What is Public Health and Why Is It Important?
Many public health professionals are supported by a degree in public health. They dedicate themselves to ensuring we have improved water and food quality, clean air, as well as access to various services that promote wellness.
But what exactly is public health, and why is it so essential to have a degree in this field?
A public health degree is an excellent path to entering this exciting field. This guide provides all of the information you need about public health, such as its definition and potential jobs within it.
What is public healthcare?
It is common to mistakenly conflate “health” with medical matters. Therefore, it can be challenging to define public health in a consistent manner. Public health does not refer to the practice of medicine found in hospitals or doctors’ offices; rather, it encompasses all aspects of wellbeing for all citizens.
Public health is the science and practice of improving and protecting the health and well-being of communities. There is a focus on prevention and reducing risks among large groups. Public health degree holders strive to keep communities healthy through education, child wellness initiatives, disease prevention strategies, disaster relief efforts and clean water initiatives.
Why is public health so essential?
Many people donzt consider these roles until a major emergency, like a devastating hurricane. Public health officers–many of whom hold degrees–work tirelessly on a daily basis to keep people safe and healthy both locally and abroad by preventing illness and injury.
Public health initiatives, such as family planning, vaccinations, motor vehicle safety laws and clean air/drinking water policies have all contributed to an increase in life expectancy of almost 30 years.
What is the most effective way to gain knowledge about public health while studying for a master’s degree?
No matter if you are studying on campus or online in public health, your degree will provide a strong foundation for issues that impact both patient health and healthcare systems. These may include environmental health, disease prevention, ethics, behavioral and cultural problems as well as health informatics.
What Can You Achieve with a Public Health Degree?
Although practical experience in public health is possible, most careers require a Master of Public Health or MPH degree to enter and progress within the profession.
No matter what degree you earn – bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral – there are many ways to put your public-health degree to use. The range of careers available within this field is as diverse as its practitioners.
Are There Public Health Jobs Available?
Holders of a public health degree can find employment in numerous settings, including but not limited to:
- Governments at all levels: national, state and local
- Departments and health agencies both national and local
- Non-profit organizations
- Private foundations and health-based organizations
- Colleges and universities
- Faith-based organisations
- Insurance companies
- Insurance companies with national coverage.
What are some of the most common jobs in public healthcare?
Public health jobs are numerous; too numerous to list here. They range from epidemiology and environmental/health statistics, to administration of healthcare services and beyond.
With a degree in public health, you could pursue several exciting public health careers:
- Community health worker
- An investigator for disease
- Environmental health specialist
- Epidemiologist
- Global health professional
- Health officer
- Health policy advisor
Specialist in safety and occupational health
- Public health analyst
- Educationalist
Public health response coordination and preparation
- Public Health Information Officer
- Coordinating public policy
- Research analyst
Additional Resource:
https://www.who.int/europe/health-topics
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/communications-guide/what-is-public-health/
http://www.capitalareaphn.org/about/what-is-public-health
https://www.guidehealth.us/