Category: Feature Stories
100% Online Certificate in Public Health Training

100% Online Certificate in Public Health Training

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The University of Louisville in conjunction with the School of Public Health and Information Sciences is proud to launch the certificate program for Public Health Training. The certificate is offered in a 4-course, 12-credit hour format and is available 100% online. This online graduate certificate is perfect for those seeking foundational knowledge to update their public health expertise to utilize the skills needed to advance their career in the healthcare field.

Students interested in the Public Health Training certificate will acquire the multidisciplinary education and training needed to meet professional goals and achieve the best health outcomes for people, animals, and the environment. As a student in the program, your coursework will cover key foundational areas such as: epidemiology, biostatistics, prevention, and early diagnosis treatment and practical applications of public health principles in healthcare organizations and government— both locally and at the state level.

Program Highlights:

  • Develop and demonstrate your knowledge in the core areas of public health with courses in epidemiology, biostatistics, public health principles, and integration, as well as public health at both the state and local levels.
  • Gain expertise and highly marketable skills for a rapidly growing field.
  • Skip the GRE—not required for admission.
  • Learn with focused research and accessible, world-class faculty with extensive applied experience.
  • Take advantage of the flexibility and convenience of 100% online classes and 24/7 access.

Who Should Apply?

Students interested in the PHT certificate must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.75.   The certificate program is ideal for individuals working in the public health field, including local, state, and federal departments of public health, as well as health-related professionals working in community and non-governmental agencies, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. This program is geared towards students who want to earn their certificate in Public Health Training but may not be ready to complete their master’s degree at this time.  However, students who complete the certificate program can transfer up to 6 credits earned from the Public Health Training certificate toward a master’s degree in the public health field at the University of Louisville. 

Course Descriptions:

  • PHEP 501 Introduction to Epidemiology

Basic epidemiological methods are presented: terminology; study design; issues of contemporary practice; basic skills for interacting with epidemiologists, reading disease control literature, and drawing on epidemiological concepts.

  • PHMS 501 Introduction to Public Health Practice and Administration

This course emphasizes the practical application of the principles of healthcare organizations to public health at the national, state, and local levels.

  • HPB 501 Introduction to Public Health Behavior

This course reviews theoretical constructs of the causation of health-related behavior, including preventive, early diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitative behavior.

  • PHST 500 Introduction to Biostatistics for Health Sciences I

An introduction to descriptive and inferential statistical methods, including descriptive and graphical methods, estimation, calculation of confidence intervals, 1- and 2-sample hypothesis testing, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and simple linear regression. The R statistical software environment will be used to introduce data management and descriptive and inferential statistical methods.

How to Apply?

Students who are ready to take the next step, must complete the graduate application, submit a $40 non-refundable application fee, submit 2 letters of recommendation, written within the past 12 months, and submit official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work from regionally-accredited institutions.

This certificate qualifies for financial aid and is offered at a credit rate of $775 (before financial aid) per hour or $250 (before financial aid) per credit hour for active-duty members. The certificate program is offered three start times per year, including Fall, Spring, and Summer.  For more information about the program, or if you are interested in applying for the next start term, click here.
Where will your master’s degree in Social Work take you?

Where will your master’s degree in Social Work take you?

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    The University of Louisville’s online Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) program prepares students for a rewarding career in the field of helping others, becoming change makers and giving back to their community. Within the highly ranked and accredited MSSW program, offered through the Raymond A. Kent School of Social Work & Family Science, students have the option of customizing their degree to align with their specific interests by choosing from one of five concentration paths. The five concentrations include Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Gerontology, Mental Health, Military Social Work and Psychosocial Oncology. Upon completion of UofL’s online Master’s in Social Work degree, graduates will be eligible to become Certified Social Worker (CSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in their respected state. As requirements vary by state, students are encouraged to view the licensing requirements for their specific state(s) in which they wish to practice in, prior to completing their degree.  

    As within any field of study, the job opportunities vary depending on a student’s interest of study. Earning your MSSW with a concentration will better prepare graduates for the diverse and ever-changing field of social work. The following information highlights the specific concentrations within the MSSW degree and highlights the various places of employment graduates can work post-graduation. 

