THE PROFESSION

Health promotion is a growing field. Many companies offer this as a benefit for their employees, utilizing either in-house or contract (i.e. hospital-based) health promotion programs. The main corporate management objectives for health promotion programs are to reduce medical care costs, to enhance productivity, and to enhance image.

A diverse background with various certification (e.g. CPR, first aid, certified aerobics instructor) is recommended. Creativity, enthusiasm and a strong work ethic are essential. A program may have on-site exercise facilities, therefore knowledge in this area is desirable. Occasionally a bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in exercise and sport science may qualify you; however, because of the attractiveness of these jobs and the in-depth knowledge needed, holders of master’s degrees are more marketable. Upon completion of an advanced degree in a health-related field, students may seek national credentialing as a CHES, certified Health Education Specialist. Undergraduate students in this track should plan to complete a minor in Sociology or Psychology.

Given the enormity of the health problems facing this nation and the possibility of future employment which emphasizes health promotion and wellness, the department has developed a professional track of study for the physical education major who wishes to expand his or her knowledge in the health promotion field.

COURSE OF STUDY

• Core Classes
  1. PEHD 201: Introduction to Physical Education (3)
  2. HEAL 216: Personal and Community Health (3)
  3. PEHD 330: Kinesiology (3)
  4. PEHD 340: Exercise Physiology and Lab (4)
  5. PEHD 431: Tests and Measurements (3)
  6. PEHD 458: Organization and Administration in Physical Education (3)
• Professional Track
  1. PEHD 210: Concepts in Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription (3)
     
  2. HEAL 225: Consumer Health (3)
  3. HEAL 240: Worksite Wellness (3)
  4. HEAL 257: Nutrition Education (3)
  5. HEAL 325: Worksite Health Promotion (3)
  6. HEAL 3XX (3)
  7. HEAL 4XX (3)
     
  
  
• Cognate Area
  1. SOCY 101: Introduction to Sociology (3)
  2. SOCY XXX (3)
  3. SOCY XXX (3)
  4. SOCY XXX (3)

  OR

  • PSYC 103: Introduction to Psychological Science (3)
  • PSYC XXX (3)
  • PSYC XXX (3)
  • PSYC XXX (3)
  • PSYC XXX (3)

CAREER OPTIONS

• Facility Management
• Hospital Health Promotion
• Theme Park and Resort Health Club
• Public Fitness and Recreation
• Corporate Wellness
• Community Health Educator
• Sport Camp and School Sport Club
• Patient Educator
• Research
• Public Health Agency

SKILLS NEEDED

• Work with people, both on an individual and group basis.
• Assess current lifestyle behaviors, attitudes and knowledge.
• Plan effective health education/promotion programs.
• Implement a variety of health education/promotion programs.
• Evaluate new programs as well as existing programs.