Public Health Nursing

Menu
Close

Applying as a Canadian applicant

Domestic students should apply online or by phone at 1-888-892-2228.

Apply now: Canadian applicant

Applying as an International applicant

International students should apply online.
Apply now: international applicants
Close

Book a Campus tour

Campus tours are one of the best ways to experience Conestoga. You will explore a variety of classrooms, lab spaces and student services available to you. You will have the opportunity to ask questions about all of our programs and services.

Book your tour

Check out our Virtual tours

If you can't make an on-campus tour or attend one of our events, the virtual tour is a great ways to visit us.

View our Virtual tour

Courses

Level 1

Course details

Effective Public Health Communication
COMM8770

Description:

Effective communication is vital to successful public health efforts. Through this course, students will learn the fundamental principles of health communication, encompassing health literacy assessment, risk communication, and the creation of evidence-informed health communication materials. With a focus on modern channels, the course also addresses the effective use of digital and social media, visual communication techniques, and evaluation methods to ensure the success of health communication campaigns. Through this course, students will be equipped to convey health information clearly, persuasively, and meaningfully in various contexts.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Conestoga 101
CON0101

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.
  • Hours: 1
  • Credits: 0
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Foundations of Public Health and the Role of the Public Health Nurse
NURS8457

Description:

This course introduces the foundational elements of public health nursing within a Canadian context, providing nurses with essential knowledge to understand, navigate, and advocate effectively within Canada's unique public health landscape. Through this course, students will explore the history and structure of public health, along with key policies, standards, organizations, and legislative frameworks

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Healthy Populations and Environments
NURS8463

Description:

Exploring the intricate relationship between populations and their environments, this course provides nurses with insights to address health outcomes shaped by environmental factors. Students will learn about predictors of population health, the social-ecological model, environmental health risks, and the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being in both man-made and natural settings. This course also emphasizes the importance of community resiliency and the integrated approach of one-health.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Epidemiology for Public Health Nurses
NURS8467

Description:

This course provides public health nurses with a foundational understanding of epidemiology, essential for making informed decisions in community and public health settings. Students will learn key epidemiological concepts, including measures of disease frequency, study designs, and the specifics of public health data sources and collection methods. This course will explore additional topics such as causal inference, screening practices, and the vital skills of contact tracing and outbreak investigation, ensuring nurses are well-equipped to respond effectively to diverse public health scenarios.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Program Planning and Implementation Science in Public Health
NURS8473

Description:

Successful public health programming is the cornerstone of health promotion in Canada. This course provides an in-depth exploration of program planning in public health, emphasizing effective program development, implementation, evaluation, and knowledge translation. Students will master the techniques of population health assessment, understand the intricacies of program implementation, and learn the principles behind evidence-informed decision-making. The curriculum uniquely integrates implementation science, equipping students with a theoretical understanding of how to optimize evidence-based program findings.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Partnerships and Collaborations: Leadership and Advocacy in Action
NURS8477

Description:

The field of public health thrives on strong partnerships, leadership, and advocacy to drive impactful interventions. This course is centered on empowering nurses to build and nurture meaningful collaborations. Students will enhance their skills in stakeholder engagement, team building, conflict management, and group facilitation. By refining their leadership and advocacy techniques, they'll be primed to make significant contributions in this field.

  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Safety in the Workplace
OHS1320

Description: This course focuses on developing awareness and skills for the student to safely manage and conduct him or herself within a variety of employment settings. Through the units of the course, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their understanding and knowledge of general Health and Safety guidelines, including WHMIS, Fire Safety and Workplace Violence. The unit on Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act will instruct the student on the requirements for Accessible Customer Service and Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulations. General information on Safe Driving, Privacy of Information and Hand Washing will be addressed as well. The course also provides participants with critical information regarding their insurance coverage (WSIB or other) while employed. As well as guidelines to follow in the event of an injury. Participants will receive a printable Record of Completion upon successful conclusion of this course, in order to demonstrate awareness of safe working practices to their employers.
  • Hours: 14
  • Credits: 1
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Level 2

Course details

Field Placement (Public Health Nursing)
FPLT8520

Description:

For this work experience, students will demonstrate the knowledge and skill they have acquired throughout the program in a community-based setting.

  • Hours: 120
  • Credits: 5
  • Pre-Requisites: COMM8770 AND NURS8457 AND NURS8463 AND NURS8467 AND NURS8473 AND NURS8477 AND OHS1320
  • CoRequisites:

Championing Health Equity in Public Health: Diversity and Inclusiveness
NURS8480

Description:

In a country defined by its rich diversity, the need for a health system that champions and responds to this diversity is paramount. Drawing from essential frameworks like the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action and principles of anti-racism, learners will delve into the core concepts of health equity, diversity, and inclusion. With a focus on building inclusive public health strategies, students will be empowered to promote health in ways that recognize every community member.

  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Infection, Immunization, and Intervention: Communicable Diseases and Substance Use
NURS8483

Description:

In the face of global health threats and challenges, understanding the mechanisms and preventive measures for communicable diseases is pivotal for public health nurses in Canada. This course offers an exploration of the world of infectious diseases, including their causes, spread, and mitigation through vaccination and other interventions. Students will also examine substance use in the context of health, coupled with relevant regulatory frameworks and policies, equipping them to address these challenges holistically in their practice.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Promoting Health Across the Lifespan: Growth, Development and School Health
NURS8488

Description:

From the earliest stages of life to the challenges of young adulthood and beyond, health plays a pivotal role in shaping our experiences and well-being. This course offers a comprehensive overview of growth and development, exploring topics such as prenatal and infant health, school health programs, and the health concerns of young adults in post-secondary settings. Students will also explore the complexities of sexual and reproductive health and the intertwined dynamics of parenting and family health. Through this journey, learners will gain a holistic understanding of health promotion strategies tailored for each life stage.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Public Health Capstone
NURS8490

Description:

In this capstone course, students will have the opportunity to apply and integrate the core concepts learned throughout the program. With the flexibility to choose a setting or population of interest, students will design a comprehensive public health intervention and communication strategy, demonstrating their mastery of the principles and practices of public health nursing. This project encourages students to showcase their expertise, creativity, and commitment to improving health outcomes in a real-world context.

  • Hours: 84
  • Credits: 6
  • Pre-Requisites: COMM8770 AND NURS8457 AND NURS8463 AND NURS8467 AND NURS8473 AND NURS8477
  • CoRequisites:

Program outcomes

  1. Research and analyze the complex interplay between populations and their environments to support the optimal delivery of coordinated services.
  2. Lead public health advocacy and interventions with community members to foster strategic partnerships.
  3. Create evidence-informed materials that are based on the principles of effective health communication such as assessing health literacy and managing communication risk.
  4. Plan and implement health promotion and disease prevention programs using evidence-informed actionable strategies to deliver public health nursing services.
  5. Comply with applicable Canadian legislation, regulations, standards, and ethical practices to ensure safety of clients, self and others.
  6. Analyze and interpret health data to make informed and evidence-based decisions within the community and public health contexts.
  7. Design inclusive public health and health promotion strategies that address the diverse needs of community members including concerns and challenges across the lifespan.
  8. Use regulatory communicable disease frameworks and policies to practice safely and manage threats in the domain of public health.