The public health field of professional is one of the most prudent career choices for students as it offers unique advantages in terms of career options and educational experiences.
There is no denying the fact that all healthcare professions are rewarding in terms of monetary gains and spiritual contentment. Nevertheless, public health offers unique and real solutions to contemporary health problems.
One reason to become a public health professional is that you want to help people and have a passion for public health. The other reasons could include the following:
- Wanting to work with different healthcare settings.
- Conducting research.
- Working in the policy field.
A career in public health provides vast opportunities that allow you to make a difference in society.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for competent and qualified public health professionals to respond to health emergencies. The pandemic has also exposed the weaknesses and apparent shortcomings of the public health system, as most of the public health workforce could not cope with the continuously altering needs of public health demand.
Various degree programs are offered for healthcare professionals to achieve the requisite skills to deal with health emergencies and to work in the public health sector. Different public health programs, such as Bachelor in global health, MPH, MSPH degree, and MHS, have gained increasing importance and have sharply grown in popularity in the USA, Europe, and around the globe.
These professional degree programs will enable practitioners to handle public health issues efficiently. One common advantage of these degree programs is that they enhance research skills and teach evidence-based practices that are mandatory to cope with health dilemmas in the contemporary world.
Here are some reasons for those who still need clarification about the distinctive benefits of opting for public health as a career option.
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Extensive employment opportunities
Public health professionals can work in different capacities, such as researchers, managers, consultants, health analysts, epidemiologists, health coordinators, and statisticians.
Due to the increasing demand for public health professionals, this field offers significant job security. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate is expected to grow by 13 % by 2030. Hence, there are extensive employment opportunities for those willing to choose public health as a preferred career option.
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Influential role in maintaining community health
Public health experts are also referred to as problem solvers who are continuously engaged in finding solutions to global and community health issues.
They also work with local and state governments to create and enforce laws and regulations that protect public health.
In addition, public health professionals work to maintain community health by implementing disease prevention strategies, monitoring, investigating outbreaks, and providing education and information to the public.
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Diverse skill building
One of the major benefits of adopting a public health profession is that the degree programs help the students learn diverse skills such as communication skills, cultural competence, and evidence-based practices. These skills help public health professionals protect communities from pathogenic diseases and health-related issues. Therefore, if you want diverse and enriching experiences, the public health profession is one of the most prudent choices.
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Rewarding career option
Public health professionals enjoy several benefits in terms of economic stability.
First, public health jobs are usually classified as “mission critical” positions, implying that public health professionals are considered essential to the functioning of society.
Public health professionals are often among the first to be hired during critical times such as pandemics. They are also more likely to receive salary increases and bonuses than professionals in other sectors.
In addition, public health jobs are often located in desirable geographic areas, which can lead to higher-than-average salaries and a relatively lower cost of living.
Moreover, public health professionals often have access to unique benefits packages, including paid vacation time, tuition reimbursement, and medical insurance.
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Leadership role to influence health policies
Attaining a public health degree increases the credibility of the public health professional to assist policymakers in establishing holistic health care policies.
Public health professionals play an important role in devising policies and strategies for better implementation of interventions to help community members deal with health-related challenges.
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Global Impact
The impact of public health professionals is very deep in our society. Some of them are mentioned below, have a look.
As public health educators, they educate people; as information officers, they provide mandatory information to the public to adopt practices to avoid health challenges; as policy coordinators, they keep a check on recent advancements in the healthcare field and help formulate policies for global welfare.
Hence the impact of a public health professional is vast and is one of the advantages that is not offered by many professions.
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Distinct degree and career options
Public health degree holders have myriads of options they can adopt after completing their education, such as working in public or private healthcare sectors.
They can opt for a hospital executive role and attain leadership positions. They can also work as academia and educator to teach young and upcoming healthcare professionals.
Therefore, if you become a public health professional, you are more likely to have many options to choose from, and you will undoubtedly outpace other health professionals when it comes to climbing the professional ladder.
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Multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approach
Public health is a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary field that requires the collaboration of stakeholders, including nurses, physicians, social workers, dieticians, and politicians.
Working with professionals from diverse backgrounds provides an eclectic and unique experience to public health professionals, enabling them to work in a diverse and competitive environment.
Such exposure is crucial for personal and professional development.
Conclusion
Public health is a vast and unique field providing opportunities to individuals who aim to help others and bring change into people’s lives, especially regarding health.
If you aim to become a public health professional and are still reluctant to take that step, go through the above reasons, and you will know why you should opt for this profession and how rewarding it is.