Bachelor of Community Health

Health is one of the fastest growing sectors in Australia, and there is a strong demand for professionals with skills in non-clinical health, policy and wellbeing.

This degree allows you to put your knowledge into practice. You'll work on real-world projects that can make a difference to your local community and beyond. You'll graduate with the skills to pursue career opportunities in environments that support community health in a range of areas including disability and ageing.

We have extensive industry connections and partnerships right around the world. These connections enable us to design a curriculum that reflects the latest in community health research and practice.

For example, many of our researchers, and our teaching staff are involved with the South Australian Health and Medical Institute (SAHMRI), The Rosemary Bryant AO Research Centre, the Centre for Population Health Research and the Centre for Cancer Biology.

This degree will prepare you for a career as a non-clinical health professional, providing you with a strong foundation of knowledge in areas like human biology, psychology, mental health and cultural safety in both national and international settings.

You'll learn how to work with a diverse range of clients, to develop plans that assist in the delivery of care by health professionals, and how to remain up-to-date with the changing regulations and technologies in this evolving field.

You'll work on projects in your final year that directly enhance the lives of individuals and groups in your community.

Some of the courses you'll study include:

• Nutrition and Health
• Disability and Ageing - Diversity and Discrimination
• Project Management for Health and Wellness
• Public Health

Tailor your degree to your interests and broaden your career prospects through your choice of electives - you can select two electives from a range of UniSA Online degrees.

There are diverse opportunities for community health professionals in not-for-profit, government and private sectors - and there are excellent career prospects in metropolitan cities, rural and regional areas.

Professionals seeking work in non-government positions may find employment with community development organisations, welfare centres, social enterprises, neighbourhood houses, emergency relief agencies, home and community care organisations and residential care facilities.

A UniSA Online Community Health degree can help you pursue the following careers:

• Lead community health worker:Supervise a team of Community Health Workers engaged in delivering support and care, resources, as well as education programs for clients to improve their health and well-being; oversee all facets of daily operations within the organisation, including budgets; and work collaboratively with key groups and agencies to develop sustainable partnerships.
• Community health development officer:Identify community skills, assets, issues and needs; develop new resources and services in collaboration with the community; evaluate existing programs; help to raise awareness on issues relevant to the community and needs; encourage participation in activities; and build links with other groups and agencies.
• Disability support coordinator:Assist people with intellectual and physical disabilities in accessing NDIS services; liaise with a range of stakeholders in order to secure suitable support, including requesting and arranging quotes from service providers; manage and coordinate participant support plans to enable independence in the home and community; consult with carers, family, external services and other key stakeholders to help provide the most well-rounded support available.
• Aged care coordinator:Employ best practice, evidence-based tools in health promotion, person-centred care, and healthy ageing to manage lifestyle programs and activities for the elderly. Provide strong customer service, undertake regular consultation with residents and families, and tailor programs to suit identified client needs.
• Project officer:Play a lead role in planning and delivering health and social care projects on time and within budget; engage with stakeholders on a regular basis and report on the progress of project deliverables and risks; manage project budgets and resources; and develop reports and evaluate community programs, events and activities.
• Health support worker:Work with clients from diverse cultural and social backgrounds, who have varied life experiences, physical abilities and skills; assist specialist teams and services in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health; mental health; drug and alcohol services, refugee services, and homelessness; and use your knowledge of the local community to create opportunities for increased participation as a local citizen.