As a CNS student, your science-focused major will lay the foundation in mastering the most common requisites needed for professional health programs. The Pre-Health Professions Certificate will encourage you to diversify your degree, build your professional competencies and portfolio, and broaden your preparation by choosing additional coursework (at least 9 hours) in a specific theme:
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Cultural Awareness: Focuses on understanding and respecting diverse cultural perspectives, values and practices. Courses emphasize identity, history and global connections while building empathy and cross-cultural communication skills.
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Health & Anatomy: Studies the structure and function of the human body along with physical and mental health principles. Topics include anatomy, physiology, nutrition, disease prevention and healthcare systems to support informed health decisions.
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Healthcare Policy: Examines laws, systems, and regulations that shape healthcare delivery and access. Courses explore ethical, social, economic and political influences on healthcare, with attention to equity and reform.
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Human and Societal Development: Explores physical, psychological, social and cultural factors shaping human growth and societies. Topics include lifespan development, institutions, education and global change.
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Nutrition: Focuses on how food and nutrients affect health, development, and disease prevention. Covers metabolism, dietary needs and public health nutrition to support healthy lifestyle choices.
Students are encouraged to work closely with their advisor and the Health Professions Office to select a healthcare theme and courses most relevant to their professional career goals. Some of the courses may contain prerequisites that are in addition to the coursework for the certificate.
Find certificate requirements for CNS majors by catalog.
Checklists by Catalog Year
If you’ve completed a course you believe qualifies for certificate credit, you can request a petition, and you’ll be contacted within two weeks with a decision.