Public Health
Northampton Community College's Public Health major teaches students to educate, counsel, promote, and save lives. This 100% online program provides the initial coursework to prepare students for a career in the public health field. All online courses are facilitated by an instructor and include opportunities for student interaction and participation.
Public health takes a population-based focus to health. Individuals in this field interpret community data to determine health needs and intervention priorities. Studying public health gives students the chance to encourage healthy lifestyles through raised awareness and education.
Additional ResourcesDegree Programs
Credits: 62
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Campus: Bethlehem|FullyOnline
NCC Public Health students have the exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of the transitioning landscape of national and international healthcare promotion and education.
Program Information
In their first year of the program, students study the basics of both biology and public health. Through courses such as Social and Cultural Perspectives of Health, they gain skills in planning, analyzing, and implementing health programs.
In the second year, first-hand experience in the field allows students to understand both local and global effects of public health initiatives. The capstone course gives students the chance to meet professionals in the field and apply what they've learned in the classroom to practical scenarios.
If you are a Northampton Community College student living outside of Pennsylvania or intending to complete an internship or clinical placement outside of the state in a NCC program leading to professional licensure, you should review requirements on the state board website to make sure that the program qualifies.
Licensure requirements vary from state to state and you may require additional authorization from the professional licensing agency in that state. Participating in a program from outside of Pennsylvania, if not properly authorized by that state's professional licensing board, could result in loss of licensing eligibility. If you need help or have questions, please contact the Program Director for more information.
Public Health Career Opportunities
Public health professionals contribute to a number of health initiatives and work with community leaders to plan, implement, and evaluate health education interventions. These include chronic and infectious disease awareness campaigns, vaccination programs, and family planning and prenatal care initiatives. This program is ideal for those who enjoy working with the public, yet also want to take the broader view of how to promote the health of communities and groups of citizens.
Although public health professionals often work for local, state or federal public health departments, federal agencies such as the NIH, CDC and branches of the armed forces also employ all types of public health workers. Private industrial companies, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutions may also hire public health specialists to ensure health and safety standards. Voluntary health agencies, such as the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, and the Alzheimer's Association often employ public health professionals to run programs and assume administrative roles. Northampton graduates have found success in their careers as:
Future Career Paths
- Health Promotion Counselor
- Patient Navigator
- Health Communications/Public Relations
- Public Health Worker
- Health Coach
- Community Health Educator
- Health Teacher
- Wellness promotion Specialist
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