Program Mission

The goals of the degree and certificate programs are to prepare health care professionals to:

• Work collaboratively within the multidisciplinary team to apply evidence-informed practices derived from biological and social sciences research, use effective communication and counseling skills, and employ sound educational strategies to empower individuals with, and at risk for, diabetes to achieve behavior changes that optimize health.
• Interpret and apply research studies on diabetes risk reduction and diabetes self-management behavior to improve interventions for diabetes and to challenge current practice standards, guidelines and protocols when current research and evidence indicate that revisions in the delivery of diabetes care may improve outcomes.
• Influence public policy, third party payers, employers and regulatory agencies to improve the quality and availability of diabetes care and to modify social and societal conditions such that behaviors that maximize diabetes management and risk reduction are enabled and supported.
• Advocate to reduce stigma and health disparities, and to raise awareness about the emotional and physical needs of people with diabetes.

The major areas of competency developed in the degree and certificate programs are listed below:

1. Knowledge of pathogenesis & physiology of diabetes
2. Knowledge and implementation of treatments for diabetes
3. Knowledge of the socio-cultural context in which diabetes occurs, is diagnosed, treated & managed
4. Assessment & goal-setting
5. Facilitating behavior change
6. Instituting and managing diabetes education programs
7. Advocating for persons with diabetes at institutional, local, state, and national levels

These competencies are based on documents published by the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE), and the National Certification Board of Diabetes Educators (NCBDE).