Career Specializations

• Epidemiologists: They play a vital role in detection of major health problems in the community. Epidemiologists investigate disease outbreaks and regulate their spread. They also help to identify populations at risk and undertake various surveillance activities related to health. (BLS)
• Public Health Advisors/Educators: They participate in the design and coordination of case-finding programs and educate and advise the public on various health issues. They also assess the administrative and operational needs for conducting various health projects. (BLS)
• Public Health Dentists: They promote the oral health of the community. Public health dentists first assess the oral health needs of the population, then design and implement oral health polices, followed by provision of programs and services that address oral health issues. (American Association of Public Health Dentistry)
• Public Health Nutritionists/Dietitians: Nutritionists design and implement policies to enhance the health and well-being of communities. They educate the public on healthy nutrition programs to promote fitness and sound health. (BLS) 
• Research Scientists: They design programs and conduct research for various public health programs. Projects may include assessment of hazardous waste exposure, evaluation of the quality of drinking water, and assessment of emerging pathogens. (New York State Department of Health)

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Available Degree Levels

• Associate Degree: 2 years 
• Bachelor's Degree: 4 years
• Master's Degree: 2 to 3 years
• Doctoral Degree: 3 to 5 years

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Education & Certification Requirements

The undergraduate major that students choose helps to prepare them for specialization in a certain area. If you wish to engage in behavioral sciences, global health or health education, courses in anthropology, education, sociology, and psychology are beneficial. For those who want a career in biostatistics or epidemiology, courses in biology and mathematics are recommended. A business background is useful for those who want to end up in health services administration. If you wish to specialize in environmental health, biology, or chemistry coursework is helpful.

Public health schools require students to be competent in both verbal and written communication. It is a good idea to hone your communication skills during undergraduate studies. Most entry-level jobs in the public health sector require a bachelor's degree.

A master's degree qualifies individuals for more specialized jobs in the sector and is good for career advancement. Master's students are taught how to apply various quantitative and qualitative skills to solve problems. Through the application of multidisciplinary and collaborative strategies, students develop competency in solving complex health-related issues. They also gain knowledge on the various factors that influence social and health policies.

Master's degrees available in public health include the Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Health Administration (MHA), Master of Health Services Administration (MHSA), and Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH). The MPH, MHA, and MHSA have a greater orientation toward practice and are ideal for those who wish to be practitioners of public health in various settings. If you're focused on a career in academics and research, the MSPH is a good choice. However, program design varies among public health schools. It is a good idea to enquire about degree specifics from prospective schools. Graduate education prepares students for a leadership role in promoting health and preventing disease in local, national, and international settings. (Association of Schools of Public Health)

The Certified in Public Health (CPH) credential is administered by the National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE). The CPH gives a higher level of credibility to public health professionals and encourages ongoing learning. The NBPHE administers the test once a year. To be eligible to take the CPH exam, you must be a graduate of a school and public health program that is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

The Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) credential is awarded to health care professionals who meet certain standards of competence in health education. Individuals who wish to take the CHES exam must have graduated from an accredited institution of higher learning. Students should hold a major in public health or some other health education program. The exam is administered by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). It is a paper-based exam offered twice a year at various campuses throughout the US.

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Salary Information

Compensation for public health professionals varies, depending on the level of education and area of specialty. Salaries also vary depending on geographic location. Public health professionals working in large cities and metropolitan areas earn significantly higher salaries than their counterparts in less densely populated areas. Median annual wages for health educators range from $36,000 to $56,000, depending on the work setting. (BLS) Epidemiologists earn about $61,000 (BLS), while salaried general dentists earn about $143,000. (BLS) Median annual wages for dietitians are about $51,000. (BLS) Entry-level research scientists with bachelor's degree earn $39,000 to $50,000, while those with master's degrees earn from $49,000 to $74,000. (BLS)

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Job Outlook

Employment is expected to grow for most specialty roles in the public health field through 2018. This is largely due to the rising cost of health care, which puts more demand on the services provided by various public health professionals. In many cases, job prospects for public health professionals improve considerably where an individual has an advanced degree. This makes individuals more eligible for specialty jobs within the sector as well as higher paying jobs. (BLS)

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Related Careers

Social workers, like public health professionals, have a keen desire to improve other people's lives. They help people to cope with various personal and societal issues. Social workers help people who face life-threatening diseases or individuals with substance abuse problems. They also engage in research and advocacy to enhance the lifestyles of members of the public. (BLS)

Psychologists focus on human behaviors and mental processes, to help individuals understand themselves better. Through observation, research studies, experiments, interviews, and evaluative processes, they help people to understand the various factors that influence their behaviors and actions. (BLS)

Registered Nurses treat patients and educate members of the public about various health issues. They also counsel patients' families and provide emotional support to help families deal with health challenges. Many registered nurses play an advocacy role by educating the public about good dietary and exercise habits to promote a healthy lifestyle. (BLS)

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