Public health is a field dedicated to people who care about the general well-being of society. This profession has a tremendous impact on daily life, as millions of people today live thanks to public health initiatives, such as: vaccination programs, traffic safety laws, restrictions on tobacco use, family planning programs, and standards for clean air and water. The field of public health is dynamic and constantly developing. It adapts to the changing needs of communities and populations worldwide, offering new approaches to health promotion and disease prevention.

Mission, Objectives, and Administration

The fundamental mission of public health is to improve the conditions and behaviors that affect health so that all people can attain it. This mission includes not only the practice of public health policy but also research into public health issues and the education of future leaders who will ultimately translate that research into practices and policies to improve human health regionally, nationally, and globally.

The mission of this study program is the preparation of health workers in the Public Health profile, who, with the necessary professional theoretical, practical, and scientific knowledge and skills, will be capable of working in the public or private sector, domestically and abroad, in accordance with contemporary standards of the field. Employees of the Public Health profile in Healthcare will be responsible for realizing tasks and competencies individually but will also rely on multidisciplinary teamwork. The program aims for quality university and professional education and training, continuous formation, and the adaptation of its activities to social and economic developments.

The profile and study program aim to prepare professionals capable of working in various specific fields within healthcare, in research institutions, and in similar fields of medical activity.

The Public Health study program is based on offering knowledge, practicing professional/scientific skills; assessing the provided practical and theoretical knowledge; designing, discussing, presenting, implementing, completing, and writing a research project; and offering the expansion of knowledge alongside the student's affinity and needs. All this focuses on improving and strengthening the health system and using WHO global standards for education in the sphere of healthcare. The Bachelor level Study Program titled “Public Health” is based on Qualification Frameworks, both national and European, as well as Directive 2005/36/EC and Directive 2013/55/EU on the development and improvement of education in healthcare.
 

The objectives of the Public Health program are:

• To prepare capable professional staff for offering knowledge, skills, and health services necessary for the community and the labor market;

• To expand various fields of study;

• To achieve agreements with other local, regional, and international higher education institutions;

• To increase participation in various local and international academic and infrastructural projects;

• To offer mobility for academic staff and students with relevant international institutions;

• Support of scientific research work;

• Internationalization of our programs - offering modules in the English language;

• Ensuring the highest possible levels of quality;

• Promotion of health and a healthy lifestyle;

• Promotion of ethics and adequate communication in patient-health professional and inter-collegial relationships;

• Increasing access to contemporary literature through academic platforms and literature.
   

Core Values of the Program:

• Community - We believe that allowing participation and fostering cooperation between stakeholders helps create healthy communities.

• Diversity - We promote a learning environment that allows students, faculty, and staff to realize their full potential by integrating individual strengths, developing talents and creativity, and maintaining mutual respect.

• Innovation - We reward excellence and welcome creative achievements for the advancement of public health.

• Justice - We believe that individuals should have equal access to resources and knowledge that support their right to achieve and freely participate in improving individual and population health.

• Professionalism - We encourage the development of public health professionals who will uphold the highest ethical standards with competence, enthusiasm, respect, integrity, responsibility, accountability, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

• Science - We are committed to scientific rigor, critical analysis, and sound reasoning in public health research and practice.

• Sustainability - We are committed to environmental, social, and economic stewardship in research, practice, and the development of the public health workforce.
   

Public Health encompasses various fields of study that find application at different levels of health protection; therefore, this program will prepare health professionals who develop competencies as public health professionals, who will actively engage with the community to promote and protect their health, reduce health inequalities across gaps in underserved services, and vulnerable populations. To perform obligations for meeting permanent requirements in this field.
 

Targeted Learning Outcomes – Public Health Program (BSc)

1. Knowledge

Upon completion of the program, the student is expected to be able to:

1.1 Explain basic concepts of public health, epidemiology, health promotion, and social determinants of health.

1.2 Understand the structure, functions, and health systems at local, national, and international levels.

1.3 Describe principles of disease monitoring, infection control, and rapid response to health emergencies.

1.4 Explain the basics of health statistics and research methods in public health.

1.5 Understand policies, laws, and ethical frameworks guiding public health practices.

2. Practical and Analytical Skills

The student, upon completion of the program, will be able to:

2.1 Conduct health needs assessments of the community using epidemiological methods and statistical analysis.

2.2 Compile, implement, and evaluate health promotion and disease prevention programs.

2.3 Collect, manage, and analyze health data for planning and decision-making purposes.

2.4 Apply protocols for monitoring health risks in the community (environment, food, hygiene, epidemics).

2.5 Communicate effectively with the community, institutions, and other professionals regarding public health issues.

3. Professional and Ethical Competencies

The student is expected to demonstrate the ability to:

3.1 Work professionally within multidisciplinary public health teams.

3.2 Implement ethical principles in research and health practices, respecting confidentiality and individual rights.

3.3 Apply evidence-based approaches in planning, implementing, and evaluating health interventions.

3.4 Manage projects, health programs, and community resources efficiently.

3.5 Promote reduced health inequalities through inclusive and community-oriented approaches.

4. General Skills

Upon completion of studies, the student will be able to:

4.1 Demonstrate skills in critical thinking and public health problem solving.

4.2 Use information technology and data management systems in professional work.

4.3 Communicate clearly with the public, colleagues, and institutional actors in written and spoken forms.

4.4 Continue continuous professional development by following new trends and research in public health.

Regarding student assessment, it is done in accordance with the subject syllabus; student assessment is done according to the following table:
 

Graduated students at the end of their studies must be able to:

1. Apply concepts and models from social and behavioral disciplines related to public health practices.

2. Know how to use various data sources, information sources, and evidence based on the public health approach.

3. Plan, implement, and evaluate public health programs.

4. Communicate public health information, utilizing population diversity and a variety of media.

5. Know how to assess the health status of the population, determine health and disease, and factors influencing health promotion and disease prevention throughout life. Analyze behavioral, social, and environmental factors affecting health and health inequalities.

6. Compare our country's health system with that of other countries.

7. Apply fundamental principles of epidemiology and interpret public health problems.

8. Demonstrate competence regarding the cultural needs of diverse population groups and vulnerable populations.

9. (Note: Item 9 was missing in source text)

10. Act based on ethical and professional values in public health practices, research, and education.

Students graduated from the BSc Public Health program can be employed in a wide range of health institutions such as in:

• Primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.

• Graduated students have extensive employment opportunities in all health institutions within and outside the country.

• Municipal Directorates, Municipal and Central Inspectorates, etc.
   

Program Bearers :

Public Health BSs 180 ECTS:

Prof. Dr. Haxhi Kamberi

Prof. Asoc. Dr. Hajrullah Latifi

Prof. Asoc. Dr. Antigona Ukëhaxhaj