Certificate in Consumer Health

Certificate

Hours: 13 Online

About

The Certificate in Consumer Health at Fort Hays State University is designed to enhance knowledge and skills in health education promotion. Covering a wide range of consumer health topics, the certificate prepares participants to effectively address health-related issues within community settings.

Offered entirely online, the certificate provides flexibility for working professionals and those with demanding schedules. The curriculum integrates lectures, demonstrations, labs, and field experiences, with a strong emphasis on practical application. This structure ensures students are well-prepared to tackle real-world challenges in health education and promotion.

Why pursue a Certificate in Consumer Health at Fort Hays State University?

Choosing the Certificate in Consumer Health at FHSU demonstrates a commitment to flexibility, practical application, and up-to-date health education practices. Delivered entirely online, the certificate is designed to accommodate working professionals and individuals with demanding schedules, enabling them to advance their education without interrupting their responsibilities.

This certificate is distinguished by its emphasis on real-world application and service-learning projects. Through hands-on experiences, students apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings, developing the skills necessary to address health-related challenges in diverse professional environments.

Who is this program for?

The certificate is designed for individuals seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in health education and promotion. It is especially well-suited for:

Public health professionals
Health educators
Community health workers
Healthcare providers
Individuals seeking career advancement in health education
Those interested in public health and wellness

Learning Outcomes

The Certificate in Consumer Health is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in health education and promotion. Participants learn to effectively assess community health needs, develop and implement educational programs, and evaluate their impact. Additional core competencies and learning outcomes associated with the certificate include:

The Ability to Assess Community Health Needs

Participants will develop the skills to conduct comprehensive assessments of community health using industry-standard tools and methodologies to collect data. This competency is essential for identifying critical health issues and determining effective strategies.

The Understanding Required to Develop Health Education Programs

Students will gain the knowledge and skills to design comprehensive health education programs tailored to diverse populations. This includes creating educational materials, planning outreach activities, and implementing interventions that promote healthy behaviors.

Effective Health Communication Skills

Participants will develop the ability to communicate complex health information clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, including community members, policymakers, and healthcare professionals. Strong communication skills are essential for successful health education and promotion.

Tools and Skills Required to Evaluate Program Effectiveness

Students will acquire the skills needed to assess the outcomes of health education programs, identify opportunities for improvement, and make data-driven decisions to enhance program impact. Evaluating program effectiveness is a vital aspect of expertise in the field.

Real-World Applications

The certificate is designed to prepare students for practical applications in health education and promotion. Through service-learning projects, students collaborate with community organizations to develop and implement health initiatives, gaining valuable experience while positively impacting community well-being.

Field experiences and laboratory exercises further reinforce practical learning by providing opportunities to assess community health needs, design educational programs, and evaluate their outcomes. This comprehensive, hands-on approach ensures that those who complete the certificate are equipped with the skills and experience necessary to succeed in a variety of health education and promotion roles.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

The curriculum incorporates the latest advancements and trends in consumer and public health education. It is regularly updated to reflect current best practices and emerging issues, ensuring students are well-prepared to address today’s health challenges.

Students engage in innovative teaching methods and contribute to research that reflects the evolving landscape of health education. Coursework covers key topics such as digital health literacy, community health assessment, and health policy, providing a comprehensive understanding of modern consumer health.

Hands-on Activities

Experiential learning is a cornerstone of the Certificate in Consumer Health. Participants engage in service-based learning projects, partnering with community organizations to address local health issues. These experiences provide practical insight into real-world health challenges while developing skills directly applicable to future careers.

The certificate also includes laboratory exercises and field experiences that reinforce theoretical concepts through hands-on application. Participants gain experience in conducting health assessments, practicing education techniques, and designing health promotion programs. This applied learning approach ensures students are well-prepared to implement effective health education strategies in professional settings.

What You’ll Learn:

Principles of consumer health
Health education techniques
Public health strategies
Disease prevention methods
Health promotion strategies

How You’ll Learn:

Online coursework
Interactive demonstrations
Laboratory exercises
Field experiences
Service-based learning projects

Courses

The certificate’s core curriculum consists of 13 credit hours, emphasizing essential areas of consumer health and education. Coursework covers foundational topics such as consumer health principles, public health strategies, and health promotion methods, equipping students with the skills to effectively address community health concerns and promote healthy behaviors.

Key subjects include disease prevention, health communication, and program evaluation. Students learn to design, implement, and assess health education programs, adapting their approaches to meet the changing needs of the communities they serve.

HHP 310: Consumer Health

This course deals with critical analysis and evaluation of health appraisal techniques and federal and state legislation affecting consumer health.

