Public Health Fundamentals for Park and Recreation Professionals Certificate Program
Time limit: 385 days
2.5 credits
Full course description
Program summary:
The Public Health Fundamentals for Park and Recreation Professionals Certificate Program is comprised of five online courses covering the fundamentals of public health. The program is geared toward park and recreation professionals who want a deeper understanding of how their programming, facilities, and policies impact the public's health. A key component of this certificate program is the online discussion forums and web assignment that promote interactivity and sharing of ideas. The students move through the series of courses, assessments, and receive constructive feedback on assignments.
This course of study is our inaugural offering in engaging park and recreation professionals in health-related terminology and strategies. Successful learners leave this program with policy and programming ideas to influence their community's health and the tools to communicate these changes to community leaders.
Program objectives:
After completing this certificate program, learners should be able to:
- Describe the role of park and recreation agencies in resolving public health issues.
- Apply concepts learned in the e-courses to a park and recreation model.
- Identify and describe program and/or policy strategies that park and recreation agencies can use to promote health.
- Identify partners outside the field of park and recreation who could assist in implementing and evaluating program and/or policy strategies.
- Describe the different factors that impact positive health behavior with regard to the ecological model.
Recommended background:
This certificate program will be most beneficial for park and recreation professionals and others interested in advancing their understanding of park and recreation agency impact on community health.
Program topics:
- Course 1: Introduction to Public Health
- Course 2: Environmental Health
- Course 3: Epidemiology and Biostatistics
- Course 4: Public Health Administration
- Course 5: Behavioral, Social, and Community Health
The certificate program includes the following elements:
- Five self-paced, self-study e-courses
- Independent study assignments, which allow you to apply what you have learned in the courses and are reviewed by course instructors, with substantive feedback provided
- Informational text
- Interactive activities
- "Learn More" opportunities
- Supplemental reference materials
- Final assessments
These courses are self-paced, allowing learners the flexibility to complete the courses as quickly or slowly as they need.
After completing the content and activities in each course module, you will complete a final quiz to demonstrate your understanding of key course concepts. Upon successful completion of all course module quizzes and assignments, you will be awarded a program certificate of completion.
Creators:
This certificate program was designed and developed jointly by the Eppley Center for Parks and Public Lands at Indiana University, community experts in the field, and the IU School of Public Health-Bloomington.
How to access:
Upon enrolling, you will receive instructions and the link to the Canvas course. Note: When you register, you will receive an email invitation. Be sure to accept that invitation, or Canvas will not allow you to open the course modules.
Enrollees can move through content modules at their own pace within the course timeframe.