When you’re looking at a career in public health, you have to remember that this industry is very broad-reaching and covers a variety of positions and jobs that people can choose from. Public health careers appeal to a wide selection of people who have diverse interests and skills to do the jobs that are available. Today, there is an increasing demand for professionals within the world of public health, in all types of different positions. The question remains, for many: Is public health really a good career choice?
There isn’t a short, simple answer to that question. At the very least, it is growing at nearly twice the national average rate for careers, and has salaries that reflect the increasing demand. That might be enough for some people, but there is a lot more to consider as well.
Some Public Health Career Options
There are a variety of different careers that you can choose from when you get a public health degree. By taking the time to learn about different options, you might be better able to determine if this is the right course of action for your career or not. Here are some career positions that you can find in the public health industry:
- Biomedical statistician
- Industrial waste director
- Public health officer
- Genetics data analyst
- Director of operations
- Epidemiologist
- Survey statistician
- Clinical research coordinator
- Non-Profit executive director
- Health educator
- -Healthcare consultant
This is just a sampling of the career options that you have with a degree in public health. With so much to choose from, it’s going to be easy for a lot of people to determine that this is, in fact, the right career path for their future. These aren’t all of the public health careers you can choose from, of course, so you’ll have to do some research and figure out what you want.
Are You a Good Candidate?
Another part of determining whether public health is a good career choice is in figuring out whether you are a good candidate. If you have a passion for changing the world and want to work in policy and public health, you can definitely benefit from this career. Additionally, if you are looking for a rewarding career where you can influence social issues and impact change, this is a great choice. Take the time to analyze what it takes to work in this field and whether it suits your desires, abilities, and career goals. That way, you can know not only whether this is a good career choice, but whether it’s a good choice for YOU.
The Factors that Affect Your Decision
There are a lot of elements that can impact whether or not you are well-suited for a career in public health. You have to think about these factors when you are making your decision. Not only do you have to determine that you’re a good candidate and that there is a position that you enjoy, but you also have to consider things like:
- Location: In some areas around the country and the world, public health careers are going to be a better choice than others. For example, if you work in a city like Panama City, Florida, you can make up to $125,000 or more as a healthcare manager. In smaller cities or rural areas, there might not be as much opportunity.
- Salary expectations: Look at your career and figure out exactly how much you can expect to earn. The BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov) is a good source of information to determine how much you can earn.
- Job Outlook: Again, you can consult the BLS and figure out how much your chosen career is expected to grow. This will allow you to decide whether it’s the right choice now and for the future.