HHP 314: Issues in Health Education

This course reviews sensitive and controversial issues in health education, covering topics related to nutrition, individual health, community health, and STDs that are important to families and individuals.

HHP 400: Safety Education

This course examines theories of accident causation and various methods of preventing accidents in schools, work, home, and recreational settings.

Discover the full Certificate in Consumer Health course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Career Prospects

Students who complete the Certificate in Consumer Health gain skills and knowledge that open diverse career opportunities in various health-related fields. The certificate prepares students for meaningful roles in health education and promotion.

Health Educator

Health educators develop and implement programs to promote healthy behaviors and prevent disease. They work in schools, community organizations, and healthcare settings, creating materials and conducting outreach.

Public Health Worker

Public health workers improve community health through education, policy, and promotion programs. They work in government, non-profits, or healthcare, addressing various public health issues.

Community Health Specialist

Community health specialists assess the health needs of communities and develop programs to meet those needs. They collaborate with local organizations and stakeholders to implement and evaluate health initiatives.

Health Promotion Coordinator

Health promotion coordinators plan and manage programs that encourage healthy lifestyles. They work in corporate wellness, non-profits, and community health organizations to design effective interventions.

Wellness Coach

Wellness coaches support individuals in adopting healthy behaviors and lifestyle changes. They work one-on-one to provide motivation, education, and guidance toward achieving health goals.

The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere

Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3,445.65* (online) per semester.

*Estimated cost based on 13 credit hours at the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate ($265.05/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.

Ready for the next step?

Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.

Apply

Related Programs

Fort Hays State University offers several related programs for those seeking to further their education in health and wellness. These programs allow individuals to specialize and deepen their expertise in key areas of the field:

FAQ

What are the job prospects with a Certificate in Consumer Health?

Participants can pursue careers in health education, public health, community health, health promotion, and wellness coaching.

How is the certificate structured?

The Certificate in Consumer Health comprises 13 credit hours and can be completed online, allowing flexibility and convenience.

What practical experiences are included in the Certificate in Consumer Health?

Students engage in service-learning projects, laboratory exercises, and field experiences that provide hands-on learning opportunities.

What skills will I gain from this certificate?

You will learn to assess community health needs, develop and implement health education programs, and evaluate their effectiveness.

How can I apply for the Certificate in Consumer Health?

Applicants need a minimum GPA of 2.5, a personal statement, and two letters of recommendation to apply.

Information about the Department of Health and Human Performance

The Department of Health and Human Performance provides specialized, in-demand degrees that combine innovative, hands-on learning with access to state-of-the-art facilities. You will be supported by a dedicated faculty and staff who are committed to helping you address the needs of the community and make a meaningful impact beyond the campus.

We strive to prepare you for a fulfilling and rewarding career that aligns with your personal and professional goals. Our programs emphasize practical learning experiences, offer flexible academic options, and foster close-knit mentorship from our experienced faculty. With opportunities in diverse, high-growth fields such as professional sports, healthcare, and more, you will be equipped to pursue your career aspirations. Join our network of accomplished alumni and embark on a path that leads to both personal satisfaction and professional success.

Student Organizations

While earning your degree is your primary goal, college offers much more than just attending classes. Get involved in extracurricular activities that help you develop leadership skills, learn more about your chosen career, and make a difference in your community.

Phi Epsilon Kappa - Delta Theta Chapter: The Delta Theta chapter of Phi Epsilon Kappa, a national honor society, recognizes FHSU students pursuing careers in physical education, health, recreation, dance, human performance, exercise science, sports medicine, and sports management. Through Phi Epsilon Kappa, you will gain leadership skills by engaging in campus, community, and professional activities. To get involved, contact hhpcontact@fhsu.edu.
HHP Majors Club: The HHP Majors Club is ideal for students wanting to stay involved with departmental activities, meet classmates, and participate in university events. This club fosters a sense of community within the department. For more information, contact hhpcontact@fhsu.edu.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes: The Fellowship of Christian Athletes offers students the chance to combine their faith with their passion for athletics. This organization sponsors the national annual event, Fields of Faith, which allows FHSU students to worship and serve alongside the Hays community. All students interested in Christianity are welcome to join, regardless of their participation in FHSU athletics. To get involved, contact hhpcontact@fhsu.edu.
Pre-Professional Healthcare Club: The FHSU Pre-Physical Therapy Club is dedicated to providing meaningful experiences for students preparing for physical therapy school. This club brings together students interested in professional development to strengthen their applications for physical therapy programs and beyond. Membership is available to any FHSU student interested in pursuing a career in physical therapy or related fields. For more information, contact hhpcontact@fhsu.edu.

Consumer Health

Certificate

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