The curriculum integrates theory and practice with applicable learning experiences through online activities and projects. Each course within the program builds on one another and provides students with a well-rounded curriculum that culminates with a practicum where they can apply their skills and knowledge in a real-world setting with a preceptor. 

 

The A.A.S. degree program is specifically designed for:

  • Students earning their first degree.
  • Students interested in a helping profession.
  • Adults transitioning from a non-healthcare career field who may or may not have an associate degree or higher.

Upon program completion, students earn the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Health Navigation.

Mission and Vision

Mission

The Health Navigator program offers affordable, high-quality education through an innovative curriculum, student-focused teaching methods, and diverse learning experiences.

Vision

To be the educational program of choice for individuals seeking a career in the field of Public Health.

Program Goals
  • Student access: Creating and sustaining optimal conditions for Health Navigator students to design and achieve academic, career, and personal goals.
  • Regional impact: Producing competent, ethical entry-level Health Navigators in response to the region's present and future needs.
  • Operational excellence: Utilizing a modern curriculum and theories sensitive to the changes of an ever-evolving profession.
Course Sequence

Term 1 - Fall

  • EGL-1010 Composition I: Expository Writing | Credits: 3 (General Education Requirement)
  • MAT-1250 Applied College Algebra | Credits: 3 (General Education Requirement) 
  • INT-1010 Introduction to Information Technology | Credits: 3 (General Education Requirement) 
  • BIO-1050 Human Biology | Credits: 4 (General Education Requirement) 
  • PAS-1000 First Year Experience | Credits: 1 (Institutional Requirement) 

Term 2 - Spring

  • EGL-1020 Composition II: Writing About Literature | Credits: 3 (General Education Requirement); or
  • EGL-1320 Composition II: Writing for Business | Credits: 3 (General Education Requirement); or
  • EGL-1340 Writing About Technical Topics | Credits: 3 (General Education Requirement)
  • EGL-1100 Composition II: Writing About Issues and Ideas | Credits: 3 (General Education Requirement)
  • HLE-1150 Personal and Community Health | Credits: 3 (Program Requirement)
  • COM-1010 Foundations of Communication | Credits: 3 (General Education Requirement); or
  • COM-1090 Interpersonal Communication | Credits: 3 (General Education Requirement); or
  • COM-1110 Public Speaking | Credits: 3 (General Education Requirement)
  • HLE-2010 Health Issues in a Culturally Diverse Society | Credits: 3 (General Education Requirement)
  • HIM-1530 Medical Terminology | Credits: 3 (Program Requirement)

Summer

  • SOC-1010 Introduction to Sociology | Credits: 3 (General Education Requirement)

Term 3 - Fall

  • SOC-2400 Introduction to Public Health and Health Care Policy | Credits: 3 (Program Requirement)
  • HLE-2410 Health Communications | Credits: 3 (Program Requirement)
  • HLE-2420 Health Education | Credits: 3 (Program Requirement)
  • HNV-2530 Health Care Delivery | Credits: 3 (Program Requirement)
  • HNV-2520 Prevention and Community Health | Credits: 3 (Program Requirement)

Term 4 - Spring

First eight weeks

  • HNV-2550 Public Health Advocacy and Leadership in Action | Credits: 3 (Program Requirement)
  • HNV-2600 Intro to Population Health | Credits: 3 (Program Requirement)
  • HNV-2450 Public Health Preparedness | Credits: 3 (Program Requirement)

Second eight weeks

  • BMT-1500 Developing a Professional Image | Credits: 1 (Program Elective); or
  • HUS-1020 Professional Ethics in Human Services Credits | Credits: 1 (Program Elective)
  • HNV-2930 Health Navigator Internship III | Credits: 3 (Program Requirement)

PROGRAM TOTAL: 60 Credits

Schedule for Information Sessions and Comevo On Demand

To be listed.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the Health Navigator Program will be able to:

  1. Assist patients, caregivers, and family members in following treatment plans.
  2. Provide physical, emotional, and social support to patients.
  3. Direct individuals to needed personal health services.
  4. Educate individuals about disease prevention.
  5. Compare/contrast different types of health insurance and health financing.
  6. Analyze patients' health insurance information, treatment plans, and related records to promote clients' health and well-being.
Career Information

A Health Navigator (also known as a Patient Navigator, Community Health Navigator, or Resource Navigator) is a healthcare team member who helps individuals overcome barriers to quality care, serving as trusted community members. The main role of a Health Navigator is to address obstacles such as access to healthcare and insurance, poor health literacy and social determinants of health, educate on health conditions, and much more.

Health Navigators build effective working relationships with their patients, helping to support, educate, and assist patients in navigating the complex healthcare system. Health Navigators need to work effectively with patients, multidisciplinary care providers, and community partners to navigate this system. They need to identify their patient's physical, emotional, and cultural needs to help them access the appropriate resources to meet those needs.

Health Navigators have a good understanding of the health resources available in their communities to refer their patients to the best resources available. Health Navigators are integral to the healthcare system as their roles help to reduce health disparities, improve patients' engagement with their health, enable patients to get the care they need, improve health outcomes, and reduce healthcare costs.

Career Outlook & Earning Potential

Median Pay

$48,860 per year

$23.49 per hour

Entry Level Education

 AAS
Job Outlook 17% (Much faster than average)

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Health Navigators and Community Health Workers are projected to grow 17 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average of all occupations.

Estimated Program Costs

  • Cost as per College catalog and specific to each program.
Faculty

Stephanie L. Burke, MS, MHA, CHES

Program Director, Associate Professor 

 

Stephanie L. Burke, MS, MHA, CHES is an Associate Professor and Program Director of the Health Navigator program at Prince George's Community College. As a dedicated Public Health Professional, she has been influential in promoting better health outcomes in communities through prevention and educational outreach.

Through her leadership, she has fostered a positive and collaborative organizational culture to aid in behavioral change that impacts communities globally. Ms. Burke is a highly motivated and passionate Public Health professional and offers expertise in population health management, health literacy, health equity, program development, implementation, and evaluation. Also, she has years of expertise in community engagement, implicit bias and cultural competency facilitation, program implementation, program development, and creating effective health campaigns and programs that impact targeted communities.

Professor Burke received a B.S. in Community Health and a master's degree in Health Administration from Hofstra University; she also received a master's in Health Communication from Boston University. She is currently a doctoral candidate in Public Health at Morgan State University.

Admissions

Health Sciences Advising
Center for Health Studies, Suite 1400
301-546-0731
healthscienceadvisor@pgcc.edu

Office Hours
Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

FAQs

To be listed.

Helpful Links

To be listed.