Competency-based education is an approach that measures student achievement through skill development and concept mastery rather than time spent in a classroom. It’s designed for self-driven learners who want to take charge of their education and develop the practical skills needed for long-term career success. In a competency-based degree program, students progress through courses at their own pace, taking assessments as soon as they’re ready. Once a student sufficiently demonstrates mastery of a subject, they’re free to move on to the next course, even if it's not the end of the term or semester. The benefits of competency-based education include greater flexibility, more autonomy, and a deeper focus on career-relevant skills.  

Bridging the health literacy gap requires education models that prioritize practical skills and community-centered thinking. CBE offers a unique approach to preparing future health educators for the evolving needs of their communities. It shifts the focus from fixed academic timelines and hours logged in a classroom to meaningful demonstrations of a student's knowledge, skills, and career readiness. In a competency-based health education program, students advance by demonstrating what they’ve learned through assessments, projects, or written analyses. Depending on the degree, courses may include both synchronous and asynchronous elements. However, competency-based degrees are designed with flexibility in mind, and students can typically complete most, if not all, of their coursework on their schedule, from the comfort of their own home. Whether a student plans to pursue a degree in nursing, public health, health science, or health and human services, CBE offers a flexible path to gaining relevant skills while still upholding other responsibilities. 

Affordable 

Cost is a significant concern for many prospective students, leaving some feeling like a college degree is financially out of reach. Competency-based programs can make education much more affordable. Many CBE degree programs, including those at WGU, offer flat-rate tuition per term and allow students to complete as many courses as they can during that period. This means that, with some extra effort, students can graduate sooner and save significantly on education costs.  

Flexible Learning 

Traditional education models often operate on the assumption that all students learn the same way, at the same speed. This rigid structure fails to account for differences in students’ prior education, professional experience, industry expertise, and learning styles. Standardized timelines with fixed class schedules can also make it difficult for adult learners to balance schoolwork with their professional and personal responsibilities. CBE allows students to allocate their time and efforts according to their specific needs. Students can devote extra time to difficult topics while quickly advancing through familiar material. 

Improves Community Health 

CBE can contribute to better community health education by producing graduates who are prepared to apply what they’ve learned in school to real-world settings. Community health outcomes are influenced by a complex web of factors, including access to healthcare services, the availability of health education programs, and social determinants such as economic stability. By prioritizing job-relevant competencies over seat time, CBE equips students in healthcare degree programs to address real-world challenges and drive positive change in their communities.

Promotes Economic Development 

Health education equips individuals and communities with the knowledge, resources, and skills needed to make informed healthcare decisions. Individuals with access to effective public health education are more likely to adopt healthy lifestyle choices, receive preventive care, and seek timely treatment for illnesses. In this way, health education directly supports disease prevention efforts, resulting in fewer individuals missing work due to illness and a decreased demand on healthcare systems, which ultimately lowers costs. Health education professionals trained in competency-based degree programs are equipped to implement health education programs and community outreach initiatives that promote better physical and behavioral health, ultimately reducing the economic burden of preventable diseases.

Helps Busy Individuals 

Many individuals pursuing careers in health education, public health, or other healthcare fields have significant work, family, or personal duties that make college difficult to manage. Traditional degree paths can be especially challenging for busy adults who need more control over how, when, and where they learn. Competency-based education provides a flexible alternative, allowing students to complete coursework on their own schedule and progress as soon as they demonstrate mastery of the material. 

The Impact on Social Determinants of Health 

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are the non-medical factors that influence a person’s overall health and quality of life. They include factors such as income inequality and discrimination, as well as access to healthcare services, reliable transportation, quality education, affordable housing, and nutritious food. Health education helps address these underlying conditions by improving health literacy and connecting underserved populations with the tools and resources they need. Health educators play a crucial role in promoting well-being by designing and delivering culturally relevant programs that promote healthier, more equitable communities. 

Public health professionals do more than provide education or community outreach; they can also play a role in shaping the laws and regulations that influence public health. They work to identify health challenges and collect data about risk factors, disease control efforts, and healthcare access. Next, they communicate these findings to policymakers and advocate for change. For those eager to shape healthcare policy and drive systemic change, a master’s degree in public health can provide the knowledge, training, and credibility needed to step into healthcare leadership roles that drive meaningful improvements. 

Whether you’re pursuing a career in community engagement, disease prevention, health education, or healthcare policy, WGU can help you reach your professional goals. WGU graduates are prepared not just for jobs—but for leadership roles that influence how health education is delivered nationwide. 

If you want a role focused on supporting individuals through community-based programs, WGU’s Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Services can prepare you with the skills needed to support vulnerable populations. If you’re interested in health education, a Bachelor of Science in Public Health can help you learn how to analyze population health and design engaging programs that promote community wellness. If you want to oversee large healthcare initiatives and shape policies at the facility level, consider earning a master’s degree in healthcare administration.  

WGU degree programs are designed with working adults in mind. Our competency-based model allows students to progress through courses by demonstrating what they know, meaning many students graduate faster than they would in a traditional degree program. With flat-rate tuition, flexible schedules, online courses, and access to student support services, WGU makes it possible to earn a degree regardless of your circumstances.