Innovative micro-credential program will offer intercultural awareness and religious literacy training to School of Health Sciences students
Assistant Professor of Nursing Jeanmarie Koonts, Assistant Professor of Religious Studies Helen Orr and Brian Pennington, professor of religious studies and director of the Center for the Study of Religion, Culture, and Society, have been selected as part of the 2024-2025 Faith and Health Fellows cohort by Interfaith America. The program supports fellows in conceiving and implementing academic initiatives aimed at advancing awareness and understanding about the impact of religious identity and practice in health care settings.
The trio’s project, “At the Intersection of Faith and Health,” aims to create a micro-credential badge focused on religion and faith consciousness. Tailored for students in nursing, physician assistant studies and physical therapy programs, the badge will require students to participate in sessions exploring the influence of religion on healthcare decision-making, outcomes, and equity. Those who earn the badge will carry this heightened religious consciousness into their varied clinical placements, contributing to an enriched, client-centered care approach.
Expanding upon the groundwork laid by team members in earlier collaborations, the project integrates training modules on intercultural competence, cultural humility and spiritual care. This work aligns with recent research emphasizing the pivotal role spirituality can play in health outcomes.
Koonts and Pennington have worked together to build modules on religious literacy and intercultural awareness for several years. Orr has recently completed work on an upcoming ElonNext course on Religious Literacy for the Workplace.
“This project will help Health Sciences students understand what ‘holistic care’ looks like concretely,” Koonts said. “We have made strides on diversity and equity in the School of Health Sciences, but this brings an important new training on social determinants of health.” Orr adds, “This grant allows us to build practical application of academic skills into concrete professional settings for students.”
The team looks to pilot modules later this academic year.