Executive Certificate in Epidemiology for School Counselors
Published on June 28, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today we're talking with Dr. Jane Smith, an expert in public health and the lead instructor for the new Executive Certificate in Epidemiology for School Counselors. Dr. Smith, can you tell us what inspired you to create this course? GUEST: Absolutely, with the increasing health challenges students face, I saw a need for school counselors to have a stronger foundation in epidemiology. This course bridges that gap. HOST: That's fascinating. How does understanding epidemiology help school counselors in their day-to-day work? GUEST: Epidemiology equips school counselors with crucial skills to identify, analyze, and respond to health issues. They can develop data-driven strategies to promote student well-being and address health disparities. HOST: I see. And what are some of the current trends in this area that learners can expect to explore in the course? GUEST: We cover topics like disease surveillance, contact tracing, and the impact of social determinants on health. These skills are essential in managing outbreaks and promoting a healthy school environment. HOST: That sounds incredibly relevant. What are some of the challenges school counselors might face when applying these concepts in their work? GUEST: Time and resource constraints can make it difficult to implement new strategies. However, by building a strong foundation in epidemiology, school counselors can make more informed decisions and advocate for the resources they need. HOST: That's a great point. Looking towards the future, how do you see the role of school counselors evolving in relation to public health? GUEST: As the connection between health and education becomes more apparent, school counselors will play an even more critical role in promoting student well-being. This course prepares them to lead that charge. HOST: Dr. Smith, thank you for sharing your insights and for developing this innovative course. We're excited to see the positive impact it will have on school counselors and their students. GUEST: Thank you for having me. I'm confident that this program will empower school counselors to make a real difference in their communities.
