Public health careers are found in many different employment areas. From private sector work to non-profit organizations and healthcare facilities and government agencies, it is possible for the public health specialist with master’s in public health degrees to find great careers that suit their individual skill-sets, as well as provide them with a great salary to compensate them for their hard work in this important field.
These health care professionals make a difference in entire communities through health programs that can take place in health care centers, community centers, through social service programs, treatment programs and other public health programs. Human health can be improved through clinical trials, and through health programs that target mental health issues, substance abuse, environmental health and many other areas that promote healthy behaviors. At risk populations in the local community can be helped through support services provided by nonprofit organizations and local governments. Whether you have a master’s in public health or other related health care education, those with public health careers make a difference in improving public health issues and implement public health programs that help reduce health risks and improve well being.
According to the American Public Health Association (APHA),”Public health promotes and protects the health of people and the communities where they live, learn, work and play.” Whether you are conducting scientific research, working as a public health project manager, lobbying for improved health and safety laws, improving environmental health through local government programs or promoting wellness through community programs, here are five great jobs you could have in this rewarding field.
- Epidemiologist
- Health Educator
- Biostatistician
- Environmental Science
- Certified Community Health Worker
1. Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists research the reasons populations experience disease and injury and use their skills to reduce these negative health outcomes and reduce future outbreaks. Through education and policy, they work within the populations to analyze overall health and analyze risk factors, and direct studies to benefit public health issues. Epidemiologists communicate with the public and lawmakers about the data they collect. Epidemiologists need to have a master’s degree in epidemiology, a master’s in public health, or a field related to public health. These public health graduates need skills that include public speaking, clear communication, and the ability to collect and organize crucial data.
2. Health Educator
Public health educators have the important job of teaching people how to promote wellness through their own behaviors. They evaluate health programs, create plans and educational programs to help improve the health of not only individuals, but groups and communities as well. They develop interventions to help people live healthier lives and develop healthy habits. They may work in a medical practice and work to promote community partnerships. To work in this field, students must earn a bachelor’s degree in health education or related public health field, earn their MPH degree, and become certified as a health education specialist (CHES), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Skills include communicating, working closely with others, creative thinking, planning, and organizing.
3. Biostatistician
Biostatisticians play an important role in research in the public health sector. They are the professionals responsible for designing surveys, questionnaires, and research experiments used by themselves and other public health officials from local health agencies or other health services to collect data about health and populations. Statistician positions are often found in the employment sectors of healthcare, research and development, and government. For an entry level job, candidates should have a public health based bachelor’s degree. Most positions require a master’s degree with a background in statistics and math, as well as sociology, biology, and public health studies. Skills include: organization, curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.
4. Environmental Science
Environmental science is a vast field among the wide-spread health care profession. Environmental scientists know that community health is also dependent on environmental health, and they work hard using their knowledge to collect data, share information with the public and health care agencies, and make developmental plans to benefit both people and the world around them. Though most work is done in an office or lab, some environmental scientists work literally out in the field collecting soil and water samples, monitoring ecosystems after disasters, and even lobbying to remove environmental hazards. To work in this exciting field you must earn a degree in environmental science, public health, or a similar field like chemistry, biology, or engineering. Skills required include the willingness to be hands on in your work, and the desire to make a difference.
5. Certified Community Health Worker
These health care workers are trusted “middle-men” between the community and the health services they are able to access. They help individuals access these services and also work with the community to improve the services provided. These jobs are available locally as well as world-wide. Most employers in this field require applicants to have earned a public-health based bachelor’s degree. Skills include good people skills, and often the ability to speak the language of the population they will be serving.
FAQ’s
What are other jobs related to public health?
There are many jobs related to public health that relate to infectious diseases, mental health, population health, and many other health issues. Working in public health education, public health social worker, public health nurse, or a public health educator are all jobs within the public health and health care arena. Whether you have a master of public health degree or other related education, working in this challenging field makes a difference.
Who should consider the field of public health?
This important field offers job opportunities to suit a wide variety of interests and skills. Whether you are more interested in crunching the data, performing important research, or working with the public, these health workers gain satisfaction in knowing their work improves the health and lives of people.
How is the job outlook in this field?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare occupations in general are projected to grow 13 percent from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than average for all occupations. Specific career paths, such as epidemiology, are expected to have even more robust growth, with a projected 26 percent growth over the next decade.
What is the professional organization for Public Health?
The professional organization for public health professionals is the American Public Health Association (APHA). APHA’s vision is to “create the healthiest nation in one generation,” as they champion the health of all people and all communities, and strive to strengthen the profession of public health and promote public health careers. APHA has been influential in federal policy and brings together public health practitioners from all disciplines. APHA’s mission to improve the health of the public and reduce health disparities continues as they represent their members from all disciplines of public health and over 40 countries. APHA can also assist professional in locating employment opportunities, including those for public health consultants.
Can a master’s in public health really make a difference in the world today?
In the last 100 years, public health initiatives have added 25 years to the life expectancy of people in the United States . According to the Center for Disease Control, public health’s greatest health improvements in the last century include workplace safety, infectious disease control, food safety, mother and child health, decline in death from heart disease and stroke, motor vehicle safety, immunizations, family planning and reproductive health, fluoridated drinking water, and education on tobacco use. What role might you play to make this next century healthier?
MPH staff, 2023
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