The field of public health focuses on the well-being of communities through institutional and policy changes. If you want to make a difference in people’s lives, a career in public health may be the way to go. The work of public health experts extends much beyond the provision of basic medical care. Among other responsibilities, it also includes the dissemination of health information to various groups, analysis of data for decision-making, and the administration of healthcare operations. If this inspires you to step into this industry, you would want to look at the following lucrative and emerging career pathways public health has to offer:
- Health Educator
Health educators assess the health requirements of the communities they serve and then promote a healthy lifestyle among their people. These experts can develop and circulate health-related initiatives and materials to the public after conducting research. Health educators work in various places, such as colleges, hospitals, and charity organizations. However, their roles vary depending on the professional setting.
For instance, health educators in the commercial sector may incentivize workers to be more physically active. At the same time, government organizations may need their services to initiate programs to encourage vaccinations.
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a bachelor’s degree in health promotion or health education. The study of psychology and the evolution of the human race will be a major part of the coursework. Candidates fluent in more than one language tend to be more sought after by employers. The employment forecast for this role is bright, with a projected 17% rise between 2020 and 2030.
- Occupational Health And Safety Specialist
They acquire data and analyze types of hazards in the workplace to ensure proper compliance with health and safety requirements. As an occupational health and safety specialist, you will conduct workplace inspections, document your findings in reports, and provide workers with education and training opportunities. These professionals must be tech-savvy, excellent communicators, attentive to detail, and capable problem-solvers to cope with the demanding nature of the position.
The government agencies such as OSHA and CDC are the primary employers of occupational health and safety specialists. The BLS projects a 7% increase in demand for these specialists between 2020 and 2030, marking an uptick of 8,800 new positions. To get started in this field, you need a bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety.
- Biostatistician
A biostatistician uses statistical analysis to solve important public health and medicine problems. They may investigate questions like what leads to cancer, the efficacy of a new treatment, the toxicity of specific substances, or the potential duration of a pandemic. These experts track information at every turn of an experiment or clinical trial to guarantee comprehensive outcomes.
To qualify for the role, a master’s degree in statistics or public health is a typical requirement. However, having a background in advanced statistical analysis is also highly desirable to potential employers.
Employment opportunities for a biostatistician can be found in various sectors, including educational institutions, government agencies, medical organizations, and private businesses. Commonly, they put in a standard 40-hour week in a workplace as part of a team of scientists.
- Social And Community Service Manager
Social and community service managers develop and administer programs and initiatives to promote public health. They also constantly evaluate the results of projects to make crucial decisions regarding healthcare systems and policies. Many social and human service organizations employ social and community service managers. Some of these groups cater specifically to serving a particular group, such as youth, the homeless, the elderly, or military personnel. Others are more concerned with assisting those struggling with specific issues, such as mental health, substance abuse, long-term unemployment, and chronic hunger.
The job outlook for social and community service managers is promising, with a projected 13% increase in demand between 2018 and 2028. To a large extent, the expansion of career opportunities in this field could be associated with the growing aging population. A social and community service manager could earn a median annual salary of $74,000. The minimum education requirement for this position is a bachelor’s degree in public health, social work, or business administration.
- Epidemiologist
Epidemiology is the branch of medicine that examines the occurrence, spread, and potential averting of health issues. In the aftermath of widespread disease, epidemiologists will typically travel to the affected area to conduct firsthand research on the infectious agents. They offer guidance to government officials on how to best manage the situation.
Before the 20th century, epidemiologists mostly researched infectious disease epidemics. But the range of health issues that epidemiologists focus on has expanded in recent years. Today, they also analyze non-communicable infectious diseases, injuries, birth defects, maternal-child health, chronic diseases, and environmental health.
Most jobs in epidemiology call for a master’s degree as a minimum qualification. Graduate students who are interested in epidemiology get a Master of Science or Master of Public Health degree. Depending on your career aspirations and interests, you may pursue a doctorate in epidemiology or a dual degree in medicine. CDC, NIH, and WHO are just a few of the government agencies that employ epidemiologists. On average, epidemiologists make $65,270, with the top 10% earning over $108,320.
- Healthcare Manager
Healthcare managers are not directly involved in treating patients. Instead, they are responsible for planning, directing, analyzing, and coordinating services to maximize efficiency. The ideal candidate for the role has a great grasp of administration, a love for healthcare, and excellent multitasking skills. The need for qualified healthcare managers is expected to grow.
By 2031, the BLS anticipates a 28% increase in the number of jobs for these professionals. In the United States, healthcare managers earn a median annual pay of $113,730 ($54.68/hr). A Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Management is a highly recommended degree for this role.
Conclusion
The field of public health encompasses many subfields, each of which contributes significantly to the overall health of people. Workers in the public health sector, whether in direct patient care or administrative capacities, are committed to finding constructive solutions to the pressing and demanding problems of community health. If you want to get a great headstart for your career in the public health sector, consider undertaking roles covered in this blog!
