Program Overview
The Integrative Health and Wellness major at Illinois State University prepares students for careers in health and wellness settings. The program focuses on the interconnectedness of mind and body, utilizing an individualized, whole-person approach to well-being. Students gain practical experience through service learning, practicums, and internships, and are eligible for national certifications in health and wellness coaching. Graduates are prepared for careers in health and wellness coaching, worksite wellness, hospital-based health promotion, and integrative health.
Program Outline
Integrative Health and Wellness Major: Illinois State University
Degree Overview:
The Integrative Health and Wellness (IHW) major is a specialized sequence within the Health Promotion and Education program at Illinois State University. This program focuses on the interconnectedness of mind and body, considering thoughts, emotions, behaviors, physiology, and environment as a whole. It utilizes an individualized, whole-person approach to well-being and prepares students for careers in various health and medical settings.
Objectives:
- Help people change their behaviors and adopt healthy lifestyles: This includes promoting physical activity, healthy eating, managing stress, and sleeping well.
- Prepare students for work in health and wellness settings: This includes training in health coaching, worksite wellness, hospital-based health promotion, integrative health, and graduate studies in various health and medical fields.
- Emerge as exciting opportunities in various fields: This includes health and wellness coaching, worksite wellness, hospital-based health promotion, integrative health, and graduate or continued studies in various health and medical professions.
Outline:
The IHW sequence within the Health Promotion and Education major consists of coursework and practical experiences.
Coursework:
- Students will take classes related to health promotion, wellness, behavior change, and integrative health.
- Courses will cover topics such as anatomy and physiology, nutrition, exercise science, stress management, sleep hygiene, and mindfulness.
- Students will also learn about different health and wellness models, such as the Transtheoretical Model and the Health Belief Model.
Practical Experiences:
- Students will gain valuable experience through service learning, practicums, and internships.
- These experiences will allow students to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world settings.
- Students may work with individuals, groups, or organizations to promote health and wellness.
Assessment:
Students will be assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Exams and quizzes: These will assess students' understanding of course material.
- Assignments and projects: These will assess students' ability to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world situations.
- Portfolios: These will allow students to showcase their work and progress over time.
Teaching:
The IHW program is taught by full-time faculty who are highly experienced educators and health and wellness professionals.
- Teaching methods: Faculty use a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, group work, and case studies.
- Unique approaches: The program utilizes an integrative approach to health and wellness, considering the whole person and all aspects of their life.
Careers:
Graduates of the IHW program are prepared for a variety of careers in health and wellness, including:
- Health and Wellness Coach: Help individuals make lifestyle changes to improve their health and well-being.
- Worksite Wellness Specialist: Develop and implement wellness programs for employees in the workplace.
- Hospital-based Health Educator: Educate patients and families about health conditions, treatments, and prevention strategies.
- Integrative Health Practitioner: Use a variety of approaches, such as nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness, to help people achieve optimal health.
Other:
- The IHW program is accredited by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching.
- Students in the IHW program are eligible to become National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coaches and Certified Wellness Practitioners.
- The program has a long and successful tradition, dating back to 1973.
Disclaimer:
The information provided above is based on the context provided and may not be complete. It is recommended to visit the official Illinois State University website for the most up-to-date information about the Integrative Health and Wellness major.
