Healthcare Communication Graduate Certificate

Jan. 13, 2025

Next Start Date

Courses Required

$750

Cost Per Credit Hour

Total Credit Hours

Online Asynchronous

Learning Format

Enter The World of Healthcare Marketing

The Healthcare Communication Graduate Certificate, offered by the College of Creative Arts and Media prepares you to work in the healthcare sector, providing the public with information about medical treatments, disease prevention, and healthy lifestyles. You will develop healthcare communications campaigns using integrated marketing communications (IMC) strategy, as well as understand how to brand, build credibility, identify target audiences and evaluate return on investment (ROI) for healthcare marketing communications. Professionals in this area are in demand and potential employers include a variety of medical organizations, from small practices to large government agencies.

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Program Details

The Healthcare Communication Graduate Certificate offered by the WVU College of Creative Arts and Media is delivered exclusively online. The graduate certificate provides students with the practical skills they need to understand what factors drive health decisions so they can combine marketing tactics with messaging to promote health behavior changes. The learn-it-today, use-it-tomorrow focus is built into the curriculum and teaches students the importance of applying the best strategies and tactics to reach key audiences. The program is taught by diverse faculty—from marketing directors to academics to entrepreneurs—who are recognized leaders in their fields.

In addition to this graduate certificate, WVU offers an online master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communication.

Attend a Virtual Information Session

Thank you for your interest in the Healthcare Communication Graduate Certificate program at West Virginia University! Attend a Virtual Information Session and learn more about Healthcare Communication Graduate Certificate program.

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Contact

Email: Brynne.Myers@mail.wvu.edu
Phone: (304) 293-6278
Virtual Session: Schedule a virtual session with me

Healthcare Communication Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements

Admission to the program is based on a holistic, case-by-case analysis of the applicant’s academic record (undergraduate transcript), years of relevant professional experience (resume), and writing ability and intent (personal statement).

Admissions

Designate your Admission Type as Graduate Certificate. Under Intended Program, select Healthcare Communication (CG51). The primary delivery method is ONLINE.
Pay the $60 non-refundable graduate application fee.
Submit 300-500 word personal statement about your interest in the IMC program and how it will meet your career objectives.
Submit resume that illustrates relevant and professional experience. Please convert your resume to PDF to ensure that no formatting is altered.
Letters of Recommendation (optional). Input the name and contact information of each recommendation provider in the “Recommendations – Recommendation Providers list” section.
GRE or GMAT scores (optional). The destination code for the GRE is 5904 and the GMAT is C2S-FB-24.
TOEFL or IELTS Scores for International Students. WVU requires international students to submit their TOEFL or IELTS scores directly to WVU Hub, 62 Morrill Way - Suite 220, Morgantown, WV 26506. Use the destination code 5904 to have TOEFL scores sent. Generally, applicants whose first language is not English must submit adequate TOEFL or IELTS results before an application can be considered for admission: TOEFL (Internet-Based) = 79; TOEFL (Computer-Based = 213; TOEFL (Paper-Based) = 550; IELTS = 6.5.
Request official transcripts from all institutions attended (other than WVU) and
1. Mail to:
  WVU Hub
  P.O. Box 6004
  Morgantown, WV 26506
2. or Email to: GraduateAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu

NOTE: For the most up-to-date admissions requirements, please visit https://imc.wvu.edu/admissions.

Questions? Contact our Enrollment Specialist at wvuimc@mail.wvu.edu or (304) 293-6278.

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Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

Students enrolled in certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid. Visit Student Financial Support & Services for additional information.

The tuition rate per credit hour listed above is for the 2024-2025 academic year. Tuition and fees increase beginning in the fall term of each academic year.

Tuition and fees are usually not the only educational expenses you may have while pursuing a degree. You may have other costs such as books, supplies and living expenses. Please see the Estimate Costs and Aid webpage for how to estimate and plan for other potential expenses.

What else should I know about the healthcare communications certificate program?

The four-course Healthcare Communications graduate certificate prepares you for data-minded careers within the healthcare industry. An ever-changing and competitive industry, the healthcare field needs effective communicators to develop healthcare communication campaigns using integrated marketing strategies.

Career Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow 13 percent from 2021 – 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. Media and communication occupations is projected to grow about 6 percent.

Who is the ideal student for this program?

Ideal students are those interested in:

Understanding the legal and ethical issues in healthcare communications
Exploring the role of content in the modern healthcare industry
Developing a cause marketing campaign strategy
Website and social media marketing for the healthcare industry

Certificate Code - CG51

The Healthcare Communication Certificate is offered exclusively online with no on-campus classroom attendance required.

The Healthcare Communication certificate in is intended to prepare students for careers focusing on implementing a comprehensive integrated marketing communications strategy within the healthcare industry. Students will be exposed to course work focused on legal and ethical issues as they apply to healthcare communications via content marketing and utilizing new technologies, including augmented and virtual reality.

The program is taught by a diverse faculty who are recognized leaders in their fields.

Certificate Requirements

Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 required.
Minimum grade of C- required in all courses provided that a cumulative 2.75 GPA is maintained.

Course	Title	Credit Hours
IMC 524	Cause Marketing	3
IMC 527	Healthcare Marketing	3
IMC 539	Content Marketing	3
IMC 546	Augmented Reality & Virtual Reality in IMC	3

Total Hours: 12

Frequently Asked Questions

What careers can I expect to be prepared for?

Students who graduate from WVU Online with the Healthcare Communication Graduate Certificate may be prepared for the following careers. These are only a few examples of some of the many opportunities that will be open to you with this degree. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for some positions.

Marketing Research Analyst and Marketing Specialist, Projected Growth: 11% or higher *Bright Outlook
Marketing Strategist, Projected Growth: 7-10% *Bright Outlook
Public Relations Specialist, Projected Growth: 4-6%
Marketing Manager, Projected Growth: 7-10% *Bright Outlook

Information about careers on this list comes from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

What is the role of a healthcare communicator?

Overall, healthcare communications personnel play a vital role in ensuring effective communication within healthcare organizations and between healthcare providers, patients, and the public. Their work contributes to building trust, promoting health literacy, and enhancing the overall patient experience.

Do healthcare communicators deal with the media?

Healthcare communications personnel often act as liaisons between healthcare organizations and the media. They may prepare healthcare professionals for interviews, manage media inquiries, and arrange press conferences or interviews. They work to build positive relationships with media outlets and ensure accurate reporting of healthcare-related news.