Introduction
Public health is a broad field that includes a variety of disciplines dedicated to enhancing community health and well-being. Career paths in the discipline range from epidemiology and health programs to global health and healthcare management (Laverack 14). Public health experts deal with the world’s most pressing health issues, such as malnutrition, preventable chronic diseases, maternal deaths, and antibiotic resistance. This document offers potential public health career pathways to consider, trends, interaction with field practitioners, and a job search strategy.
Careers Within the Public Health Field
The first potential career in the public health field is epidemiology. Epidemiologists study the trends, causes, and consequences of diseases and injuries in communities. They design research to collect statistics on illnesses and medical concerns, as well as develop and execute public health policies. Their median yearly salary is projected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as $75,690.A master’s in epidemiological studies, biostatistics, or a similar discipline is usually necessary, as well as experience in research in public health, data processing, and statistical inference (Samet 818). Secondly, health educators establish and carry out educational programs in communities to encourage healthy behaviors and lifestyles. According to the BLS, the median yearly compensation for health educators is $47,660. Typically, a bachelor’s degree in health promotion, public health, or a similar profession is necessary. Good interpersonal, communication and organizational abilities are required.
Thirdly, nurses working in public health provide individual, family, and community health education and direct patient treatment. They strive to avoid disease and damage while promoting healthier lives (Li et al.). According to the BLS, the median yearly compensation for health educators is $47,660. A registered nurse (RN) authorization and a bachelor’s or master’s in public health nursing or nursing are required to qualify. Proper medical skills, alongside excellent interpersonal and communication abilities, as well as comprehension of public health ideas and practices, are required.
Trends
Epidemiologists’ employment is expected to expand by 5% between 2019 to 2029, a rate higher than that for all occupations. The hiring of educators and public health professionals is likely to increase by 13% between 2019 and 2029. It is anticipated to expand by 7% for registered nurses (BLS). Healthcare and medical services managers are projected to rise 32% between 2019 and 2029 (BLS). Some budding vocations in public health are predicted to see substantial growth in the future years. Data scientists are becoming increasingly significant public health professionals as health data becomes more widely available and the significance of evidence-based decision support grows (Prosperi 18). As healthcare companies rely more on electronic medical records and other medical database systems, there is an increasing demand for health information professionals who can manage and secure these systems. Because of technology and policy developments, certain positions might be less in demand, if not obsolete. Those with a solid foundation in public health, on the other hand, may be able to adapt their talents to emerging jobs or specialties within the sector.
Networking
After interviewing Strome, who has worked in the field for over three years, he provided me with some useful epidemiological observations. He recommended that because he worked as a data entry specialist, pursuing a technologically intensive job in health is rewarding so long as it piqued my interest (D. Strome, email, February 20, 2023). Dorleena responded to my LinkedIn questions with recommendations on prospective organizations to join like a public health specialist. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) and the American Public Health Association (APHA) are examples of such institutions. (D. Sammons, email, February 21, 2023). Participating in such platforms will keep me up to date and link me with individuals working in the public health sector.
Priya was someone I wanted to connect with because her professional experience was research-based, as she oversaw various health projects. The most important lesson from our discussion was the importance of supporting awareness campaigns in the online space, and accommodating a flexible work culture as reflected in her work experiences (P. Shah, phone, February 21, 2023). She mentioned that businesses were looking for communication and interpersonal abilities, knowledge of health policies and programs, as well as strategy formulation and implementation.
Job Search Plan
Various job search sites engage in global health and seeking healthcare positions. Such job search sites include Public Health Jobs, Global Health Careers, and USAJobs, to which I will submit my applications. Because APHA has employment centers and job boards, I will check in with them frequently. I want to attend a SOPHE event in March since career fairs and professional events are fantastic ways to meet prospective employers and discover job prospects in the community health area. In addition, I will stay in touch with the interviewees via LinkedIn and seek more guidance in my public health future career. Tailoring my résumé and job application to the particular job I am seeking is essential, as is effectively preparing for my interviews.
Conclusion
A profession in public health may be both gratifying and demanding, with an opportunity to impact people’s and communities’ lives. A bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject is required to pursue a career in the public health sector, while many public health workers earn further degrees such as an MPH. Public health experts serve in an array of settings, including government entities, non-profit associations, health systems, and academia. A public health practitioner must network with the proper individuals and maintain an internet presence to land a job.
Works Cited
Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Healthcare Occupations. (2021). Web.
Laverack, Glenn. Public Health: Power, Empowerment and Professional Practice. Bloomsbury Publishing, 2019. Web.
Li, Shu, Meijuan Cao, and Xuejiao Zhu. “Evidence-Based Practice: Knowledge, Attitudes, Implementation, Facilitators, and Barriers Among Community Nurses—A Systematic Review.” Medicine 98.39 (2019). Web.
Prosperi, Mattia, et al. “Big Data Hurdles in Precision Medicine and Precision Public Health.” BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making 18 (2018): 1-15. Web.
Samet, Jonathan M., and Alistair Woodward. “On Being an Epidemiologist.” American Journal of Epidemiology 188.5 (2019): 818-824. Web.
Sammons, Dorleena. Inquiry. Conducted by Student Name.
Shah, Priya. Inquiry. Conducted by Student Name.
Strome, David. Interview. Conducted by Student Name.