Originally published by: School of Communication and Information, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Originally published on: January 22, 2021

SC&I’s new program is ideal for professionals eager to enhance their knowledge and skills, whether they are currently working in health communication or are interested in switching careers.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created an increasingly urgent need for highly trained communication professionals in the healthcare industry. To provide advanced training to current professionals in the field, or to prepare others for a career switch to health communication, SC&I is launching a new Professional Health Communication Certificate with classes beginning in March 2021. 

This timely and exciting new certificate program will be taught by top professionals in the health communication and information industry. A fully online and flexible program, it will provide professionals at all stages of their careers with the expertise, skills, and knowledge needed in communication, media literacy, and community engagement, all taught in a healthcare context.

Following completion, students will be prepared for careers in health and health-related industries, including hospitals, government, and marketing agencies, private medical practices, assisted living, pharmaceutical companies, and community organizations.

Courses will begin in March 2021 and the first two courses include Health and Media Literacy (March) and Health Communication in the 21st Century (April). Other classes include Mediated Health Communications, Developing Successful Health Communication Campaigns, Best Practices for Interpersonal Healthcare Communication, Interpersonal Health Communication, and Health Profession and Community Engagement.

"The certificate program courses are four weeks long, self-paced, and immediately applicable to students’ current career or career aspirations. Available through online asynchronous delivery, the courses are ideal for students who are working full time."   

Regina Efimchik, Professional Development Studies Director

The program is designed to enable busy working professionals the opportunity to begin any course in any month. The course schedule loops so it’s easy to complete the program in six months, regardless of when you started. It is also not necessary to earn the entire certificate. Students are welcome to take any or all of the courses that meet their career development needs.

For more information about the Professional Health Communication Certificate at the Rutgers School of Communication and Information, please fill out the inquiry form on this page or contact Regina Efimchik, Professional Development Studies Director, at [email protected].