When Nikia Bundage was looking for a degree path that would set her on a course to help others, the “P” in “HPW” represented possibility.
In fact, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s online Health Promotion and Wellness (HPW) program prepares students for a vast array of positions in a settings from community-based nonprofits to corporate organizations.
“I thought, ‘I could do anything I want with this,’” Bundage says.
Bundage, a Franklin native, is now living and working in New Orleans as a field operations specialist for the STD/HIV program within the Louisiana Office of Public Health.
In her role, Bundage takes over outreach when a disease intervention specialist is unable to reach someone, by phone or mail, who may have been exposed to reportable disease like HIV or syphilis. Bundage then attempts contact them through Facebook, Instagram, or email.
“Sometimes it’s the only information they have since so many people use social media to meet others,” she says. “I like when I'm able to connect with people. It feels good to know you're helping someone and knowing they trust you enough to let you help them.”
Becoming a Self-Starter
Earning her Health Promotion and Wellness degree online allowed Bundage to build the skills to work in public health and the skills to effectively manage her time.
“Online courses help you to work independently, and in my job I do work independently a lot,” she says. “Time management is just important in general.”
As a student, Bundage stayed organized by printing her syllabi and marking all her assignment deadlines and exams on a calendar.
Learning online gave Bundage more hours in her day without having to make the hour-long commute to campus from Franklin while providing a supportive education environment.
“Once you get into the higher classes, it’s the same students and teachers,” she says. “The teachers challenge you because they know what you’re capable of.”
Building on Credentials
As she began to explore openings in the health promotion field, Bundage noted many job descriptions prefer or require the Certified Health Education Specialist credential. Through UL Lafayette’s program, Bundage was prepared for the CHES exam and earned her certification following graduation.
Bundage is now looking into online graduate programs to advance her education and career in public health.
“I want to continue helping people in all areas of their health so they continue or start to live a healthier lifestyle,” she says. “The program I’m looking at is online; I already have experience and know what to look for in a master’s.”
Earn your bachelor’s online to pursue a career in guiding others’ to healthier lifestyles. Request more information about Health Promotion and Wellness today.