Degrees & Certifications:

The Public Health and Health Professionals degree family prepares individuals to promote health, prevent disease, and improve the well-being of communities across Ohio. This degree family includes the Community Health Worker Training Program, Bachelor in Public Health, and Master in Public Health (MPH).

Public & Community Health

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DEGREES & CERTIFICATIONS

    • Description: The Community Health Worker (CHW) Training Program program prepares individuals to serve as trusted advocates and connectors within their communities, assisting residents in accessing health and social services. CHWs play a pivotal role in addressing behavioral health issues by providing education, support, and resources to individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges. 

    • Program Duration: 14 weeks, combining online coursework with in-person practicum experiences. Full-time evening classes and flexible part-time scheduling options may be available depending on the institution.

    • Prerequisites: High School Diploma or GED.

    • Certification & Licensure: Upon completion, graduates are eligible to apply for certification as a Community Health Worker through the Ohio Board of Nursing.

    • Description: A Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Public Health program provides foundational knowledge in public health principles, including epidemiology, health policy, and environmental health. In the behavioral health field, degrees in public health can lead to both client-facing and policy or management positions.

    • Program Duration: 4 years (full-time), or longer for part-time. Evening, weekend, online, or part-time classes are available at some programs to support working adults. 

    • Prerequisites: High School Diploma or GED. Some programs may require high school coursework in science and math.

    • Certification & Licensure: Graduates may pursue certifications in specific public health areas, such as Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES).

    • Description: A Master of Public Health (MPH) or Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) degree program offers advanced training in public health practice, focusing on areas such as epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, and environmental health. Students can specialize in various tracks, including behavioral health. 

    • Program Duration: 2 years (full-time), or longer for part-time. Evening, weekend, online, or part-time classes are available at some programs to support working adults.

    • Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree. Professional experience in public health or a related field may be beneficial.

    • Certification & Licensure: Graduates may pursue certifications such as Certified in Public Health (CPH) or Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES).

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Affordable Pathways & Funding Options
Certifications, Credentials & Licensure

Next Steps Checklist: 
Step 1 : Determine Your Pathway
Step 2: Research & Select a Program
Step 3: Check Admissions Requirements
Step 4: Apply for Financial Aid
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Step 6: Complete Entrance Requirements
Step 7: Begin Program & Stay on Track
Step 8: Graduate & Apply for Licensure

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Where to Study in Ohio

WHERE TO STUDY IN OHIO

Some universities also have regional campuses that are comparable to community colleges in programs, costs, and access.

NON-COLLEGE TRAINING PROGRAMS

  • Cuyahoga Community College

    • Location: Cleveland, Highland Hills, Parma, and Westlake, OH

    • Programs Offered: Community Health Worker Training Program

    • Delivery Format: Hybrid

    Northeast Ohio Medical University

    • Location: Rootstown, OH

    • Programs Offered: MPH

    • Delivery Format: Hybrid

    • Partnerships: The Consortium of Eastern Ohio Master of Public Health (CEOMPH) program is an accredited partnership between four universities:

      • Cleveland State University

      • Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED)

      • University of Akron

      • Youngstown State University.

  • Mercy College of Ohio

    • Location: Toledo, OH

    • Programs Offered: Community Health Worker Certificate

    • Delivery Format: Hybrid

  • Central Ohio Technical College

    • Location: Newark, OH

    • Programs Offered: Short-term Certificate in Public Health & Health Professionals

    • Delivery Format: On Campus

  • Cedarville University

    • Location: Cedarville, OH

    • Programs Offered: Graduate Certificate in Global Public Health

    • Delivery Format: Online

    Miami University

    • Location: Oxford, OH

    • Programs Offered: BA in Public Health

    • Delivery Format: In person

    University of Cincinnati

    Wittenberg University

    • Location: Springfield, OH

    • Programs Offered: BS In Public Health

    • Delivery Format: In Person

    Wright State University

    • Location: Dayton, OH

    • Programs Offered: BA or BS in Public Health, MPH, multiple graduate certificates

    • Delivery Format: In Person (BA, BS), Hybrid (MPH), and Online (MPH)

COMMUNITY & SPECIALIZED COLLEGES

UNIVERSITIES & OTHER COLLEGES

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. If you notice any errors or outdated information, please contact accounts@mhaadvocacy.org so we can make the necessary corrections.