Health navigation is a new role in the changing health care environment. Health navigators work in hospitals, health clinics, human service agencies, and insurance companies. They work with clients to clarify the health system and health insurance, assist clients to access services they need and are eligible for, and educate clients regarding overall health. The health navigation program is open to UM-Flint students as a minor or certificate while students are pursuing a bachelor’s degree or for students only as a certificate program.
To be eligible to earn the certificate, community-based applicants (students not concurrently pursing a degree) must satisfy the following:
- A minimum of one year of part-time or full-time volunteer experience within a healthcare setting within the past five years
- Effective oral and written skills
- Satisfactory completion of a written professional goal statement related to the specialty certificate program
The certificate may be earned in conjunction with a degree program or as a stand-alone credential. (Students pursuing a stand-alone credential are not eligible for federal financial aid and may not participate in Commencement.) After the student applies for graduation, the certificate is posted to the student’s official transcript and an official diploma stating the area of the certificate is issued.