Public Health
Explore Bakersfield College's Public Health program to develop strategies that enhance community well-being and prepare for a career in promoting health and preventing disease.
About the Program
The Public Health program at Bakersfield College helps students understand how to improve the health of individuals and communities. Students learn about topics such as community health, health education, and social and environmental factors that affect wellness.
The program includes courses in community health, public health, health education, and health and social justice. Students also gain experience working with local organizations and public agencies to better understand real-world health challenges.
Graduates are ready for entry-level jobs in public health or can transfer to a four-year university to continue their studies in public health or related fields.
What is Public Health?
Public Health focuses on keeping communities healthy by preventing disease and promoting wellness. It combines science, education, and policy to protect people and improve quality of life.
Students learn about:
- How disease spreads in communities
- How to create programs that promote healthy living
- How to reduce health risks and improve access to care
Public health professionals work to make a difference through research, health education, and policy development. They help protect the health of entire populations rather than just individual patients.
At Bakersfield College, students gain skills in health education, risk assessment, and community health promotion.
Is Public Health Right for Me?
If you care about helping others and want to make your community healthier, public health may be the right field for you. This program is ideal for students who like teamwork, problem-solving, and advocating for social and health equity.
You may be a good match for this program if you:
- Want to improve the health of your community
- Think critically and analyze information
- Are interested in science and research
- Communicate well and manage your time effectively
- Value cultural understanding and social justice
- Make ethical decisions and care about fairness in healthcare
These skills prepare you for a variety of roles in healthcare, policy, and community work.
Public Health Degrees and Certificates
Select the degree or certificate title for the catalog description and requirements.
- Associate in Science for Transfer (AST)
- Certificate of Achievement (COA)
- Job Skills Certificate (JSC)
- Certificate of Completion (COCM)
Focuses on public health practice and prepares you to transfer to a California State University.
Focuses on the scientific side of public health, including research and data analysis.
A one-semester certificate that trains students to assist in healthcare and community settings.
A two-semester program that builds on the Community Health Worker I certificate with advanced skills.
A short, noncredit program that introduces public health concepts for professionals in community or faith-based organizations.
Public Health Informatics & Technology Certificates
Train for roles that use data and technology to improve community health.
Learn more about the California Consortium for Public Health Informatics and Technology
You CAN Afford BC
Careers in Public Health
A degree or certificate in public health can prepare you for many careers, including:
- Public Health Navigator
- Health Education Specialist or Promoter
- Community Health Worker
- Healthcare Administrator or Manager
- Health Services Research Assistant
- Environmental Health Technician or Specialist
- Health Policy Analyst or Advocate
- Occupational Health and Safety Technician or Specialist
Public health professionals work in government agencies, non-profit organizations, hospitals, clinics, and research centers. Many graduates also continue their education for advanced roles in public health and healthcare leadership.
Kern County Public Health Services (KCPHS)
Brynn Carrigan, Director of KCPHS, highlights a few careers available at KCPHS, such as:
- Outreach in the community
- Environmental health inspections
- Working in a laboratory
Career Exploration Resources
- Environmental Health Specialists Career Ladder (PDF)
- Health Education Career Ladder (PDF)
- Kern County Job Opportunities
- Other positions to check out:
- Lab Helper
- Clinical Lab Assistant
- Microbiologists
- Program Technician Program Specialist
- Navigator
- Public Health Aide
- Medical Investigator
- Therapists (Therapy Aide, Physical Therapist, and Occupational Therapist)
BC Public Health and UCLA Public Health Scholars
Transfer to a University
Academic Department: Kinesiology, Health, Athletics, and Public Health Sciences
Career & Learning Pathway: Health Sciences (HS) Pathway
Courses: Public Health Sciences (PBHS)
Follow BC Public Health:
Not sure where to start? Let us help.
Meet with a Counselor
Take the classes that meet your education and career goals. Create your Comprehensive
Student Education Plan (CSEP) with your Counselor or Ed. Advisor.
Call (661) 395-4421.
Not sure about your career path?
Take the career quiz to discover the perfect career based on your personality type and interests.
