People are drawn to public health for a variety of reasons. Motivating factors for some people include a desire to make a difference or work in interesting places. Others are motivated by saving lives and seeking a cure for the disease.

If you’re wondering what the benefits of working in public health are, the private sector is increasingly offering higher-paying jobs to students with more education and experience. Working for nonprofits offers students a chance to impact economically challenged communities positively. Those in teaching and leadership positions have the power to improve health and wellness by influencing young minds.

Below, we have listed a few reasons why you should consider a career in public health.

EDUCATION BENEFITS

1. Easy Access into medicine

A medical career often requires you to complete extensive training and education. You may not be able to return to school for half a decade if you’re looking for a mid-life career change. For anyone interested in pursuing a career in medicine, public health offers a challenging but manageable path.

You may study public health as an undergraduate to prepare for medical school or public health careers. If you already hold a bachelor’s degree, consider getting a master’s in Public Health to change careers and offer disease prevention services.

2. Flexibility

You can earn a master’s degree in public health quickly and without disrupting your busy schedule. Some universities offer completely online MPH programs, and you can often work around your schedule to find internships or practicums. If you pursue a public health degree, you will not be able to perform surgery or work in an ambulance, but you will be able to help the community after you graduate. It is even possible to work as an administrator at a hospital.

3. Combine your interests with dual degrees

A dual degree in public health can lead to various career options. Take a multidisciplinary approach to your plans by enrolling in a dual degree program. To get a well-rounded education and to learn more about the health challenges facing modern societies, you may choose to major in public health as well as biology or chemistry if you wish to work in a lab researching cures for rare diseases.

4. Data and statistics interest 

Public health may be your right career choice if you understand statistical data well. Public health professionals keep track of epidemics, conditions rare to the general population, and threats to the public’s health. Identifying how diseases spread through a community, region, or country requires understanding mathematical concepts and the ability to interpret charts and graphs.

5. Diverse experience

Public health incorporates many different areas of medicine. Whether practicing medicine, nursing or working behind the scenes in research or management, public health officials have a wide range of experience and expertise.

6. It is rewarding to study

The more education you acquire, your job prospects and salary will improve. You can pursue a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or doctoral degree in public health. No matter your background, you can change careers in public health by enrolling in a qualified, rewarding program.

7. A wide range of courses 

The public health courses you take may vary depending on your concentration. Some majors focus on nutrition and dietary education, while others concentrate on management and leadership, essential skills in a crisis. There are also public health officials who specialize in diseases and immunology.

8. Offering a variety of degrees 

Public health concentrations are available at many institutes. If you plan to work in the medical, legal, or government sectors, you may want to take a second major or minor in public health.

CAREER BENEFITS

9. Great job security

Job security in public health is higher than in many other fields. A public health professional usually needs to be intimately familiar with the policies and procedures of an organization or government agency. When you have a job, especially in the public sector, you can enjoy much better job security than in other fields because this information is not easily transferrable.

10. An excellent salary 

Public health roles are often associated with generous salaries. The average salary range for most of the positions is between $40,000 and $100,000, depending on location, experience, and position.

11. Become a leader 

Public health roles require unique skill sets, making them ideal for leaders. Your chances of advancing in this field are high since you’ll likely be given more responsibilities as you progress. You can increase your chances of getting a higher-paying job or advancing at your current job by earning a master’s or Ph.D. in public health.

12. Available research

If you work in a lab or office, you must stay current with the latest research on diseases, illnesses, and other threats affecting public health. Keep your analytical minds occupied by feeding them a lot of data. Plus, you’re saving lives, which isn’t a terrible feeling.

13. Diversity

You’ll meet people from all over the country, and even from other countries, no matter if you’re working with children or older adults. You gain a great deal of exposure to different cultures because of this diversity.

PERSONAL BENEFITS

14. Every moment is exciting 

There are always new problems and diseases emerging in the public health sector. Depending on your point of view, this can be frustrating or inspiring. Careers in health or health-related fields are never dull. Despite the ups and downs of the day, you’ll always know that you tried your best to help others.

15. Rewarding experience

A career in public health might be the right choice if you enjoy working with other professionals in the medical field. It’s important to be part of something bigger than yourself when it comes to building successful professional relationships. A career in science may involve conducting research to find a cure for cancer, or it might involve providing food and vaccinations to children in less affluent neighborhoods. Working together with others who share similar values and are committed to public health and safety will be a rewarding experience.

16. Travel 

Choosing this career path isn’t the easiest decision you’ll make. Making an impact takes a lot of effort. Often, public health professionals are required to travel to disaster areas, health crises, and other emergencies. Public health officials have assisted victims of 911 and Hurricane Katrina in the past. Several public health officials have also traveled abroad to provide lifesaving immunizations against diseases that have all but disappeared elsewhere. In a career in public health administration, you might get the chance to travel to the Caribbean, Asia, or Africa.

17. Cultural exploration

You have plenty of opportunities to explore other cultures. This is true regardless of whether you wish to work to improve the lives of Native Americans or people in other countries.

Conclusion

Why you want to work in public health is unique to you, but for whatever reason you wish to join this field, you have many career options. 

For those who enjoy helping others, this extensive industry provides numerous career opportunities. A public health career offers endless specialization options since it combines different academic areas. Additionally, you can expect to gain insight into different cultures. Earn a high salary, become a leader, travel the world, and save lives!