Bachelor of Arts Degree in Health and Wellness Now Available From Ashford University

SAN DIEGO, April 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Ashford University has introduced the Bachelor of Arts in Health and Wellness, offering another educational option for aspiring healthcare professionals.

Ashford, an academic institution owned by Bridgepoint Education, Inc. (NYSE: BPI), created the Health and Wellness BA so successful graduates would be prepared for face-to-face jobs in the wellness industry, such as gym instructor, trainer, health coach or YMCA teacher. This degree will deliver a thorough understanding of the healthcare industry and explain the core functionalities of promoting healthy living as a business.

With the growth of America's healthcare industry comes a parallel demand for tertiary health and wellness practitioners with a bachelor's degree. The U.S. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011 Edition predicts that a bachelor's degree will be the minimum expected educational requirement for entry-level employees in this field. The handbook also projects 18% job growth in health education through the year 2018, higher than the average for all occupations.

With an increased demand for individuals with bachelor's level training in the requirements of healthy living, the Health and Wellness BA can prepare students to work in the healthcare and fitness industry, non-governmental organizations and non-profits, as well as federal, state and local governmental agencies. The degree can also support further graduate-level study.

"Ashford's BA in Health and Wellness can prepare students to be part of the health reform solution by providing them the insights and skills needed to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent disease throughout the lifespan," stated Dr. Alice Vestergaard, executive dean of the College of Health, Human Services and Science. "For many paraprofessionals in the health and wellness industry, this degree can serve as the ideal next step for career advancement and enhancement."

Ashford University's Bachelor of Arts in Health and Wellness degree is now available online. It does not provide licensure or certification of any kind, and it is the student's responsibility to determine individual states' requirements for practice.

About Bridgepoint Education

Bridgepoint Education's postsecondary education services focus on offering associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs in such disciplines as business, education, psychology, social sciences and health sciences. Bridgepoint Education's regionally accredited academic institutions – Ashford University and University of the Rockies – deliver their programs online as well as at traditional campuses located in Clinton, Iowa, and Colorado Springs, Colorado. For more information about Bridgepoint Education, visit www.bridgepointeducation.com or call Shari Rodriguez, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 858.668.2580.

About Ashford University

Founded in 1918, Ashford University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org). The University offers graduate and undergraduate degree programs online and at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. The University is known for its high quality yet highly affordable online and on-campus programs. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.

Contact: Shari Rodriguez, Associate Vice President of Public Relations
858.668.2580 * [email protected]

SOURCE Bridgepoint Education, Inc.