Does the deteriorating mental health of the masses today concern you? Or the hiking obesity rates around the globe make you want to do something about the way people live their lives? If you are someone who feels deeply about the prevailing health concerns in your community, then a career in public health is the right fit for you!
Public health is the study of nurturing the health standards in a community by improving individuals’ health. It is the art of enacting measures to prevent disease and change the standard of life for the better. Public health workers’ role is significant as it helps direct organized efforts to counter bigger health problems.
For example, in the UK, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases initiated the National Diabetes Program. The aim was straightforward, to help an early diagnosis and prevent or delay the occurrence of type 2 diabetes.
Public health workers play a huge role in shaping such campaigns. One may also wish to determine the community’s health reforms. In that case, he or she can choose one of the following career choices and get going.
Here is a list of the degree programs and specializations you can enroll in if you wish to become a public health worker:
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Bachelors in Public Health:
Once when you graduate high school, you need to choose a degree to get your career kick-started. Much like every other subject, a bachelor’s degree in public health is the stepping-stone to a flourishing career. Several universities today offer both online and on-campus programs that you can choose depending on your convenience. A bachelor’s in public health takes around four years to complete.
Once you accomplish, a bachelor’s degree can present some fantastic job opportunities in the market. A few jobs that you can take up include child development specialist, public health educator, etc. It also provides the pathway to acquiring a higher degree in public health, such as those mentioned ahead.
A bachelor’s degree gives you a basic understanding of the theory and practice of public health. It also incorporates a certain mandatory internship period, which provides students with excellent hands-on experience before entering their careers full-time. These programs most commonly include a thesis.
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Masters in Public Health:
After your graduation, you are eligible for a master’s in public health (mph) degree. This degree offers you an in-depth understanding of the advanced public health roles and how to cater to them. Even though a bachelor’s program may give access to several career choices, some of the best and high paying jobs require a master’s degree.
If you wish to move up the ladder and achieve better in your career, it is best to consider getting into a master’s program. Like other programs, a master’s in public health is available on-campus. However, many of you would prefer enrolling in an online mph program to benefit from the flexible schedule offered. E-education has paved ways for professionals to nurture their pool of knowledge along with their job or apprenticeship.
Since it is an expanding field, public health degree programs are commonly available at the best universities. The course most commonly stretches from 18 months up to 2 years of education. Some of the specializations you can focus on in a master’s program include:
- Nutrition: We know how closely diet and health are connected. And as public health workers, one key concern you can focus on is improving the masses’ dietary habits.
- Epidemiology: This subject is the cornerstone of public health. It provides skills to analyze the determinants of health and disease in a particular society.
- Community Health Education: As the name suggests, this aspect of public health deals with educating the masses on addressing specific health concerns. It includes providing the public with the necessary resources to assist in better health outcomes.
- Environment Health Sciences Degree: The environment in which we live has a direct impact on our health. Therefore, public health workers focusing on this specialization study how alterations in the atmosphere improve or worsen public health.
- Maternal and Child Health: Often, neglecting the mother’s health during pregnancy can pose severe risks to the child’s health. This subject helps public health workers acquire the knowledge to assist mothers during pregnancy and afterward and address the infants’ well-being concerns.
- Master of Science in Public Health:
While a master’s in public health (MPH) offers professional studies and grooms individuals for a practical setting, a Master of Science in public health (MSPH) is more academic. However, you will find most of the courses in an MPH and an MSPH overlapping.
A Master of Science in Public Health equips learners for research-based roles such as educators, examiners, etc. They acquire skills to assess and evaluate the current public health policies and recommend ways to improve these. Similar to other master’s degrees, this program also commonly takes up to 2 years to finish.
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Doctorate in Public Health:
Becoming a doctorate in public health is the highest degree of education you can achieve in this field. It equips individuals with skills that make them fit for top leadership roles. After a doctorate, you can become a professor, a public health director, etc.
To enroll in a doctorate program, you should already have a master’s degree such as a Master of Science in public health. You will also commonly require extensive work experience before you become eligible for getting into a doctoral program. For senior workers who wish to attain a doctoral degree, enrolling in online programs is a wise choice. Several top-notch universities today offer programs for an online doctorate in public health.
Conclusion:
With the deteriorating health statistics worldwide, public health is an international concern. After graduating as a public health expert, you can add significant value to this field.
If you are an aspiring public health worker, consider opting for one of the few degree programs and specializations we listed above. We are optimistic that these online programs will offer you the best way to embark on a fruitful public health career.
