Career opportunities
As a BHealSc graduate majoring in Community Health Care, you will have a sound multidisciplinary understanding of health, well-being, and the health system. You will be well equipped to gain employment in a variety of community roles within primary and secondary healthcare settings, policy and managerial roles, or in health and disability services.
This is especially important as future healthcare services will be increasingly based in the community.
Graduates will have the expertise to work with a diverse range of individuals and communities across the healthcare sector to improve health outcomes for all.
Student profile – April Oakley
Unhappy with her original decision to study for a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition, April Oakley met with a course adviser who introduced her to the Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHealSc).
“Health across the life course, disability studies, global health, Pacific and Māori health – it seemed like a happy balance between STEM subjects and the social sciences.
“Yes, we have lectures, but half the time we are having a class kōrero, discussing ideas, concepts and solutions with the lecturer. My lecturer once told me that while we learn from them, they are forever learning from us too.
“All of their content fills the gap they see in the health system right now. Everything is relevant, everything is applicable. We're not reading an old textbook; we're discussing the latest health reform, the newest report the government has released, and talking to people on the front line of our health system.”
April is unsure what the future holds, but says, “I know that whatever it is, I will be working with my community to enable everyone to live healthier lives”.
Make a difference in healthcare
Discover how a Bachelor of Health Sciences majoring in Community Health at Otago combines science and social science to prepare you for a rewarding career in healthcare. Hear from graduates and lecturers about why this degree stands out.
Read transcript
Farah Barzak:
Hi guys, my name is Farah, and I’ve just graduated from a Bachelor of Health Science degree majoring in Community Health and minoring in Sociology.
Community Health is a really great degree to have under your belt because it combines papers from STEM subjects like Biology with humanity papers like Sociology and Psychology to give you a really broad understanding of how the healthcare system in New Zealand works. Honestly, I would highly recommend this degree to anyone who wants to enter the healthcare system because it’s so rewarding, so engaging, and the diversity of students you meet during this degree is just so incredible.
So I really hope you consider taking it.
Dr Jude Sligo:
Kia ora, I’m Jude Sligo. I am a convener of two papers in the Community Healthcare major of the Bachelor of Health Sciences.
What can I tell you about it? Well, I think if you like science and you like social science and you really want to make a difference in the world, you want to take our course. It’s really a great selection of papers, spanning the sciences and the social sciences. You can even flick in a few arts or anything else you fancy in those extra papers, but mainly what you’re going to be learning about is the healthcare system, how to help people, how to be a really enthusiastic and supportive worker in the healthcare system—no matter where you go in the healthcare system.
We have expert researchers, we have experts in all of their fields as well as healthcare providers and people who work in the healthcare system who will be talking to you, and you get to hear from people like me when they’re not quite as nervous as I am now.
So basically, I would really recommend this course if you’re someone who wants to make a difference in the world, you want to think outside the box, and you’ve got great skills with science, with writing, and with thinking, and you want to work alongside other people like that as well.
So why don’t you take the Community Healthcare major in the Bachelor of Health Sciences?
Be part of the change in our health care system
“Everything is relevant, everything is applicable. We're not reading an old textbook; we're discussing the latest health reform, the newest report the government has released, and talking to people on the front line of our health system.”
— April Oakley
BHealSc Student
Learn culturally responsive and integrated health approaches to navigate the way forward in our changing healthcare system.
Our interactive learning opportunities enable students to connect with people and service organisations in community healthcare settings by:
- Learning about health and well-being from multiple disciplines and perspectives, including hauora Māori, in order to develop an understanding of health at a broader level
- Focusing on health and well-being, disability, human development and common health problems
- Becoming knowledgeable about the social and health system context in order to assist people, their whānau, and communities to navigate the health system effectively
Specifically, you will learn about:
- Social and cultural contexts and explore ways to reduce inequity
- How to communicate and act in an ethical, professional and compassionate way with a diverse range of individuals and communities, with a particular emphasis on understanding Māori and Pacific values
- Human health and well-being across the lifespan
- Health conditions and treatments
- Disability
- Assessment and care co-ordination
- Bioethical principles underpinning health care
Build skills to make a difference
New approaches to health care are required as we face important health challenges.
These include:
- An increase in the number of older adults and people living with multiple long-term conditions and disabilities
- Limited health resources and greater demand for services
- Environmental and social change and the accompanying effects on health
With these challenges comes an increasing need to develop innovative solutions and approaches to healthcare.
The Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHealSc) majoring in Community Health Care is a three-year degree for those who want to be an integral part of these new approaches.
This career-focused qualification focuses on the skills required to work with patients, populations, and communities to promote health and ensure patients are accessing and receiving the most appropriate care.
Choose a study option
Whether you're embarking on your academic journey with our comprehensive undergraduate programmes or aiming to reach new heights through our advanced postgraduate offerings, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Undergraduate qualifications
For new and current students studying towards a Bachelor's or other first degree. Explore undergraduate qualifications at Otago, designed to build a strong foundation in your chosen field, preparing you for a successful career or further study.
Note: this subject can also be studied as a minor.
Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHealSc)
A three-year degree with four areas of specialisation: Community Health Care, Māori Health, Pacific and Global Health, or Public Health
Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr)
A three-year degree that equips you to change the world as you create new products, services and ideas
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Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
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