When Health Pays Off
Southern Oregon University Course Connects Healthcare, Communication & Technology for Career Development
It all adds up in COMM486 — Health, the Internet, & Technology: a topic that matters, a high-demand career path, and a dynamic learning experience that counts for upper-division credit in both the Communication and Healthcare Administration majors at Southern Oregon University.
“COMM486 gives students the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from others who may have majors and areas of expertise that are very different from their own,” said Kristin Hocevar, assistant professor in the Communication, Media & Cinema program, and the original designer of the course. “But, they all share an interest in health, and that connects them for a powerful social experience in health communication.”
The course explores the intersection between health and technology, including online health databases, mobile applications, and telemedicine. Learners work on projects with practical applications, including encouraging healthier behaviors through social media and other technologies. In the Fall 2022 section just wrapping up, student teams are working on mental health, binge drinking, and exercise.
“Students examine the way in which personal technology and mobile devices, the Internet, and health interact,” said Hocevar. “We discuss topics that range from online health information credibility to health apps to telemedicine and telehealth.”
The most recent course project in COMM 486 involves developing technology and internet-based health communication campaigns. Students will present their pitches for health apps, social media campaigns, and websites.
“The course has been really insightful into the way health information is communicated across boundaries from doctor to patient as well as from researchers to the public,” said Ian Binker, a senior in the CMC program.
Employment trends in healthcare confirm rapidly growing opportunities for professionals trained in health communication. Even in professions outside of clinical practice, the healthcare industry is seeing rapidly growing demand for communicators, strategists and administrators who are adapted to the special needs of health professions.
Students who want to strengthen their prospects for health professions can also complete COMM486 as one element in SOU’s new micro-credential in Health & Crisis Communication:
Story and photo by Ripley Pierotti, Community Manager for the Communication, Media & Cinema Program at Southern Oregon University.
