public health degree jobs

public health degree jobs

The Benefits of Pursuing a Degree in Public Health

1. Introduction

Taking a look into an ever-changing field is important, as some goals today may not be relevant tomorrow. This shift towards a preventative agenda is especially important to consider. More and more society places faith in the medical system to fix what has gone wrong. Unfortunately, this resolution dooms society to continuously repeat its mistakes. By noticing the trends of the past, we can repeatedly forecast and stop problems of similar nature. This is the essence of public health, and a devoted number of talented academics and professionals are the only measures for which this kind of change is possible.

Public health can be seen as a right of passage for improving the world. It is the field devoted to improving the health and future of societies through prevention and education. Whether you are interested in a career in healthcare, an insurance company, a state or federal agency, or a non-profit organization, an advanced degree in public health can provide you with the foundation you’ll need to effect change. As an established professional, you’ll be in a position to implement programs that will improve the health of diverse populations. This ultimately is a key factor for any cause: to make sure humanity’s future is due to a set of healthier circumstances, rather than the prevailing conditions.

Today, more than ever, the world needs qualified individuals who are dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of society. If you wish to be one of those individuals, to make a positive, tangible difference, then a career in public health might be an excellent choice. Public health is about helping people to stay healthy and protecting them from threats to their health. The degree is multifaceted and spans several different career opportunities. This guide is designed to help you critically think about what public health means, how to pursue the degree, and what to look for after graduation, and create useful questions to be used when talking to faculty advisors and program directors.

2. Job Opportunities in Public Health

About 25% of public health professionals work for the government (federal, state & local). Government public health professionals are hired in numerous areas including policymakers, state and federal health initiatives, community health promotion, research, and several others. With a growing concern on issues in our society such as bioterrorism, homeland security, and access to healthcare, government roles will continue to be funded, making this choice a stable career path. The remaining 75% of public health jobs are in the private sector (non-profits, pharmaceuticals, health organizations, etc.). It is here where the job field is more extensive, and public health professionals will have more opportunities to take on leadership roles and have autonomy in project development. With an average income of about $52,000 a year, the public health sector is a rewarding one.

The need for public health professionals is markedly greater than the number of professionals actually working in the field. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, this discrepancy is expected to increase over the next several years, creating a strong demand for public health educators, community health workers, epidemiologists, and public health professionals at the local, state, and federal levels. A degree in public health will open the door to numerous opportunities with the flexibility to work in a variety of settings. In addition, the public health field has become more technologically oriented, and many jobs are now being filled by those with a strong public health background. The use of informatics in public health has brought on higher demand for people with IT skills.

3. Advantages of a Public Health Degree

In our modern day, health care is a complex system. As a result, organizations are always looking for managers with the abilities to navigate through their many departments and who can effectively speak to all levels of employees. A public health skilled manager can improve the quality of medical care, help prevent disease in both clinical and non-clinical settings, and aid in the identification of communities’ medical needs. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics states that medical and health services managers’ positions will grow by 16% between the years 2006 and 2016. A graduate from an accredited school of public health with a degree in this field could very well find themselves with a rewarding job that could potentially earn them around $60,000 to over $100,000 annually.

As the public health field continues to grow, the variety of positions available to graduates is abundant. Whether you are interested in biostatistics, epidemiology, or health promotion, a degree in public health will provide you with the tools to succeed. The following are just a few of the many potential careers in public health. Job growth and security, not to mention great salaries, make public health an ideal career for many professionals hoping to make a difference.

4. How to Succeed in the Public Health Field

Evaluating a public health program or policy will include enthusiasts of management and systems analysis. Using the public health process assessment tool, this work is important in determining its efficiency and effectiveness, and improving overall quality. This may provide work for health educators, economists, or advocates of social justice. The Tool Box gives an illustrative example of such an event: a student or group of students who wish to carry out an assessment activity as a project to fulfill the requirements of a class in health education.

Share and discuss your findings. Educators and communication specialists are most likely to take part in this type of work. Development and distribution of information materials relevant to a health issue is included, as is the advocacy for public health policy and the effect of the media on health.

Locate existing relevant data and information. This will appeal to a wide array of public health professionals, from research scientists to policy makers. Solutions often come from studies providing conclusive data. Primary care providers may also feel inclined, as the studies indicate a need for changes in clinical prevention and treatment programs.

Identify and define the health problem and determine whether or not it is feasible to solve said problem. This involves data analysis, statistical retrieval and working directly with the affected community. Epidemiologists, biostatisticians, and social workers may be interested in this type of public health work.

As you assess the types of public health work in which you may be interested, using the “road map” can guide you as you consider which public health degree would be the best fit. This road map is referenced from The Community Tool Box.

5. Conclusion

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the employment of health educators, community health workers, epidemiologists, and social and behavioral scientists is expected to grow 20 percent over the next decade, which is much faster than the average for all occupations in the U.S. This is largely due to the fact that various efforts to improve health in the U.S. and increase awareness of public health will result in rapid growth in the demand for employment in these fields. The Bureau’s studies also show that during 2008, average earnings ranged from $40,000 to $80,000 per annum in the public health career spectrum. With the increasing demand for public health professionals as well as the salary range, earning a degree in public health seems to be a wise investment for the future of any individual.

Public health careers can be found in both the public and private sectors ranging anywhere from working at a doctor’s office to being a part of a disaster relief team. Some of the areas of employment in public health are government organizations, health agencies, research organizations, community health organizations, mental health organizations, and even educational institutions. In addition, public health career opportunities are available in a variety of organizations and settings.

Pursuing a degree of Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH), Master of Public Health (MPH), or a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) is an excellent goal for any individual who wishes to work in a health-related field. Whether you want to work in a healthcare setting or plan to work in a non-profit or government organization, we believe that a degree in Public Health will enable an individual to fulfill his or her goals of making a significant contribution to society. This is because the profession of public health is a diverse and dynamic field aimed at protecting and improving the health and well-being of communities by promoting healthy lifestyles, preventing injuries, controlling infectious diseases, and much more. With a degree in public health, an individual can find employment in many different sectors and areas.