How to Get a Public Health Job
The field of public health offers a wide array of careers, both domestically and abroad. Opportunities include, but are not limited to, epidemiologist, biostatistician, health educator, environmental health manager, nurse, physician, industrial hygienist, social worker, lab technician, drug safety personnel, dentist and hygienist. To get a public health job you'll need at least a four year degree and often, additional training or degrees, depending on the area of specialty chosen.
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Instructions
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Talk to people who currently work in public health positions. This is a great way to find out about educational requirements, pay and opportunities for advancement before jumping into the field.
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Enroll in an institute of higher learning that's accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). There are lists of these schools available online (see Resources below).
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Work part time in some capacity in the public health realm during your first two years of college when you're mainly taking required general courses. This will provide you with a first-hand look at this type of work and help you determine if you wish to continue on your chosen degree path.
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Pursue a four year degree if you decide to make your career in the public health arena. Many public health fields require a science or psychology background, so acquire a tutor if you're having any difficulties with those courses.
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Acquire a master's degree if you're serious about upward mobility in the public health field. This is a highly competitive area with seriously qualified applicants, so be prepared.
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Consider a dual degree if you're interested in nursing, law, social work, public health policy, medicine or veterinary medicine. Some schools of public health allow new graduate students (or those who already have one upper graduate degree) to join an accelerated Masters of Public Health (MPH) program.
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