Public health is a rewarding field that can open doors for you and your future. A career in public health can offer an abundance of different professional paths. From working as a researcher in a university or hospital laboratory to working as a policy analyst at the federal or state level, as well as in nonprofit agencies, private companies, and foundations — there are many different fields within the field of public health. If you’re considering a career in public health, read on for some great reasons why you should consider this field.
1. Improve the quality of life
Public health workers can improve the quality of life for people worldwide by improving health outcomes, increasing access to nutritious food, reducing preventable diseases, and improving the social, political, and economic environments that affect health. If you have a passion for improving the health of others, a career in public health can be rewarding and fulfilling.
2. Offers stability
Public health is a broad, multidisciplinary field that spans a wide and diverse range of career types, allowing you to explore a variety of specialties, niches, and concentrations depending on your goals and interests. Whether you’re chiefly interested in mathematics, politics, marketing, education, or other areas, there’s likely a career path for you in public health.
3. Essential skills for public health careers
A career in public health may provide a natural transition for students who are experienced with or interested in disciplines like nursing, civic service, policymaking, or other areas of healthcare, such as mental health services or healthcare promotion and marketing. It’s important to note that public health officials work with groups and communities, such as cities or counties, making public health roles distinct from physicians who focus on providing individual care.
4. Constantly evolving field
Public health is a constantly evolving field. Advances in science and technology provide new opportunities for public health professionals to improve people’s health and quality of life. As new technology emerges, public health professionals are among the first to recognize its potential to impact health and wellness.
5. Make a difference
Maintaining good health is an integral part of every person’s life. Public health professionals are dedicated to improving health and providing people with the tools they need to live healthy, happy lives. A public health career can help you make an impact on the people in your community by addressing important health issues.
Examples of public health careers
Here are a few more examples of public health careers and professions.
- Biostatistician
- Director of programs and services
- Environmental health officer
- Healthcare specialist
- Medical director
- Medical writer
- Nutritionist
- Occupational health and safety manager
- Public health management analyst
- Public health nurse (four-year RN program required)
- Radiation safety officer
- Regulatory specialist
Conclusion
The best way to gain experience in public health is to immerse yourself in the center of the action via an internship, entry-level job, or volunteer position. Public health is a dynamic and rewarding field that can open doors for you and your future.
