Native Health & The Humanities Certificate

The Native Health & The Humanities certificate is designed to explore Indigenous health issues informed through history, culture, art, and literature. This undergraduate certificate program aims to improve healthcare diversity, equity, and inclusion by learning through the lens of history and culture, while honing research, analysis, and communication skills in the health humanities field.

Program Details

• Program type: Certificates/Programs - Undergraduate
• Format: On Campus
• Estimated time to complete: 1 - 2 years
• Credit hours: 12

Why Earn a Certificate in Native Health & The Humanities?

The Native Health & The Humanities certificate will prepare students to become innovators in the field of health and humanities. This unique program combines the emphases of two growing fields, Native American health and the medical humanities, with courses covering Indigenous health issues throughout the United States and international topics. Each course is designed to provide practice in research and communication. The coursework will also cover a range of Indigenous contexts and topics in the health professions, public health, the environment, food sovereignty, and others.

Benefits of the Program

• Enhance understanding of cultural influences on healthcare access and outcomes.
• Increase knowledge of approaches to public health and healthcare that deliberately incorporate community-based programs.
• Gain a competitive advantage in many fields, especially in applying for work or graduate study in medicine and other healthcare fields.

Program Structure

Students will conduct a research project, participate in field trips and activities outside of the program, and conduct an interview with an Indigenous health worker as part of their coursework. They will also benefit from the proximity of INMED, Indigenous Health Ph.D., and RAIN programs offered at the university, as well as have access to guest speakers and Native-health-oriented campus events.

Career Opportunities

There is a widespread demand for health workers, and this certificate will speak to qualifications for work in Indigenous communities, the Indian Health Service, and urban centers of Indigenous populations. Career opportunities include:

• Community Health Worker: serving as a liaison between healthcare providers and the Indigenous community.
• Health Educator: promoting wellness and disease prevention within Indigenous communities.
• Research Coordinator: assisting with study design, data collection, and community engagement for projects focused on Native health and humanities.
• Nonprofit Program Coordinator: developing and implementing programs that address health outcomes and social determinants of health within Native communities.
• Medical Interpreter/Translator: bridging the language barrier between local healthcare providers and Native American patients.
• Healthcare Administrator: managing healthcare facilities or programs that serve Native American populations.
• Public Health Educator: working on initiatives aimed at addressing health disparities and improving access to healthcare services for indigenous communities.
• Community Organizer: mobilizing Indigenous community members around health-related issues and advocating for policy changes.

Certificate Courses

• Issues in Native Health (IS 368): addressing currently relevant topics in Native health or healthcare through the lens of the humanities.
• Health and Food Sovereignty (IS 375): exploring Native communities' self-determination over food as a matter of community and environmental health.
• Public and Environmental Health (IS 365): examining the ways in which Indigenous communities have perceived and dealt with public and environmental health issues.
• Native Health Workers (IS 373): studying the history and biography of Native health workers and issues facing Indigenous people in healthcare labor today.
• History of Medicine (HIST 265): tracing the evolution of modern medicine through ideas, objects, and institutions from ancient Mesopotamia to the Atlantic World.

University of North Dakota: A Summary

---

Overview:

The University of North Dakota (UND) is the state's oldest and largest university, offering over 225 accredited on-campus and online degrees. It is known for its commitment to student leadership and fostering a welcoming and inclusive campus environment.

---

Services Offered:

UND provides a range of support services for students, including:

Diversity and Inclusion:

UND values diverse perspectives and actively promotes a sense of belonging for all students.

TRIO Programs:

Support for first-generation and Pell-eligible students to help them succeed at UND.

Pride Center:

Resources and support for the LGBTQ+ community on campus.

Disability Resources:

Equal opportunities for qualified students with disabilities to participate in all UND activities.

---

Student Life and Campus Experience:

UND emphasizes student leadership and provides opportunities for students to make a positive impact. The campus offers a vibrant community with various student organizations and activities.

---

Key Reasons to Study There:

Academic Excellence:

UND offers a wide range of highly accredited programs, including specialized fields like Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, Data Science, and Forensic Science.

Affordability:

UND consistently ranks among the best for educational quality and affordability.

Career Outcomes:

UND prepares students for successful careers with strong emphasis on practical skills and real-world experience.

---

Academic Programs:

UND offers a diverse range of academic programs, with notable strengths in:

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations:

A cutting-edge program in a rapidly growing industry.

Data Science:

A high-demand field with strong career prospects.

Economics:

A solid foundation for careers in law, business, and other fields.

Forensic Science:

Immersive program with hands-on experience in forensic labs.