A place for community colleges in public health education: Two curricular frameworks

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe Community College and Public Health project is sponsored by the League for Innovation in the Community College (the League) and the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health’s Framing the Future Task Force. The mission is to fully include community colleges in the continuum of public health education. An expert panel outlined efforts community colleges and public health could do together. Two prototype curricular models were then developed. Public Health: Generalist & Specializations is intended for transfer to bachelor’s degree programs in general public health, health education, health administration or environmental health. Health Navigator is primarily an applied associate degree program preparing graduates as Community Health Workers, patient navigators, and health insurance navigators. The prototype curricular frameworks were developed in collaboration with public health academic and practice organizations. The League expects to play a lead role in implementation including sponsoring demonstration projects and recognition awards for excellence.