    Alcohol & Drug Counseling Concentration: 

    The Alcohol & Drug Counseling concentration prepares graduates with the knowledge and background needed to secure and succeed in a career as a substance abuse counselor or case manager. As substance abuse continues to climb throughout the United States, graduates within the Alcohol and Drug Concentration are prepared with the knowledge and skills to combat the epidemic. The coursework also fulfills some requirements needed to earn the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) certification. Some occupational career paths post-graduation include: 

    • Medical, psychiatric, and substance abuse hospitals 
    • Outpatient substance abuse clinics 
    • Inpatient detoxification and rehabilitation facilities  
    • Residential intellectual and developmental disability, mental health, and substance abuse facilities 
    • Private practice 
    • Physicians’ offices 

    Gerontology Concentration: 

    Gerontology concentration empowers students to become leaders in the dynamic field of aging and social work. This concentration is geared towards meeting the demand for social workers trained to respond to the needs of older adults and their families. Students who graduate with their MSSW concentration in Gerontology will benefit from field practice in a variety of gerontology programs as well as affording graduates the opportunities to network with professionals and build meaningful relationships with older adults. Some occupational career paths post-graduation include: 

    • All-inclusive care for the elderly facilities 
    • Specialized senior assistance programs 
    • Hospices 
    • Nursing homes 
    • Residential care facilities 

    Mental Health Concentration: 

    The Mental Health concentration delivers the necessary preparation and knowledge for anyone considering entering the mental health field as a social worker. Studies in this specialization focus around theories on the progression and cause of mental illness as well as diagnostic and assessment skills, all in the context of social work practice. Students will learn about the available mental health services and policies and experience the field firsthand with an advanced practicum rotation. Some occupational career paths post-graduation include: 

    • Private practice 
    • Hospitals  
    • Mental health clinics 
    • Rehabilitation treatment facilities 
    • Community health organizations 
    • Residential care facilities 

    Military Concentration: 

    The Military Social Work concentration prepares students to support active-duty service members, veterans and their families. Coursework focuses on theoretical perspectives and policy implications relevant to these groups, as well as programs and application of interventions to ameliorate them. Some occupational career paths post-graduation include: 

    • Military bases and units 
    • Medical facilities 
    • Military support centers 
    • Veteran Affairs health centers 
    • Community service organizations  
    • Private practices 

    Psychosocial Oncology Concentration: 

    The Psychosocial Oncology online concentration addresses an evolving demand for skilled professionals who understand the complexities surrounding the psychosocial health needs of persons with cancer. Coursework emphasizes application of clinical skills across the cancer continuum. Graduates of this concentration receive a Certificate in Psychosocial Oncology in tandem with their master’s degree. Some occupational career paths post-graduation include: 

    • Hospice  
    • Cancer treatment centers 
    • Private practice 
    • Hospitals  
    • Rehabilitation treatment facilities 
    • Community health organizations 

    According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, employment of social workers is projected to grow 9 percent from 2021 to 2031. The online Master of Science in Social Work degree is designed for the next generation of social workers, preparing them to promote social justice and be positive change agents in their community. Whether you are looking to work in a hospital, residential treatment center or a wide variety of other occupational career paths; earning your master’s degree from University of Louisville will position you for a successful career in social work. If you are interested in learning more about the various concentrations or the program as a whole, click here.   
    Student Spotlight: Healthcare Leadership Student Answers 5 of Our Questions

    Student Spotlight: Healthcare Leadership Student Answers 5 of Our Questions

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    Jenna Braden is a UofL Online student pursuing a BS in Organizational Leadership & Learning, with a track focus in Healthcare Leadership. She is also currently employed at Humana as a Manager for HPS Clinical Formulary Administration. Today, we’ll be reviewing her answers to some of our student spotlight questions to better understand her program and how it will prepare her for future career success! As Jenna notes, “This program was designed to transform the learning and college experience, making a degree possible for anyone, at any stage of life.”  

    Let’s dive into her responses to our questions!  

    1. Why did you select the HCL program? I am currently in a Healthcare Leadership role and was looking for a degree program that would directly tie back to my career aspirations. While my college background was in Biology/Chemistry, I didn’t feel that continuing down that degree path would be as meaningful to my future success. The HCL program focus was exactly what I was looking for in a degree, so I knew right away it was the right program for me.

