Request Information
Ready to find out what MSU Denver can do for you? We’ve got you covered.
Have Questions? We have answers.
Contact Us
Understand how disease evolve, are studied, and treated
In Dynamics of Disease, learn how diseases develop, why some persist throughout life, and how social and environmental factors shape our health.
From heart disease to Alzheimer’s, you’ll gain a clear foundation in disease processes, diagnosis, and care approaches that make a real difference. We’ll take a holistic look at the human experience of illness, covering non-communicable diseases, mental health, and the realities of end-of-life care.
Whether you’re interested in health care or simply want to understand the science behind chronic illness, this course offers knowledge you can use to make an impact in your career and your community.
Cost | Schedule | Details
The course is $450, with a $35 transaction fee per payment. There are no books to purchase.
- Registration opens in November
- Course begins – February 2, 2026
- Last day to register – February 9, 2026
- Course ends – April 2, 2026
This course will acquaint students with the processes, dynamics and treatment of diseases. A special focus is on the prevention of chronic diseases, including investigation into social determinants of health. The course examines the biopsychosocial aspects of health as it relates to patients, families and caregivers; psychological crises; and death and dying.
Once you successfully complete the Dynamics of Disease online course, you can immediately enter the workforce with newly learned skills. You will receive a digital badge embedded with the competencies learned. You can include this badge on your resume, LinkedIn page, portfolio, or share it with an employer. Students will also receive a certificate of completion.
Students can also expand their education by converting the course to three credits and continue to an MSU Denver certificate or degree, bolster their resume, advance their career, or uncover a new passion in the realm of public health principles. See FAQs for more information.
Learning objectives:
- Identify the key aspects of disease.
- Know when to refer patients to providers and specialists.
- More coming soon
Competencies to be gained:
- Students will be able to…
Why take this course?
Flexible schedule
The course can be completed in 4-8 weeks and is self-paced online.
Career advisement
Receive a personal advising session with an industry leader.
High job demand
Gain a competitive edge.
Over 95% of students who completed a post-course survey in fall 2025 reported:
✓ Increased knowledge, skills, and understanding of the subject matter.
✓ Were highly satisfied with the overall experience of the course.
✓ Agreed that the subject matter was organized and presented effectively.
Career pathways in Public Health
Approximate return on investment for each public health academic pathway
Pathway 1: Enter the workforce quickly. Complete the Dynamics of Disease online course and enter the workforce with increased knowledge and skills.
- Median salary is $35,000 year.
Pathway 2: Go deeper and convert your noncredit Dynamics of Disease course to credit, and take and pass four additional classes. This makes you eligible to sit for the Colorado state assessment (launching in 2025). After passing, you can apply for positions like Access Representative, Admissions Coordinator, Case Manager, Medicaid Service Coordinator, Patient Access Coordinator, Patient Access Specialist, Patient Advocate, Patient Navigator, Patient Resource Worker, and Patient Service Representative.
- The median salary is $48,000 per year.
Pathway 3: Continue your academic journey and earn a degree in public health, which allows you to increase your earning potential. You can find positions like Policy Associate, Community Partnerships Coordinator, Infection Control Coordinator, Infection Prevention Program Coordinator, Health Data Science Coordinator, Health Educator, and Environmental Protection Specialist.
- Median salary is $60,000 a year.
Pathway 4: Continue your academic journey and earn a Graduate Certificate in Community Health Education. This will provide you with additional opportunities in management and leadership in the public health field.
- Median salary is $63,000 a year.
Take advantage of the opportunity provided with online public health courses to upskill your resume to advance in your career or discover a new passion.
Are you interested in taking the Community Health Worker state exam?
The MSU Denver Community Health Worker Certificate will provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to fulfill established Colorado Community Health Worker Core/Professional Competencies in the field and practice of Community Health Workers.
About your Dynamics of Disease course instructor
Dr. Paris Prestridge ND
Dr. Paris Prestridge ND is an Assistant Professor in the Health Professions department at Metropolitan State University of Denver. She teaches various courses the Lifestyle Medicine and Integrative Health Care, including Dimensions of Wellness, Medical Terminology, Women’s Holistic Health, Dynamics of Disease and Dynamics of Health. Professionally she has remained active in her vocation for the last 10 years treating patients as a practicing Naturopathic Doctor. As a Naturopathic Doctor she approaches healthcare from the perspective of identifying and treating the cause, the healing power of nature, and treating the whole person with a focus on disease prevention. Recently she became a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach to support her patients into cultivating a more fulfilling life. She has a robust background in approaching health from a multidimensional perspective, considering the need to treat beyond physical ailments. It is this paradigm that drives her research into modalities that reflect on the significance of wellness from a holistic assessment.
Register now
Register nowRequest more information
Request more informationCareer Launchpad Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questionsContact us
Email usPhone: 303-615-1234
Office Location:
Jordan Student Success Building
3rd Floor – #330
Auraria Campus
Mailing Address:
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Innovative and Lifelong Learning
P.O. Box 173362
Campus Box 6
Denver, CO 80217-3362