Public health work basically deals with population-based prevention programs which, according to health experts, must be given more focus to achieve the overall vision for public health improvement over the next decades. The high costs of health care is one major factor these programs are being pushed for better development and having more qualified people who can help with the advancement of the programs is leading to more opportunities for jobs in public health.
Public health employment offers unique health service experiences in areas such as epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health administration, health education, and health policy. Opportunities for various skills and specializations are open in the field of public health where complex issues on infectious diseases, health care access, environmental hazards, substance abuse, violence, and injury are directly dealt with. Jobs in public health are as diverse as the skills and expertise required in the fields of research and statistics, public information and education, health policy advocacy, environmental health studies, demographics, social work, laboratory science, and health administration.
The diversity and complexity of public health jobs are both the main attraction and reward for people who are into it. The involvement of many issues and concerns that consequently affects the health and well being of a population, including minority and disadvantaged groups, heighten the interesting facets of public health work. The annual salaries for the various positions are also worth noting.
The US Bureau of Labor and Statistics reveals that professionals who work under health services administration have the salary range of $37,050 to $161,400 while those under biostatistics get $33,000 to $63,000; epidemiology, $38,175 to $136,237; health education and behavioral science, $33,000 to $86,625. Environmental health professionals get $44,550 to $143,700; international health, $31,500 to $86,625; nutrition, $31,500 to $70,875; program management and public health practice, $41,175 to $102,000; and biomedical laboratory have $31,500 to $78,750 in annual pay.
Because public health employment spells diversity, many people from various backgrounds are able to work in this health-related service. Rather than a disability, their skills and interests from their previous jobs are proven very useful in a public health occupation. Whether in journalism, teaching, law, social science, administrative work, or accountancy, these skills can match with the different kinds of work involved in public health. While the educational backgrounds are also varied for people in this field, a coursework in biology, mathematics, sociology, psychology, education, anthropology, business, or chemistry would prove helpful in the relevant department one wants to work in. Good communication skills are also a good advantage for college students who wish to get into public health employment.
Meanwhile, public health professionals who wish to make a career out of this service would have the competitive edge by securing at least a master's degree in public health, even as it is still possible to climb the higher ranks in public health jobs without it. As with the flexibility and diversity of education and expertise in this field is welcomed, getting a public health occupation is not that difficult. Anyone can practice their profession either in the public or private sectors, although many can be found in the public sector like federal health departments or their local or state counterparts.
Some are also employed as researchers in university systems while still others can opt to apply in pharmaceutical companies or health insurance groups. Non-profit organizations like the Red Cross, the American Cancer Society also have public health jobs focusing primarily on research, health policy, or health advocacy. Local organizations with programs focused on public health can also be approached for possible work.
Public health employment holds a very promising career for anyone who likes to ask a lot of questions, is very flexible, has a variety of interests and talents, has good public relations or communications skills, is constantly open to new ideas and concepts, and more importantly has the genuine desire to contribute well in responding to public health concerns.
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