Whenever we hear “health,” we associate this word with medical matters, doctors, medicines, and healthy food. Even the word public health appears to be a phenomenon concerning the health and well-being of a general population. The healthcare system comprises healthcare professionals and public health professionals. Public health differs from the common medical practice in clinical settings or a doctor’s office. It is not a one-on-one discipline. Public health is one of the fundamental components of any healthcare system, equipping it with recent studies and strategies to improve the quality of care in hospitals.
Public health is more of a multi-disciplinary domain focusing on improving and safeguarding community health and well-being. It also emphasizes on prevention of diseases among large portions of the community or a population. From collecting data about infections to monitoring food and water conditions, public health plays a substantial role in maintaining healthy living standards. Yet, we rarely see public health upfront, or we realize its significance during crises. For example, public health initiatives like vaccinations, family planning, clean air, and vehicle safety law have increased the life expectancy in the US by 30 years.
Over the years, the number of enrollments in the public health domain in universities has seen a boost. As a result, graduate students looking for higher degrees and healthcare professionals are availing themselves of the opportunity of online mph degrees to update their knowledge. In addition, universities offering online degrees have made it easy for working professionals and students in different states to pursue education from their desired universities.
This article aims to highlight the scope of studying public health with a promising career perspective.
- Job security
When choosing a professional degree or a career pathway, everyone prioritizes a job with a stable income and professional stability. A career in public health is a surefire way to secure a stable job with professional and financial growth. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 5% to 11% growth in public health jobs in the next ten years. The hospitals are snowballing with patients suffering from chronic disease, and the number of patients keeps increasing. Public health professionals can play an essential role in spreading awareness about preventative measures and healthy habits. Filling this information gap has paved the way for stable career opportunities for people with a public health degree.
- Lucrative salaries
Anyone starting a career at an entry-level expects to grow financially and professionally while climbing the ladder. Careers in public health offer lucrative salaries. Bagging such a lucrative number requires persistence and experience, but the most popular jobs in public health offer handsome salaries. For instance, you can earn up to 45,500 USD per year as a public health educator. An epidemiologist earns 67,000 USD annually. If you aim to be a public health consultant, your annual salary will range around 57,000 USD. A career as public health administrator offers 65,000 USD per year. Finally, a career as a clinical research coordinator can help you make 53,800 USD per year.
- Travel and learn
Pursuing a career in public health allows you to work anywhere in the world. You can utilize your skills in any laboratory or choose to collaborate and work with people from other cultures and ethnicities. However, you might need to learn local languages to communicate with locals depending on your chosen country. Working with different public and healthcare professionals offers an excellent opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills and understand different cultures and habits. As a public health professional, learning while traveling adds a lot to your experience. It also offers you career opportunities that may require your expertise in working with different ethnicities or cultures.
- Creating a global impact
We often feel that our job is missing that meaning and fulfillment we decided to obtain through our work. When we analyze a rewarding career pathway or equip ourselves with a sense of fulfillment, we see doctors, nurses, and teachers enjoying such privilege. However, a career in public health is also rewarding and fulfilling when you know that your work contributes to the health and well-being of thousands of people. Public health professionals can create a global impact by contributing to their field and helping millions of people stay safe from diseases and infections.
- Multiple working options
Just like a doctor gets to work in a different hospital, or a teacher gets to teach at a school, college, public health workers, on the other hand, can work in multiple settings. For example, working with government agencies gives public health professionals the leverage to upgrade public health policy and ensure that every aspect complies with existing laws and regulations. In addition, they can work with non-profit organizations operating with the sole purpose of addressing public health issues.
Conclusion
Public health plays a vital role in sustaining the health and well-being of any country, society, or community. No matter what size the population is, we wouldn’t have built healthy communities without public health. Public health professionals can enjoy a lucrative career with the right skill set and knowledge in their domains. For instance, an epidemiologist plays a vital role in assessing the spread of disease, finding its cure, prevention, and educating the public about their safety. In addition, public health professionals can work across cultures and help bridge the gaps that prevail in the healthcare system.
