entry level public health jobs

entry level public health jobs

Entry Level Public Health Jobs

1. Introduction to entry level public health jobs

Entry level public health jobs allow the start of a rewarding career in the healthcare industry. The type of entry level job varies depending on the individual’s interests. Generally, those with any type of education, and more importantly a passion to improve the lives of others, can begin such a career. Volunteer work, internships, part-time jobs, or a job in a support role are excellent ways to begin. Proof of dedication can allow such individuals to move on to more advanced positions. Public health careers offer something for everyone. Whether it is in the laboratory or on the playground, working with the elderly or infants, there is a job to suit every personality and interest. Career growth, salary, and job prospects are all positive in public health as well. This is especially important to new graduates out to prove themselves and begin a long-term career. Whether one is seeking first-time employment or a change in employment, there is nothing but positivity surrounding entry level public health jobs.

2. Benefits of pursuing a career in public health

An individual could gain countless benefits from entering the public health field. Whether the individual wishes to assist in furthering research, creating policies, or working on the front lines to help communities prevent disease, they will be actively involved in an effort to better the lives of others. Job security in this field is also very high above the national average. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, public health careers are expected to grow 40% over the next decade. Public health focuses on prevention, with public health workers’ efforts to help people reduce and avoid risks to their health, which also gives workers an opportunity to truly make a difference in the world. One does not need to look far to see the importance of public health in action. From the recent H1N1 outbreak to the disastrous BP oil spill, events throughout the world show it is evident that the field of public health is more important now than ever, and the field will need fresh, eager individuals to take on the call.

3. Key skills and qualifications for entry level positions

In general, the educational bar has been set high for public health job seekers compared to those in other industries.

Given that the public health field offers a wide range of job opportunities, various levels of education will make individuals more or less competitive for different positions. Entry-level positions that require specialists to apply their technical skills may require as much as a Master’s Level education. An example of this might be a computer programmer obtaining an entry-level position with a state public health department working on a project to develop a disease surveillance database. An MPH degree will often times be listed as a requirement for job positions being offered by public health institutions in contrast to positions with non-profit organizations and private companies. This may put recent graduates in a tough situation where they are overqualified for some job positions but lack the necessary experience for more advanced positions.

Although it is becoming more standardized, having an associate’s degree and certification is still considered the minimum requirement for workers in Community Health Centers. This is especially true for Community Health Workers (promotores de salud) seeking entry-level positions typically referred to as CHW. In the future, it will likely become necessary for CHWs to possess a certain level of formal education in the field of public health.

One example of this includes undergraduate students majoring in Health Administration and coming across an entry-level position focused on health system strengthening. Possessing a degree relevant to entry-level positions will make an individual more competitive in the job market. While a bachelor’s degree is highly important, it may not always be required. Admittance into an entry-level public health position may be possible with only an associate’s degree. This is often the case when working as a community health outreach worker or an administrative assistant. These individuals may then begin an undergraduate program while working and advance into a bachelor’s level position within a particular agency.

The majority of public health workers now entering the field will have gained their introductory experiences in one or more entry-level positions. The purpose of these positions is to provide “real-world” experience for students and recent graduates so that they may apply their educational and skill-based knowledge to public health problems and begin to understand the complexities of public health systems. Requirements for these positions vary, but in general, public health employers are looking for individuals possessing an undergraduate degree in a field relevant to public health.

4. Job search strategies for entry level public health jobs

Applying for jobs in good organizations: Many organizations have started accepting applications earlier for graduating students. For example, recruitment for the Public Health Associate Program (PHAP), a competitive, two-year, paid training program with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, begins during winter. The PHAP has an early application deadline because it is so competitive and requires additional materials like letters of reference. Applications for the PHAP typically open in January and close in February. Another example is the International Rescue Committee, which has rolling recruitment for its various positions and it’s not unusual for someone to apply several months in advance. This means that it is not too early for spring graduates to start looking at the IRC’s website to see what is available and what the application timeline is. And of course, the earlier you apply for any position, the chances are it won’t have been filled so your chances of getting hired increase!

5. Opportunities for growth and advancement in public health careers

Generally, the more advanced the qualification, the higher the salary and the higher the level of responsibility. However, a level of responsibility is very much based on experience. With an MPH and relevant experience, there are many opportunities in Epidemiology and Public Health Research. These roles often involve working for government or academic institutions. And last but not least, an academic career in Public Health is an option for highly research-focused individuals.

Public health is very diverse with a wide range of contract types throughout different areas. India and South Africa both have extensive consulting opportunities that are sure to appeal to many health professionals. This form of work seems to be more prevalent in developing countries. NGOs are also a very common contract type, whether it be in the west in Third Sector Organisations or at grassroots level in developing countries. A lot of funded project work is available for health professionals in international development. Entry-level degrees may still have a strong research or assistant focus, but for high-level management opportunities, a postgraduate qualification in management would be beneficial. This could lead to a role in health policy and administration.