Health Promotion Undergraduate DegreeNearly all students who major in Health Promotion want to do one of three things: (1) they want to provide preventative health services in a corporate or community setting, (2) they want to provide rehabilitative health services in a clinical or hospital setting, or (3) they want an interesting and challenging undergraduate degree program that will help prepare them for graduate school. Career Opportunities Graduates from the Health Promotion degree program are employed as administrators in hospital-based fitness centers, program specialists in wellness centers and corporate health promotion programs, clinical rehabilitation specialists in out-patient centers, and as professionals in some of the rapidly growing related professions such as medical supply and pharmaceutial sales. OSU Health Promotion graduates have been admitted to or finished graduate programs in medicine, chiropractics, physical therapy, public health, exercise science, health education, and pharmacy. Also, graduates with additional training now have careers in medical technology, massage therapy, and as physicians assistants. Getting Experience Health promotion students take a course that helps prepare them for the work place. Assistance is provided in preparing a resume and cover letter. Students also receive help in locating internships. Health promotion students have interned in many highly regarded Oklahoma programs as well as leading programs in Alaska, Oregon, Washington, New Mexico, Texas, Florida, Arizona, Michigan, Kansas, and Colorado. Other Activities The Health Promotion Club is a student organization that is devoted to helping students gain experience and professional contacts that they would not ordinarily get in the classroom. The club has performed numerous public health screenings, raised money to travel to several conferences, and has provided leadership experience for its members. Certification Students often chose to take the American College of Sports Medicine, Health/ Fitness Instructor certification exam which is offered at the OSU Wellness Center. Students more interested in public health often take the Certified Health Education Specialist exam offered by the National Center for Health Education Credentialing. Getting a Job The College is very successful in assisting students in finding jobs upon graduation. The COE career consultant, the academic advisement staff, and the faculty communicate regularly with employers seeking to hire OSU College of Education graduates. Scholarships Last year more than $250,000 in scholarships were awarded to students in the College of Education. In addition to endowed scholarships from the college, students are sometimes awarded scholarships from state or national professional organizations. Students may also apply for fee waivers, college workstudy, federal grants and loans, and employment opportunities on campus. |
