There is a wide range of career possibilities in public health. From an entry level community health worker to a high-level director, public health careers offer diverse career paths that can positively impact health outcomes in your community.
COVID-19 highlighted the importance of public health organizations in modern society, resulting in increased funding and a growing demand for manpower. In this blog, we will review some of the potential career options and educational requirements for public health professionals.
What is Public Health?
Public health is the sector of healthcare involved in promoting and preventing disease in communities and populations, as well as studying disease trends and using the resulting data to affect positive health outcomes. While public health initiatives include the health of individuals, it does so with an eye to the overall population.
For example, vaccinations are a common public health concern. Vaccinations are given to individuals, but it’s the cumulative effect of the individual vaccinations across populations which impact the public health of communities.
Public health careers may include disease prevention and treatment in populations, policies which direct public health initiatives, surveillance and research, health promotion and health disparities.
Why Choose a Career in Public Health?
A position in public health offers a stable career with the ability to positively impact health in populations and communities. Public health roles are not only relatively plentiful but offer the possibility of diverse career paths.
When someone enters the public health field, they may begin as more of a generalist and can pursue a career path that interests them, whether that is research and epidemiology, disease prevention, education and health promotion, working with legislatures or officials to impact policy or some other branch of public health. The work itself can not only be financially rewarding, but also can contribute to society through positively influencing health outcomes.
Top Careers in Public Health
Epidemiologist
- Role: Investigate disease outbreaks and public health trends
- Average Salary: $83,980
- Education: Master’s degree in public health (MPH) or higher
Public Health Analyst
- Role: Assess public health programs and policies
- Salary: $83,980
- Education: Bachelor’s or master’s in public health
Health Educator
- Role: Promote health awareness and disease prevention
- Salary: $63,000
- Education: Bachelor’s in health education or health Promotion
Environmental Health Specialist
- Role: Monitor environmental health risks (air, water, food safety)
- Salary: $80,060
- Education: Bachelor’s in environmental science or related field
Biostatistician
- Role: Analyze public health data and trends
- Salary: $104,350
- Education: Master’s or Ph.D. in Biostatistics or Public Health
Public Health Administrator
- Role: Manage public health programs and policies
- Salary: $117,960
- Education: master’s in public health (MPH) or healthcare administration
Education and Skills Needed for Public Health Jobs
Degrees Required
Public health careers are diverse in their type and level, which means the educational requirements are likewise varied. Entry-level positions may require a high school diploma, associate degree or bachelor’s degree, depending on the skills required.
As someone progresses through their career, they will need more education. An associate degree might be enough for an entry-level technician or community health worker position, but to advance to leadership and management roles, or to a position requiring more technical skills, a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree such as Master of Public Health (MPH) might be required.
For director and executive-level positions, or primary investigators on a research team, a doctoral degree, such as a Doctor of Public Health (Dr.PH.) or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) might be required.
Key Skills
All public health professionals will need to understand fundamental public health concepts such as epidemiology and how policy impacts public health.
Positions that specialize in epidemiology may require more advanced research, statistics and data analysis skills. Public health professionals focusing on policy would need to have more advanced knowledge of health policy and how it impacts outcomes.
Management and director positions would need to have stronger soft skills such as communication, public speaking and conflict resolution.
Job Outlook and Growth in Public Health
Post COVID-19, there is a growing demand for public health professionals. Funding has flowed to public health initiatives and organizations as the pandemic highlighted the importance of public health.
Additionally, understanding the importance of health promotion and prevention, communicable disease and preventable disease surveillance as well as health policy, assures that careers in public health will continue to be in high demand. The field is seeing opportunities with faster than average and much faster than average job growth rates for the foreseeable future.
How to Get Started in a Public Health Career
There are essentially two ways to get started in a public health career:
- Gain experience through volunteering or entry-level roles.
- Look for opportunities through volunteer roles at community health organizations or entry-level or support positions at public health agencies. These roles typically require a minimum education of a high school diploma.
- These are great options for learning about the field as they help you build a foundational industry network. While hourly or low salaries are common, you can still get valuable exposure.
- Pursue formal public health education.
- Enroll in a public health program like an associate degree or bachelor’s degree. If someone has a bachelor’s degree in another field but wants to transition to public health, they can enroll in a master’s program like American College of Education (ACE)’s MPH. Complete practicum or internship elements, if required, which are great ways to learn about public health career options and to start networking. Increase professional skills through certifications and/or by joining public health organizations.
- Pursue advanced formal education by working towards a bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate. Many public health organizations have professional development funds that can be used to reimburse tuition.
As a person progresses through their professional career, they will increase knowledge, skills and education, as well as their professional network, which will allow for a career path with increasing options and responsibilities.
FAQs
Do I need a master’s degree for a public health career?
No, you can begin a public health career with an entry-level position, which requires less education. However, an MPH can open doors to positions with more responsibility and better salaries.
What industries hire public health professionals?
There is a wide range of organizations that hire public health professionals such as government agencies, hospitals, research institutions, nonprofits and private companies.
Is public health a good career choice?
Yes! Strong demand, diverse roles and meaningful work make it a solid career path.
Take your public health career to the next level with the Master of Public Health, Ed.S. in Public Health Education or Ed.D. in Public Health Education at American College of Education.
