The future of our society depends on the health of its people. In fact, Hans Rosling, global health expert and TED speaker, makes the argument that the health of the people determines the prosperity of the country. Understanding and promoting better health are the focal areas of the new health and wellness degree at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC).
The new health and wellness major joins other health-related programs at The Woods including art therapy, equine assisted therapy, heath care administration, music therapy, RN to BSN and the most recent announcement of the development of an undergraduate nursing program. Additionally, the college offers pre-dental, pre-med, pre-pharmacy, pre-physical therapy and pre-vet. Healthcare remains one of the areas where job growth is expected, and this major will provide opportunities for students interested in pursuing a career in the field.
“This degree will prepare students for a wide range of opportunities to be part of health reform solutions,” states Janet Clark, vice president for academic affairs at SMWC. “Successful graduates will provide leadership and service to their communities by promoting health lifestyles and creating awareness for disease prevention.”
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of health educators is expected to grow by 37 percent from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations. Growth will be driven by efforts to reduce healthcare costs by teaching people about healthy habits and behaviors. This degree prepares student for careers as environmental health specialists, epidemiologists, food protection and safety technicians, health promotion and planning developers, researchers, health statisticians, and wellness promoters for businesses.
Beginning in Fall 2014, the major will be offered in the traditional campus-based program. Course offering include bioethics, biostatistics, biology, environmental health, epidemiology, global health, human anatomy, medical terminology, nutrition, physiology and public health.