The Public Health Certificate prepares the student to obtain employment as an entry-level public health worker. Public healthcare workers serve large populations of people and organize their efforts to prevent the spread of diseases through entire communities.

Program Overview

What Will You Learn?

Certificate

You will learn the basis of chronic diseases on morbidity or mortality and approaches to prevention, early detection, and disease management. You will be able to implement strategies that promote behavior change and understand the roles and responsibilities of the public health worker.

Cost

In-State Tuition: $223/credit

Out-of-State / International Tuition: $429/credit

Some programs have additional program fees

Timeline

2 Semesters

27 credits

Learn Online

This program may be completed 90% or more online.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.

Locations

  • This program may be completed at QCC Worcester (Main Campus).
  • Some classes may be offered at QCC at the Healthcare and Workforce Development Center in downtown Worcester.
  • Some courses may be completed at QCC Southbridge.
  • This program may be completed face-to-face.

Curriculum

A foundation for success

Semester 1

This semester will introduce anatomy, English, and public health.
Become an Expert

Semester 2

This semester will cover anatomy, chemistry, global health and psychology.
See the full curriculum

Connections

The following program(s) have connections that can be completed alongside or applied to this program:

A woman in scrubs holds a folder
Associate of Science

Healthcare - Public Health Option

The Healthcare - Public Health Option prepares students for a career as a public health worker and/or prepares students with the first two years of a strong academic foundation required for transfer to a four-year bachelor’s degree program in public health or related field.
A group of healthcare professionals chats
Associate of Science

Healthcare

Start your Healthcare career here. Whether you are interested in entering a healthcare field at Quinsigamond Community College or transferring to a 4-year college, you will learn the basics in healthcare in this program.

Career Stats

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More Info
Course TitleCourse #Semester OfferedCreditsPrerequisites

Semester 1

  • Apply and get accepted to this program (Program Code: PHC).
  • Register for and successfully complete all courses to graduate in two semesters.
  • Meet with Academic Advisor to discuss associate degree (e.g., Program Code: HCPL); or create an account on the QCC job board to search for internships, co-ops and jobs.
Anatomy & Physiology IBIO 111F/S/SU4BIO 101 or BIO 107 or HS AP Biology or PNP 240 with a grade of “C” or higher, Coreq: ENG 101
Composition IENG 101F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
Survey of Personal HealthPHA 100F/S3Placement into college level English
Introduction to Public HealthPHA 101F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
  Total13 

Semester 2

  • Apply to associate degree (e.g., Program Code: HCPL); or if seeking employment, meet with Career Services for career readiness preparation and to learn more about QCC’s job board.
  • Submit an Intent to Graduate Form, located on The Q.
Anatomy & Physiology IIBIO 112F/S/SU4BIO 111
Introduction to the Chemistry of Living SystemsCHM 101F/S/SU4MAT 095 with a grade of “C” or higher or approp place score
Introduction to Global HealthPHA 102F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
Introduction to PsychologyPSY 101F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
  Total14 
Total Credits Required:  27 

Program Goals:

The Public Health Certificate prepares the student to obtain employment as an entry-level public health worker. Public healthcare workers serve large populations of people and organize their efforts to prevent the spread of diseases through entire communities.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  • Identify the roles and responsibilities of the public health worker.
  • Identify the multiple ways public health affects daily living.
  • Explain relationships between the social and behavioral sciences and public health.
  • Implement strategies that promote behavior change.
  • Understand safe practices as it relates to the public health role.
  • Understand the similarities and differences in public and global health including demographic measures of health status and burden of disease.
  • Understand the impact of the environment and communicable diseases on the health of populations.
  • Describe the basis of chronic diseases on morbidity or mortality and approaches to prevention, early detection, and disease management.

Admissions Process:

Admissions inquiries should be directed to admissions@qcc.mass.edu. Prospective students may apply to the program of their choice by following the enrollment steps at www.QCC.edu/enrollment-steps.

Program Admissions Requirements:

Students should note that some first semester courses carry minimum prerequisites. Refer to the program grid.

  • High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.

CORI, SORI, Finger Printing & Drug Testing:

Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) checks are not required in the program, as there is no co-operative experience.

Additional Cost:

See the Program Fees page.

Technical Performance Standards:

See the Technical Performance Standards page. (Note: Not all programs have technical performance standards).

Credit for Prior Learning:

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) allows students to use skills they already have towards a college degree or certificate. Work, life, volunteer and military experience may be translated into credit, allowing students to take fewer classes and earn their degree faster. CPL eliminates redundancies for students who have already earned credentials or mastered skills required for their program of study. Email experience@qcc.mass.edu for more information and eligibility.

Career Outlook:

Please consult the Massachusetts Career Information System at https://masscis.intocareers.org/ or the Occupational Outlook Handbook at www.bls.gov/ooh/ for specific occupational information. The CIP code for this program is 51.2208.

Transfer Articulations & Opportunities:

Prospective students may learn more about transfer articulation agreements at www.QCC.edu/agreements. More information regarding transfer opportunities is available at www.QCC.edu/transfer.