CPUT Key Partner In ‘Stepping Up’ Preventative Healthcare In SA
HEALTH CONSCIOUS: Staff members and students of the Department of Environmental and Occupational Studies
This year the university rolled out its Bachelor of Environmental Health, a four-year programme designed to ensure graduates have the appropriate skills to work as Environmental Health Practitioners.
These specialized practitioners’ tasks are determined by legislation, and the scope of practice ranges from ensuring safe water supplies to communities, conducting health surveillance, disease control, occupational health & safety, food hygiene and community development.
Head of the programme, Prof Izanne Human says Environmental Health is an important field.
“Environmental Health is about preventative health. You are enhancing the quality of life through preventative measures,” she says.
Human says the process to implement the course began several years ago, and today it is the only one of its kind offered at a higher education institution in the Western Cape.
“This course is on par with what is happening internationally. It is also internationally recognized,” she adds.
The course covers a range of specialized areas and its graduates must complete a year of community service before qualifying.
“The job opportunities in this field are wide. You can work for the government, industry or municipalities, as a consultant,” says Human.
Prof De Wet Schutte, a leading researcher in the field and an academic at CPUT, says this well-designed course will “step-up” preventative healthcare in South Africa.
Head of the programme, Prof Izanne Human says Environmental Health is an important field.
“Environmental Health is about preventative health. You are enhancing the quality of life through preventative measures,” she says.
Human says the process to implement the course began several years ago, and today it is the only one of its kind offered at a higher education institution in the Western Cape.
“This course is on par with what is happening internationally. It is also internationally recognized,” she adds.
The course covers a range of specialized areas and its graduates must complete a year of community service before qualifying.
“The job opportunities in this field are wide. You can work for the government, industry or municipalities, as a consultant,” says Human.
Prof De Wet Schutte, a leading researcher in the field and an academic at CPUT, says this well-designed course will “step-up” preventative healthcare in South Africa.
- Applications for 2024 are open. Apply online Bachelor of Environmental Health at: www.cput.ac.za/study/apply