Those studying public health work in both public and private sectors. They’re responsible for ensuring the health and safety of those living in the community. Many students work in administrative fields, but some students find themselves looking at positions in the educational field. With a Masters degree in public health, students can work at colleges, universities, elementary schools and high schools.
Health Center Administrator
Most colleges and universities have on-site health centers that provide the help and support that students need. Doctors and nurses working on staff treat minor injuries that students have, and doctors prescribe some basic medications. These health centers also offer counseling services for students struggling with depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses. With a Masters in public health, students can apply for health care administrator positions. Administrators are responsible for handling the day to day needs of the center. These workers ensure that students receive the care they need and that the health center operates within its budget.
College Professor
Working as a college professor is another job open to those with a Masters in public health. Community colleges hire those with a graduate degree for courses, though four-year colleges and universities typically look at applicants with a doctorate degree. Professors are responsible for choosing books for their classes, designing lesson plans and working directly with students. Adjunct and associate professors only teach one class or a few classes each semester, which gives them a chance to work in the field while teaching.
Health Teacher
Public and private schools use health teachers for courses relating to public health. Students learn how to stay safe at home and at school, and these teachers cover a number of different topics. High school classes are usually more advanced and cover more complicated ideas than the classes taught in elementary schools and middle schools. Those interested in using their degree to teach in a public or private school will also need a teaching license. Each state uses a different process to determine whether an applicant receives a license.
Wellness Coordinator
As the nation struggles with an obesity epidemic among its children, more and more schools are looking for ways to combat this problem. One way some schools are dealing with this issue is by creating a position of Wellness Coordinator. The Wellness Coordinator organizes educational programs for the school district’s children, parents, and staff. The programs deal with a wide range of public health issues, from healthy eating and improving fitness to disease prevention.
Public health administrators complete a graduate degree program after college. Some students later work for government agencies and for companies that track communicable diseases, while other students work for colleges, universities and other schools.
