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Study Community Health Care at Otago

Work alongside people living in the community to support their health and well-being.

Community Health Care focuses on providing the skills and knowledge required to work in our changing healthcare system and support individuals to live healthy lives.

The major is multidisciplinary, encompassing biological, sociological, cultural, psychological, and developmental perspectives.

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

BHealSc student April OakleyUnhappy 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”.

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.

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Further study opportunities

Whether you are looking to bridge your undergraduate studies to advanced knowledge or aiming to specialise in a specific field, Otago offers a range of graduate and postgraduate options to suit your aspirations.

Programme details

Compare programmes for this subject as a major and minor (where available).

Papers

View a list of all related papers below.


More information

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