Posted 10:46 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2014
Two UW-L programs that prepare students to become public health and community health education professionals were recently re-accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
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Gary Gilmore, professor and director of graduate community health and public health programs.[/caption]
Two UW-L programs that prepare students to become public health and community health education professionals were recently re-accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
UW-L’s Master of Public Health and Bachelor of Science in Community Health Education programs were thoroughly evaluated based on a number of criteria including the programs’ missions, degree offerings, required competencies, research, service, recruitment, career counseling and more. Both were re-accredited for the council’s maximum seven years in September.
“These are two of UW-L’s marquee programs,” says UW-L Chancellor Joe Gow. “Our mission stresses developing both the body and the mind and these programs clearly make that connection.”
Gary Gilmore, professor and director of graduate community health and public health programs, has been impressed with the quality and diversity of program candidates from all over the world. That, coupled with strong support and commitment to the program within the university and in a wide array of professional and community-based settings, has led to their success and longstanding reputation, he says.
“University, college and department support for these programs, coupled with the commitment to academic excellence and practitioner skill development from students, faculty, staff, preceptors, employers and public and professional representatives come together to make our programs strong and relevant,” says Gilmore. “Both programs are fully guided by nationally-validated health education and public health competencies which prepare candidates for real world engagement."
The program excelled in many areas. Among them:
Gary Gilmore, professor and director of graduate community health and public health programs.[/caption]
Two UW-L programs that prepare students to become public health and community health education professionals were recently re-accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
UW-L’s Master of Public Health and Bachelor of Science in Community Health Education programs were thoroughly evaluated based on a number of criteria including the programs’ missions, degree offerings, required competencies, research, service, recruitment, career counseling and more. Both were re-accredited for the council’s maximum seven years in September.
“These are two of UW-L’s marquee programs,” says UW-L Chancellor Joe Gow. “Our mission stresses developing both the body and the mind and these programs clearly make that connection.”
Gary Gilmore, professor and director of graduate community health and public health programs, has been impressed with the quality and diversity of program candidates from all over the world. That, coupled with strong support and commitment to the program within the university and in a wide array of professional and community-based settings, has led to their success and longstanding reputation, he says.
“University, college and department support for these programs, coupled with the commitment to academic excellence and practitioner skill development from students, faculty, staff, preceptors, employers and public and professional representatives come together to make our programs strong and relevant,” says Gilmore. “Both programs are fully guided by nationally-validated health education and public health competencies which prepare candidates for real world engagement."
The program excelled in many areas. Among them:
- The culminating experiences in the master’s program, including theses and graduate projects, were rigorous and of high quality. Examples of projects include the website development for a La Crosse wellness project, award-winning thesis research involving the analysis of health-related data from village settings in Nicaragua, and the development and evaluation of a worksite program to help reduce stress.
- The program provided encouragement and support for students to do service activities through their coursework. It is typical for students in both programs to work on projects with community partners to address health issues such as obesity, alcohol and tobacco use, nutrition and health disparities. “The programs provide excellent outreach not only in our community, but in areas around the globe,” says Gow. “In light of the international experiences in which these students engage, it’s no exaggeration to say they’re truly making the world a better place.”
- UW-L has a strong focus on teaching and practical skill development. The re-accreditation process found the public health and community health education programs mirror that dedication.
- Program faculty have the expertise to implement a competency-based curriculum for health educators, which means students master certain public health skills and knowledge before they move on to more complex topics. That fully prepares community health education and public health professionals, says Gilmore.