Health Policy Associate Job Duties
With your master’s degree in public health, you may decide to become a health policy associate. In this position, you will be required to analyze large number of reports on the health situations in a variety of states and/or developing nations. You also may work on your own personal research in health policy of the local community, and put together presentations for government officials so that they can make informed decisions on health policy.
Other possible roles for you as a health policy associate in the US or abroad include:
- Stay up to date on the latest health care policy issues in your region
- Conduct analysis of health-related research and translate it into viable policy alternatives
- Develop health-related ideas for original research projects on public health
- Develop effective partnerships with health researchers and form strong relationships with local officials, community representatives and other stakeholders
- Share your analyses and presentations with health policy makers, including legislators and other decision makers
Health Policy Associate Career & Salary Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that health policy associate and educator positions are expected to grow strongly in the next 10 years, by as much as 37%. This is much faster than average compared to other professions. This could be because of the desire for more preventative health care in medical organizations and populations both here and abroad.
Also, remember that as health care costs keep going up, many companies and goverments are trying to determine how to curb costs. This is why more organizations are employing health policy analysts and health educators. If we can determine what is causing people to live shorter, sicker lives, we may be able to then enact policy actions that will help to solve these problems. People in needy communities may also be able to educate the population on how to stay healthy. See complete list of public health careers.
Job Outlook for Health Policy Associates
In 2010, there were 63,400 health educators and health policy associates working. It is expected that there will be an additional 23,200 of these workers in 2010.
It seems likely that several important factors will boost the overall rate of growth for health policy associates. These include more awareness of the importance of eating well to stay healthy and stop disease. The growing population of the aged will also increase the growth of jobs in nutrition and diet in medical centers. Also, as medical insurance changes and emphasizes preventative health, the need for good nutritionists will increase. See job trends in public health.
Salary Potential of Health Policy Associates
The median annual wage for health policy associates and health educators is around $45,800 as of 2010. The top 10%, typically professionals with an advanced degree, such as a master’s in public health, should enjoy a higher salary in the range of $81,000.
Typical places of employment for people in these jobs include: (see more best places to work)
- Hospitals – state/local/private: $58,000
- Government: $48,000
- Social services: $36,000
- Civic and grant organizations: $40,000
Health Policy Associate Education and Training
To become a health care policy associate or educator, you will need a bachelor’s degree in health education, and then a master’s degree in public health. If you have coursework in psychology, human development and foreign languages, this will help you as well. You will need to have several years of experience in a public health-related position to earn the highest possible salary. See online mph programs.
