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A
public health degree offers flexible options for careers in public health and safety, and registered nurses constitute the
largest health care occupation in the field. Careers in public
health and safety can range from research, serving local and
international communities, and protecting public health and
safety overall. Skills developed through public health school
programs allow graduates to improve the lives of others.
Job Description and Responsibilities with a Public Health Degree
A public health degree allows
graduates to pursue a variety of employment options and opportunities. The focus
with a degree in public health and safety is on influencing social and
legislative policies within the field. General responsibilities for those who
earn a public health degree include:
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Developing collaborative
strategies for solving health-related problems
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Enhancing communication
skills to work in third world countries and undereducated regions of the world
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Influencing local, national,
and global practices in public health and safety
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Developing multidisciplinary
strategies to solve health-related problems
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Applying research and
analysis skills required for problem solving
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Tackling global, national,
and local public health and safety issues
Skills Needed for a Successful
Career in Public Health and Safety
Careers in public health
require flexibility and ongoing education. Although an advanced degree is not
required, many graduates do pursue a master degree in public health. Skills
needed for a successful career in public health and safety include:
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Strong communication skills
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Ability to work in both the
public and private sector
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A high level of patience
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Strong mathematic and
research skills
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Strong problem-solving
ability
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Effective stress management
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Ability to travel
Career Options with a Public Health Degree
A public health degree can lead
to a variety of specialties in public health and safety, with the most common
found in:
In each of these fields, the options for a long-term career in
public health and safety can be further specialized. The most common job
positions after completing training at public health school include:
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Environment Health Intelligence Analyst
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Health Communications Specialist
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Director of Programs and Services in Healthcare
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Public Health Management Analyst
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Manager for various program Initiatives
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Research Scientist
Pursuing a Master Degree in Public
Health
Most professionals who complete a preliminary public health degree
move towards an advanced degree program. Public health school can prepare
students with the necessary foundation to succeed in this field. Although a
master degree in public health is not required, it does offer additional option
for advancement in the field. A master degree in public health offers graduates
a chance to join research teams, work with international firms, or even open
their own consulting business. As a result, many students choose to pursue a
master of public health degree online program.
Obtaining a Master of Public Health
Degree Online
Obtaining a master of public health degree online offers a flexible
opportunity for those interested in completing their education on their own
schedule. Many accredited schools and colleges offer an online master of public
health degree program that includes lab tests, examinations, and research
completed over the internet. Students can collaborate on projects with other
students, and communicate with professors and instructors with ease.
Public Health Degree Requirements and Training
Completing an undergraduate
public health degree program is the first step in obtaining a public health
degree, but coursework and studies taken in high school can prepare students
before they enter the program. Coursework in biology, mathematics, and social
science is recommended for most careers in this field, and health services
administration students may also find benefits from having a business
background. Chemistry and physics are essential for most research studies.
Public health school requires an educational background focused on mathematics
and the sciences.
Common courses of study for
students in public health degree programs include knowledge of:
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Biological, physical, and
chemical factors that affect communities around the globe
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Distribution of diseases or
conditions in various populations
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Methodology and research
technique to understand the influence of disease distribution
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Planning and program analysis
tools
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Administration of health
programs
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Collection and analysis of
health data
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Understanding social and
behavioral sciences
A variety of public health
degree programs are available for students interested in pursuing careers in
public health and safety. Programs available at a public health school may
include:
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MPH: Master of Public Health
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MHA: Master of Health
Administration
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MHSA: Master of Health
Services Administration
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MSPH: Master of Science in
Public Health
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DrPH: Doctor of Public Health
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PhD: Doctor of Philosophy
The main difference between
each of these degree programs is the professional or academic component.
Professional degrees in public health and safety allow graduates to pursue
teaching positions and lead roles in research. They may choose a public health
and safety career in managed care organizations, hospitals, consulting firms, or
international agencies. Academic degrees are specialized in research and
development instead of a public health practice. As a result, a dual degree in
public health offers another opportunity. Students may be eligible for an
accelerated MPH program to complete this course of study.
Employment Prospects for Careers in Public Health
Job opportunities for those who pursue careers in public health
look promising. Registered nurses and healthcare practitioners make up the
largest segment of industries in public health, but there are many opportunities
for advancement and growth in other fields with innovations in healthcare and
technology. With the emphasis on preventative care and management, more
communities and organizations around the world are in need of public health care
professionals.. From maintaining records to conducting research for advances in
health for the future, job opportunities are expected to grow faster than
average for all occupations through 2014.
Median annual earnings for registered nurses were $52,330 in 2004,
while the range of salaries varies widely for other public health and safety
careers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics published the following salary ranges
for each field:
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Health Services Administration: $37,050 - $161,400
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Epidemiology: $38,175 - $136,237
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Biostatistics: $33,000 - $63,000
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Environmental Health: $44,550 - $143,700
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Nutrition: $31,500 - $70,785
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Health Education: $33,000 - $86,625
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Biomedical Laboratory: $31,500 - $78,750
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Public Health Practice: $41,175 - $102,000
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