Public Health: Is It a Rewarding Career Option?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC as it’s more commonly known, are America’s top public health agency. With their mandate, they aim to prevent diseases before they strike in 2020 – making them essential to everyone’s life. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are responsible for much more than managing research, messaging, information dissemination and other aspects of COVID-19. Not only are they tasked with responding to immediate health threats but also larger public health issues which can have an impact on Americans such as disability or death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are listening to America’s pulse. If this mission appeals to you and you’re searching for a rewarding career, your personal experience will likely convince you that public health is an excellent choice.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, six million new jobs are projected in healthcare and social services due to an aging baby boomer population and people with chronic illnesses. Public health professionals provide these populations with a range of services and programs in various environments – you can find public health services in:
- Government Agencies
- Health Facilities within the state and at-home
- Hospitals and Clinics
Nursing Homes
Public health professionals working in nursing homes might have the opportunity to assume leadership positions within administration or management. Titles could include Public Health Director, Researcher Biostatistician Epidemiologist Congressional Staffer or even Public Health Director. With a Master’s in Public Health, it is possible to earn the salary of a medical and/or health services manager. On average, this equates to $104,280 annually depending on where you work; government positions in this field pay $116,380 per annum on average. Comparably, hospitals can pay up to $1128,870 and outpatient centers $100,690; physicians make $94,240 while residential care facilities offer $89 880. While job functions and demographics differ between these locations, all offer excellent compensation packages.
Public health is an exciting career option. Individuals in this field have the unique opportunity to make a positive impact on their communities, within healthcare systems or even during global crises. Earning your Master of Public Health can be lucrative no matter which path you take – is MPH the right degree for you?
An MPH degree is an ideal path for those aspiring to a career in public health management. With this degree, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge needed to apply it effectively and creatively. Goodwin University MPH students have the choice of three concentrations, Community Health, Global Health or Health Policy and Management. The core curriculum, which covers key principles of public health such as Research Methods, Principles of Epidemiology, Emergency Management Health Issues and Public Health Policy, is followed by concentration-specific courses to help you define your career. You’ll gain knowledge on addressing today’s top public health problems like food safety; heart disease/stroke; nutrition; and mental health.
The public health profession offers more versatility than other healthcare disciplines (which may require specialized paths to certification or licensure). This versatility is evident in the variety of settings and concentrations that master’s degree holders in public healthcare can pursue. Studies in business demonstrate that adaptability, versatility and adaptability are crucial qualities for successful professional success; making public health an excellent option for those interested but not necessarily in traditional healthcare careers; your adaptability will enable you to progress quickly into leadership or other rewarding roles.
What career options exist for you in this field?
Before applying to Goodwin University’s Master of Public Health program, there are some prerequisites that will help you prepare for advanced study.
- Submitting a Graduate Application
- Attach your professional resume.
- Verify that you have up-to-date vaccinations against Varicella, Mumps and Rubella.
A transcript of your bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university recognized by the Council for Higher Education is required. It should reflect a minimum 2.0 GPA.
Goodwin University does not require GRE scores, letters of recommendation or interviews like some other master’s programs do. Therefore, those with diverse undergraduate backgrounds in nursing, law, sociology, education or communication will find the MPH pathway to be an ideal next step.
Additional Resource:
https://www.annualreviews.org/journal/publhealth
https://academic.oup.com/jpubhealth
https://www.coursera.org/browse/health/public-health