Certificate in Community Health

Bad health conditions have a negative impact on not only the social structure but also the political and the economic system. Hence, the field of community health, which is a subfield of public health, deals with providing quality health services to different communities. Empathic people interested in playing an integral role in relieving people's suffering can opt for a certificate in community health after their associate or bachelor level education; such a program specifically hones them for handling and resolving community health issues.

Featured Programs

Scope of Community Health Certificate Programs
Many healthcare schools offer first-rate community health certificate programs, both online and on-campus, that trains the people for playing significant roles in the community health system. One of the most popular certificates is the certificate of community health in nursing. Registered nurses are eligible to enroll in this program that prepares them for providing nursing services at schools, homes, and community centers. People with a bachelor degree can opt for a post-graduate certificate in community health that focuses on public health policies.

Coursework
A certificate of community health program with a focus on public health policies normally covers the following topics:

• Introduction to the Public Health System
• Evidence-based Public Health Methods
• Health Promotion
• Disease Prevention
• US Healthcare System

 
Who Should Apply?
The field of community health requires dynamic individuals with innate leadership and management skills. Most of the times, community health workers and nurses have to work independently and deal with all types of people so kindness and empathy is a must. Moreover, they should know how to be calm and steady under trying circumstances.

Career Prospects
Working professionals can use a certificate in community health for adding further skills to their repertoire. The short-duration certificate program opens new possibilities for jobs such as nurses going into community service. Healthcare professionals with a bachelor degree can go into policy making and join government or non-government organizations (NGOs) with a certificate in community health. 

States with the highest employment level in this occupation:

Source: bls.gov

How long does it take to get a certificate in community health?

The process for certification for community health workers depends on the state you are applying in. Credentialing and certification programs are usually implemented by the department of health or the department of public health. For instance, the Texas Health and Human Services Department lists down a set of requirements and a process to be followed to get certified and has given a time frame of 90 days for application processing.

What are the requirements to get a certificate in community health?

The requirements to get a certificate in community health vary according to the state you are applying in. For instance, the Texas Department of State Health Services requires applicants to be residents of the state, be at least 18 years of age and complete a 160-hour competency Community Health Worker training program, etc. Similar requirements have been laid down by various states.

How much can I make with a certificate in community health?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Community Health Workers made an annual median wage of $38,370, as of May 2017.