    2. What are you enjoying most about the program? The professors. The support and encouragement from the staff are outstanding. While I also love learning from the courses, I am most driven by how obvious it is that my professors also care about my success. They are great at giving direct, meaningful feedback and are thoughtful and encouraging in their responses. While I am motivated to succeed for my own career and personal growth, the support and motivation from the HCL staff makes it even easier to push myself to get there.

    3. Do you feel the program is providing the skills you need to be successful in your career? Definitely. The content covered in the program is specifically designed to help you develop skills rather than just learn information. The coursework helps you understand how to apply those skills in real ways, and the professors are great at guiding you through the content and application.  

    4. Would you recommend the program? Why? I would absolutely recommend the program, and I actually have recommended it to many of my colleagues and friends. The flexibility and applicability in the design of the program make it a great option for anyone looking for a career in healthcare leadership. It is tailored to individuals already in the workforce which is a unique quality of this program. It gives you the freedom to balance your life, job, and schoolwork in a way that works best for your lifestyle. In addition to the schedule flexibility, it is made up of course content that can and will be applied in a healthcare leadership role, another quality of the program that is not always as apparent in other programs.  

    5. Any additional comments you would like to share! For anyone out there in the workforce with no degree but wanting more from their career and for themselves, take the leap. I put it off for years, overwhelmed by the thought of being in school while raising a family and working full-time. I wish I had done it sooner. There is no better time than now! Don’t be scared or intimidated. This program was designed to transform the learning and college experience, making a degree possible for anyone, at any stage of life.    

    Curious about the Healthcare Leadership track? Click here and learn more!  
    We Thrive Together – Top 6 Centers and Resources for Online Students:

    We Thrive Together – Top 6 Centers and Resources for Online Students:

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    The University of Louisville offers a wide array of resources for our students, whether they are on-campus or online.  Check out this list of the top 6 resources available to students at UofL:

    1. Cultural Center – The vision of the Cultural Center is to offer an inclusive and accepting campus climate free of bias and hate where students, faculty, staff, and alumni work together to create positive change in the community.  The Cultural Center offers both in-person and virtual programs to help our students work together to create a positive change in the community. Some events offered by the Cultural Center include:
      • September – Celebrating Latinidad
      • October – Celebrating Pride
      • November – Celebrating Indigenous Heritage
      • January – Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.
      • February – Celebrating Black History Month
      • March – Celebrating Women, Femmes and Non-Binary People
      • April – Celebrating AAPI History
    2. Disability Resource Center – In recognition of disability as an important part of the diversity of our community, the Disability Resource Center fosters an inclusive campus climate through education, service, collaboration, and outreach to the University of Louisville community.  The center provides support for students with documented disabilities by promoting equal access to all programs and services.
    3. International Center – The mission of the International Center is to promote and enhance the University’s goals by creating a community that appreciates global interdependence. The overarching goal of the International Center is to increase the number of international students at all academic levels; expand the number of students participating in study abroad programs; facilitate graduate student and faculty international research and travel; and provide quality services in support of these and other international initiatives.
    4. LGBT Center  – The University of Louisville LGBT Center is committed to dismantling CIS-heteropatriarchy and other systems of oppression. The Center strives to affirm LGBTQ+ students, staff and faculty through an anti-racist lens, rooted in social justice and intersectionality.
    5. Women’s Center  – Established in 1991, the Women’s Center serves as a resource on women’s issues and works to promote an atmosphere of diversity for students, faculty, staff, and the community. The Women’s Center assists the University in achieving its goals by implementing programs that enhance, support, and empower women on campus and online.  The Center and its programs are open to all students without regard to gender. 
    6. Four Career Service Centers – The University of Louisville offers a broad array of career services through several offices on campus.  Whether you are a current student, alumni, or staff member, the Career Services Center offers resources to enhance career opportunities and programs designed to prepare everyone to make the transition from college to their careers.  The four Career Centers to help our students find employment post-graduation include:

    No matter where you are on the journey to complete your degree, the University of Louisville wants to make sure you never feel alone. Our resources are available to all students in the hopes that you get involved – whether you are on-campus or remote.

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