The Introduction to Primary Health Care (IPHC) course emphasizes training people as close to the problem as possible to care for as much of the problem as possible. Training is geared specifically for work where there is little or no access to health care, most often the developing world.

The IPHC is a six-month entry-level course designed to introduce students to health sciences and equip them as primary health care workers through classroom and laboratory training and a clinical field assignment.

Course Overview

The Introduction to Primary Health Care course introduces students to the basic elements of Primary Health Care. Week-long course modules are taught by recognized instructors from around the world. The intensive 12-week lecture phase (CHC 201) covers topics such as...

• A Christian Perspective of Health Care
• Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology: Students achieve a basic knowledge and vocabulary in the structure and function of the human body. A medical approach to body systems is emphasized which prepares the student to understand disease processes.
• Strategies in Primary Health Care: Students learn the overall strategy related to such topics as immunization and six target diseases, malnutrition, breast-feeding, management of dehydration in children, assessment and care of the sick child, according to WHO/UNICEF standards, and use of growth charts and health education. A survey of the most common diseases in developing nations, including diagnosis and treatment is included.
• Practical Clinical Skills: Students learn basic physical assessment skills as well as wound care, bandaging, sterile technique, medication administration, vital signs, emergency child birth, first aid, and managing medical emergencies.
• Basic Field Laboratory: Students learn the procedures for obtaining laboratory samples for patient evaluation.  Students also perform blood and urine analysis. Students are taught how to perform these tests in primitive settings.

Clinical Field Assignment (CHC 202) (Prerequisite: CHC 201)
An integral part of the IPHC course is the 8-12 week practical field assignment. Students travel to field sites in various developing countries in Asia. Working alongside health professional and other primary health care workers, students have opportunity to apply and test the principles and skills they have learned in the classroom. Students live in close proximity to the people in order to understand practical problems faced in the developing nations. Students have the opportunity to disciple young leaders, providing a foundation for local ministries to reach their communities. Past field assignments have worked in over 24 nations.

Tuition & Dates

Tuition costs are based on the student's citizenship. There are significant discounts for students from developing nations (see international students section of the home page). Exact information regarding tuition fees will be sent to all applicants. The next IPHC School will begin on September 30, 2010. The 12-week outreach phase of the school will begin on December 22, 2010.

Prerequisites

Completion of the YWAM-DTS (Discipleship Training School and Field Assignment -- IDS 701/702) or YWAM-CDTS (Crossroads Discipleship Training School -- IDS 703/704).

Credits

Twenty to twenty-four (20-24) semester-equivalent credits will be earned upon successful completion of the Introduction to Primary Health Care Lecture Phase (CHC201). These credits may be applied towards a UofN Associate's and Bachelor's degree in Primary Health Care or transferred to other colleges and universities.