What to Expect in a Public Health Career The term "public health" is a large umbrella that covers careers from statistician to social worker. So it's no surprise that public health careers appeal to a wide range of people with diverse skills, interests and backgrounds. The variety of jobs available makes public health a good fit for many students who seek to use their abilities and passions for the public good. However, it can also provide a challenge when attempting to take the pulse of the public health industry as a whole. Graduates with Master of Public Health (MPH) degrees qualify for any number of jobs, including the following: - Biomedical statistician
- Chronic disease epidemiologist
- Clinical trials analyst
- Director of environmental health
- Director of epidemiology program
- Director of industrial hygiene
- Director of municipal water treatment plant
- Director of operations of Planned Parenthood affiliate
- Genetics data analyst
- Industrial waste director
- Infection control officer
- Infectious disease epidemiologist
- Project manager
- Public health officer
- Radiation safety specialist
- Survey statistician
- Water quality investigator
Across this broad spectrum of job titles, public health career opportunities are growing. At the same time, an increasing number of students are seeking public health degrees as more people recognize the value and contribution of public health to improving our quality of life.  Statistics for Public Health Career Specialties To understand the job market you'll face upon graduation, you'll need to learn about the trends in your chosen public health career path. The information below summarizes the Bureau of Labor Statistics's data and projections for many of the common specialty areas in public health: Health Educators – Overall, about 62,000 health educators worked in the US in 2006, and job opportunities are increasing at a rate of 26 percent. The main opportunities for public health educators are found in state and local public health departments. Medical Scientists – Epidemiologists make up about five percent of the employees in the medical scientist category—which altogether accounts for roughly 92,000 jobs. These careers, while often competitive, are currently growing at a rate of 20 percent, which is faster than the average rate for all careers. Epidemiologists will find job opportunities working for the government, hospitals, colleges and universities, and research and development facilities. Social Workers – Medical and public health social workers can expect about 24 percent growth in job opportunities between 2006 and 2016—which means that the number of employees in the field will increase by about 30,000 in that time. In their efforts to bring health services to neglected populations, public health social workers will find job openings in hospitals, nursing facilities, individual and family service agencies, and the government. Statisticians – Employment for statisticians will grow at an average rate (about nine percent) between 2006 and 2016. For biostatisticians, in particular, the thriving pharmaceutical industry bodes well for continued job security and growth. Other areas where many of the 22,000 professional statisticians on record found employment include federal, state and local government; colleges and universities; and insurance companies. Start a Career in Public Health Growing job opportunities, a variety of career choices, and the opportunity to serve your community—the reasons to start a career in public health are compelling on both personal and professional levels. If you're ready to get started, explore your public health degree options and then learn more about individual schools. Browse our directory of public health schools, and request more information, today.
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