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Last Updated on February 16, 2025
A career in public health can positively impact your community. An individual in this field may provide educational services to various populations, study and interpret data to make informed decisions or manage a facility’s business.
Since the U.S. population is aging and public health crises are ongoing, there are many career opportunities in public health. Check out this article to see if you’re suited for a career in public health.
Looking for a rewarding career with security and growth? Public health is booming with opportunities in education, healthcare management, and community wellness. Explore top roles and how to get started! #PublicHealth Click To TweetWhat This Article Covers
- Why Choose a Public Health Career? – Explore the benefits of a public health career, including job stability, flexibility, and the ability to make a meaningful community impact.
- Top Emerging Public Health Jobs – Learn about high-demand public health careers, including education, healthcare management, safety, and consulting roles.
- Educational Paths and Requirements – Understand the degrees, certifications, and
skills needed to enter and advance in public health careers. - Growth and
Salary Outlook – Discover the projected job growth rates and earning potential for various public health roles based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data. - Career Switching and Online Education – Find out how distance learning and online degree programs make transitioning into public health easier for working professionals.
- How to Get Started in Public Health: Follow these actionable steps to identify the right public health job based on your interests, strengths, and career goals.
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Why Consider a Public Health Career?
Pursuing a career in public health is rewarding and essential, as healthcare professionals are consistently in high demand. The aging population and the continuous need for health services contribute to this demand. Many public health roles require only a bachelor’s degree, offering accessible entry points into the field. Additionally, public health careers offer flexibility, allowing professionals to work across various sectors and locations worldwide.
- High Demand for Healthcare Professionals: An aging population and ongoing health service needs ensure a steady demand for public health experts.
- Accessible Entry with Bachelor’s Degree: Numerous public health positions require only an undergraduate degree, making the field accessible to many.
- Flexibility Across Sectors: Public health professionals can work in diverse industries and global locations, offering varied career opportunities.
While a career in public health can be beneficial, professionals in other fields may wonder if it’s too late to switch careers. The growth of distance learning has made it easier for many people to prepare for a new career while still working full-time.
If you are worried that you will not have time to prepare for entrance exams, many universities now offer masters in public health online without GRE programs. This program allows you to advance or
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Emerging Public Health Jobs
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most of the following careers will soon offer relatively high salaries and above-average growth rates.
1. Health Educator
The BLS estimates that health educators’ job growth will be 13% from 2019 to 2029, with a median
Health educators promote healthy habits and promote wellness in the communities they work with. These professionals create health-related programs and distribute educational materials based on their research. In addition to healthcare facilities and colleges, health educators can work in nonprofit organizations.
Health educators play different roles in different settings. For example, government agencies may run campaigns to encourage vaccinations, while health educators in the private sector may offer incentives to motivate employees to get active.
This position requires a Bachelor’s degree in public health or health education. Obtaining a certified health education specialist credential may be necessary for some positions.
Job titles for Health Educators include Community Health Educators, Health Education Directors, and School Health Educators.
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2. Occupational Health and Safety Specialist and Technician
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 4% job growth for health educators from 2019 to 2029, while the median
Specialists and occupational health and safety technicians inspect and evaluate workplace equipment and best practices to ensure employee safety. These professionals aim to ensure that employers follow safety standards and government regulations.
Some specialists designed and implemented safety
This career requires a bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety or environmental health and safety. Some positions require a master’s degree in health-related fields.
Occupational Health and Safety Jobs include Environmental Health and Safety Technicians, Registered Nurses of Occupational Health, Safety Specialists, etc.
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3. Social and Community Service Manager
BLS statistics indicate that health educators’ job growth will be 17% from 2019 to 2029, with a median
Social workers and community service managers usually supervise workers who provide direct services to the public. Collaborating with the community and other stakeholders, they develop and manage public health projects, programs, and organizations. Social and community managers also determine the effectiveness of projects and initiatives to make important decisions around health programs.
Those seeking social and community service positions can work for small and large organizations. In some cases, these managers specialize in particular demographics, such as children or the homeless, or they work in certain fields, such as mental health or drug abuse.
This position requires a Bachelor’s degree in social work, public health, or a related field.
Social and Community Services Managers can be employed as Community Engagement, Residence Services, and Social Services Department Managers.
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4. Hospital Administrator
According to BLS statistics, health educators’ jobs are expected to grow by 32% between 2019 and 2029, and their median
As medical professionals, their responsibilities include creating budgets, coordinating medical services, and
Hospital administrators ensure that hospitals run smoothly and efficiently while providing patients with the best care. These positions are available at private medical centers and large hospitals. Most people in this position have years of experience working in medical facilities.
To become a hospital administrator, you will need a Bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration or a related field. Most employers prefer to hire candidates with a master’s degree in healthcare administration.
You can be a hospital administrator, assistant administrator, health services administrator, or health services manager.
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5. Healthcare Consultant
The BLS estimates that health educators’ job growth will be 11% from 2019 to 2029, with a median
The purpose of healthcare consultants is to examine a medical company and find ways to improve production. Using data analysis and interpretation, healthcare consultants analyze a company’s numbers and offer ways to improve efficiency and
There are two healthcare consultants: contract employees who work through an agency and independent contractors who work directly with clients.
The minimum educational requirement is a Bachelor’s degree in a health-related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with master’s degrees or specializations.
Consultant jobs in public health include Behavioral Health Consultants, Health Navigation Consultants, and Healthcare Economics Consultants.
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6. Public Health Nurse
The BLS predicts 7% job growth for health educators from 2019 to 2029; the median
Public health nurses provide care and education to communities. Depending on the populations they serve, they offer different services and
These professionals can also work with government agencies to manage community health program budgets, advocate for better health services for underserved populations, and manage patient care.
The minimum education requirement is an associate degree in nursing. Some employers seek candidates with a nursing degree or master’s degree. To become a registered nurse, you must also meet additional licensing requirements.
Nurses who work in public health can be Community Outreach Nurses, Public Immunization Nurses, or School Nurses.
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Conclusion
Pursuing a career in public health makes it possible to contribute to a community’s overall health without attending medical school. Public health workers’ primary focus is prevention, which involves educating, researching, and collecting data.
Jobs in public health are stable, in demand, and available in many settings. Find a public health career that matches your strengths and interests, like medicine, technical, or business, and take the first step toward your dream career!
Joey Trebif is the pen name of Mark Fiebert, a former finance executive who hired and managed dozens of professionals during his 30-plus-year career. He now shares expert job search, resume, and career advice on CareerAlley.com.
