News Release

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May 26, 2006

Boise State Student First to Pass Health Exam

Rebecca DeKeyrel, who graduated from Boise State University earlier this month with a master�s in health science with an emphasis in health promotion, has passed the Certified Health Education Specialist exam. The test was given for the first time at Boise State University; previously, the closest testing location was in Pocatello. DeKeyrel is the third Boise State student to take and pass the exam in the last 10 years. There are currently about 4,000-5,000 certified health education specialists nationwide.

Certified Health Education specialists are professionals who design, conduct and evaluate activities to help improve people�s health. These activities can take place in a number of settings, including schools, community centers, health care facilities, colleges and businesses.

DeKeyrel, a health education specialist for the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, prepared for the exam as a way of honing her skills. �Continuing Education is important to me and this provided me with an avenue to do this,� she said, adding, �It was so helpful to have the exam here in Boise.�

In addition to her master�s degree, DeKeyrel earned an undergraduate degree in economics, with a communications minor. She decided to continue on for a master�s in health science after taking a health economics course her senior year.

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Contact: Caile Spear, Kinesiology, (208) 426-3656, cspear@boisesetate.edu 
Media Contact: Kathleen Craven, University Communications, (208) 426-3275, kcraven@boisestate.edu

May is �Return to Learn� month at Boise State University. �Return to Learn� is a campuswide effort to provide information for those who may be considering taking classes from the university and help them learn about the best options for returning to school and earning a degree. For more information call (208) 562-3127 or click returntolearn.boisestate.edu.

The Office of Communications and Marketing - Boise State University
1910 University Drive - Boise Idaho 83725-1030
Located in Capitol Village, 2225 W. University Drive

208-426-1577
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email communications@boisestate.edu

Last reviewed on Wednesday, January 03, 2007