. The practice of public health seeks to improve the health and wellness of entire populations by preventing and managing diseases, injuries, and other health risks.
The new online 12-credit-hour graduate certificate in public health will be offered by Cedarville’s school of nursing and is open to anyone with a bachelor’s degree. This certificate will help equip health care professionals with knowledge and expertise to offer solutions to public health issues.
“Public health issues are complex and require an interdisciplinary approach,” said Kim Higginbotham, assistant dean and director of graduate nursing programs.
The program consists of four three-credit online courses required to complete the certificate:
- Epidemiology
- Foundation of Global Public Health
- Global Public Health Strategies
- Contemporary Issue in Global Public Health
- The certificate is available online and can be completed in four online courses.
“The public health certificate will prepare graduates to examine neighborhoods and communities through a public health lens and be prepared to collaborate with other disciplines to improve health outcomes,” added Higginbotham.
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 5,082 undergraduate, graduate, and dual enrolled high school students in more than 175 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is one of the largest private universities in Ohio, recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, high graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and the #4 national ranking by the Wall Street Journal for student engagement. For more information about the University, visit cedarville.edu.