Health Disparities Certificates

The 91¹ú²ú¾«Æ· Health Disparities Certificates are centered around the belief that access to care and its delivery are central to achieving health-related objectives, especially among vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by systemic injustices. This training program provides a deep dive into patient-centered care and the social determinants of health, preparing learners for success in their quest to improve health outcomes throughout our communities.

  • The Patient-Centered Care certificate, completed in seven weekly modules, stresses ‘tailored treatment plans that respect and respond to individual patient needs, preferences and values and that ensure equitable, culturally competent care delivery and optimal patient engagement for improved health outcomes.’ This model helps improve patient involvement and the quality of care received, particularly for historically marginalized communities.
  • The Social Determinants of Health certificate, completed in nine weekly modules, examines those factors beyond a person’s control: economic stability, education, housing and neighborhood, and access to healthcare. Armed with that knowledge, clinicians can provide more complete care, identifying and removing the non-medical obstacles that conspire to keep their patients from being as healthy as possible.

Together, these credentials empower physicians, nurses, community health workers, and policymakers to develop more inclusive healthcare systems that advance health equity and reduce disparities among diverse populations.

Patient-Centered Care | Start date Monday, November 11, 2024 | $749.00 Early Registration

This seven-module microcredential examines the causes and effects of health disparities, focusing on enhancing social competence and leadership skills. Participants will explore social determinants of health, cultural competency, and systemic inequities, gaining practical strategies for delivering equitable, empathetic care. The program empowers professionals to improve patient outcomes and advance health equity through interactive sessions, case studies, and real-world applications.

Social Determinants of Health | Start Date Monday, November 11, 2024 | $970.00 Early Registration

This nine-module microcredential examines how factors like economic stability, education, social and community context, healthcare access, and neighborhood environments contribute to health disparities. Participants will gain insights into the complex interactions between these determinants and patient outcomes, learning strategies to address and mitigate their impact within clinical practice.

Both certificates are designed to be *asynchronous and completed in no more than three months from the start date but can be completed sooner, depending on each learner's individual preferences. The content is available 24/7 on-demand. An instructional advisor is also available to answer questions during weekly office hours or by email, and faculty are also available to answer content-specific questions.

*The microcredential curriculum is designed to be fully asynchronous, allowing learners the flexibility to engage with the course content at their own pace, according to their schedule. A dedicated instructional advisor is available via email and through Zoom office hours to provide personalized, one-on-one support, ensuring that learners receive the guidance they need throughout the course.


A certificate in health disparities can open the door to various job opportunities in public health, healthcare, and community services, focusing on reducing health inequities and improving outcomes for underserved populations. Some of the roles available to someone with this qualification include:

  1. Community Health Worker: In this role, professionals provide health education, outreach, and support to individuals in underserved communities. They help navigate the healthcare system, educate on preventative health, and connect clients with necessary services to reduce disparities.

  2. Public Health Program Coordinator/Manager: Individuals can manage programs that aim to reduce health disparities within specific populations. This role often involves planning, implementing, and evaluating health initiatives, as well as coordinating efforts between health organizations, government agencies, and community groups.

  3. Health Educator: Health educators design and implement programs that inform communities about health issues and healthy lifestyles. They often work in schools, healthcare facilities, or community organizations, addressing topics like chronic disease prevention and health equity.

  4. Healthcare Administrator: Those with a health disparities background can work in hospitals, clinics, or public health agencies, helping to implement policies and programs that improve access to care and address systemic inequities in healthcare delivery.

  5. Research Assistant or Data Analyst in Public Health: These positions involve collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data related to health disparities, which helps to inform policy decisions, design interventions, and conduct evaluations of health programs.

  6. Policy Analyst or Advocate: With a focus on health equity, individuals can work with non-profits, government agencies, or think tanks to advocate for policies that aim to reduce health disparities and improve access to healthcare for marginalized groups.

These roles often exist within public health departments, non-profit organizations, hospitals, universities, and government agencies. A certificate in health disparities can make candidates competitive for positions that require expertise in health equity and the social determinants of health


The Health Disparity Certificates are a partnership with 91¹ú²ú¾«Æ·'s School of Nursing, the Diversity Institute at the College of Public Affairs & Education, MetroHealth Medical Center, and the Division of Continuing and Extended Education.

 

Executive Director
Nancy M. Pratt, Ph.D.
n.pratt@csuohio.edu