Why Should I Choose a Career in Public Health?

Choosing a career in public health offers a unique opportunity to significantly impact the well-being of many people. Public health professionals are committed to improving society and the health of thousands, even millions, of people. It’s a rewarding profession that offers the satisfaction of contributing to the greater good. 

Whether someone is compassionate about research, education, policy, or direct community engagement, public health provides a platform for them to pursue their interests and make a meaningful difference in the world.

A passion for public health draws many people to the health sciences, especially those motivated to dedicate their careers to helping others. 

What Do Public Health Professionals Do?

While many different public health career paths exist, they share common traits. Public health professionals focus on protecting and improving the health of populations rather than treating individual patients. They promote good health and address health disparities. Some essential roles and responsibilities of public health professionals include the following.

Disease prevention and control: Public health workers develop and implement strategies to prevent the spread of diseases. This includes coordinating vaccination programs, tracking disease patterns, investigating outbreaks, and conducting screenings for diseases like cancer, diabetes, and hypertension.

Health education and promotion: Educating the public about healthy behaviors and lifestyles is a core function of public health. This includes designing and implementing campaigns to raise awareness about smoking cessation, healthy eating, exercise, and other health issues. Public health professionals also engage with communities to provide information and resources on health topics and implement health education programs in schools.

Policy development and advocacy: Public health professionals work to shape policies that promote health and safety. This includes advocating for laws and regulations that protect public health and developing policies that address social determinants of health and reduce health disparities among different population groups.

Environmental health: This includes overseeing systems for clean water, sewage treatment, and waste disposal, as well as inspecting food establishments and monitoring food supplies to prevent contamination and foodborne illnesses.

Emergency preparedness and response: Public health professionals prepare for and respond to health emergencies, such as natural disasters, pandemics, and bioterrorism. This includes disaster planning, mobilizing public health response teams to disasters, and managing emergency shelters.

Reasons Why Public Health Is a Great Career Choice

Public health professionals work to improve the health of entire populations rather than just individual patients. This broad impact means that their efforts lead to substantial changes in community health outcomes, reducing disease prevalence and improving the quality of life for many people. That’s one of the principal reasons people are drawn to public health careers. 

Public health professionals also play a vital role in reducing health disparities. They strive to make health resources available to everyone. Public health allows one to address social health determinants and advocate for vulnerable and underserved communities.

A career in public health also offers the possibility of shaping health policies and advocating for changes that promote public well-being. Their work in this area can lead to healthier environments, safer communities, and better access to healthcare.

The field also offers a wide range of career paths. This diversity allows public health professionals to find a niche that aligns with their passions and skills. The profession also offers job stability and growth. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects the number of epidemiologists – public health professionals who focus on tracking and finding the cause of infectious diseases – to grow by 27% over the next decade. 

Another significant factor that makes a public health career attractive is the great personal satisfaction it offers. Knowing that one’s efforts contribute to preventing disease, promoting health, and improving the lives of others can be incredibly fulfilling.

A Master’s Degree in Public Health from Touro University Worldwide

The online MS in Health Sciences with a concentration in Public Health from Touro University Worldwide equips graduates with the skills necessary for this rewarding career field. The program focuses on teaching graduate students how to work with groups and communities to enhance public health outcomes. Public health professionals often find careers in government agencies or non-profit organizations. 

Some potential job titles for graduates include Community Health Services Director, School Health Services Manager, Public Health Policy Analyst, Department Manager, and Community Clinic Manager.

A career in public health is immensely rewarding because it allows graduates to impact the health and well-being of entire communities significantly. Public health professionals work on the front lines of preventing disease, promoting health, and addressing health disparities, leading to tangible improvements in population health. Seeing the positive outcomes of one’s efforts provides a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose.

Moreover, public health careers offer the opportunity to address critical health issues locally and globally. This dynamic and impactful work not only enhances the lives of others but also provides a continuous learning experience and professional growth, making public health a profoundly satisfying and meaningful career choice.