There are a variety of opportunities available to public health professionals, depending on their educational background. Public health graduates can work in small towns or communities, contribute to global health and wellness, or teach college courses in public health.
Our guide explores jobs you can get with a degree in public health outside of the main field of public health.
Can a Public Health Degree Get You a Job Outside Public Health?
A BPH, MPH, or DPH graduate can develop skills that extend beyond public health. They gain skills in communicating effectively, analyzing data, formulating policy, solving problems, conducting research, and leading others through coursework, research, and internships. Several industries can benefit from these skills in which public health knowledge plays a significant role.
Here are some jobs that may benefit from a public health degree outside of the field of public health.
- Health Care Compliance Officer
A compliance officer may be able to help hospitals, private practices, and other healthcare organizations comply with growing laws and regulations in the industry. Healthcare compliance officers make sure that their organizations comply with local, state, and federal regulations regarding issues concerning patient privacy.
As part of the role, you will develop a compliance plan, train staff to adhere to regulations, monitor and correct noncompliance, and conduct risk assessments.
- Survey Researcher
A survey researcher designs surveys and analyzes the data collected from them. In addition to designing surveys, they may conduct interviews, focus groups, or questionnaires to gather data about various topics, such as health. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), most survey research jobs typically require a master’s or doctorate level education, so in this field, it may be advantageous to hold an MPH degree or Ph.D. in public health.
- Medical Librarian
These special librarians, also known as health science librarians, work in universities, pharmaceutical companies, and other settings. Their expertise in finding accurate information about clinical trials and medical treatments helps researchers, medical professionals, and consumers.
Additionally, medical librarians may manage IT systems, online libraries, and websites.
Although these librarians typically hold a master’s degree in library science, according to BLS, specialty librarians – like medical librarians – generally have special knowledge of their fields. For this position, a background in public health would be beneficial.
- Healthcare Fundraising or Public Relations Manager
A public relations manager is responsible for directing activities and creating materials that improve a client’s public image. Working as a PR manager, you will be responsible for arranging press releases to be published and interviews.
A fundraising manager, on the other hand, helps organizations raise money through campaigns. As part of their duties, they plan fundraising campaigns and communicate with donors. Anyone interested in pursuing a career in PR or fundraising management in healthcare will benefit from an advanced degree in public health.
- Political Scientist
A political scientist studies a country’s political system. Their responsibility is to investigate controversial ideas, assess laws and policies, analyze survey data, or write research articles about relevant topics.
An educational path in public health could set you up for a position in health policy and research as a political scientist. The BLS reports that the majority of political scientists require a master’s degree or a doctorate.
- Assistant Professor
A professional at this level is typically employed by educational institutions that specialize in public health, including Biostatistics, Community Health Education, Epidemiology, Public Health Law and ethics, and Policy Development.
In your role as an assistant professor, you have the opportunity to teach students who wish to pursue careers in public health. Your job duties include curriculum planning and implementing, grading, and mentoring. Those graduates who wish to contribute to education would benefit from a Ph.D. degree in Public Health.
- Prevention Expert
As a researcher, you will use your expertise to create and implement preventative programs that can reduce the risk of disease and illness. Prevention specialists may provide insight into helpful prevention programs for communities with a high rate of disease or illness.
As consultants or staff members of public health organizations, these professionals may operate in a variety of capacities. They can examine community biostatistics to determine the prevalence of the illness and provide the right services.
- Medical Writer
Public health experts with the ability to simplify complex topics can work as medical writers. They create manuscripts, journal abstracts, articles, press releases, blog posts, and marketing materials on various healthcare topics. These healthcare writers work with pharmaceutical firms, healthcare information companies, and media companies.
- Program Manager
Program managers are responsible for the planning and implementation of a specific public health program. They can also be responsible for recruiting and training staff and managing the respective programs’ finances.
Some program managers ensure their programs comply with health regulations and enhance them when necessary. Providing high-quality public health services may require you to assume a leading role within your organization.
- Clinical Services Coordinator
A clinical services coordinator in a public health organization is responsible for overseeing administrative services. These professionals design and deliver community health programs and prevention services that are useful and accessible to the community. There is a possibility that management duties will play a significant role in this career field.
- Research Director
Researchers with a higher level of expertise may oversee data collection, research studies, and report delivery. They may report their findings to the chief financial officer of a research organization. An individual in this position may supervise a team of researchers through standard recruitment processes, research procedures, and information dissemination.
- Medical Scientists
These professionals help the public understand how human health is affected by a variety of factors. It is a research-based field that examines medicines, methods of treatment, and environmental influences that are conducive to human health.
In the field of medical science, professionals may assist with the development and implementation of experiments and trials aimed at improving public health.
Final Word
This guide is about public health jobs you can do outside of public health, including Medical Scientists, Research Directors, Prevention experts, Program Managers, Political Scientists, and Medical writers. These jobs are predicted to grow faster between 2020 and 2030, as predicted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
While most of these roles require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in public health, the Master of Public Health (MPH) and Doctorate of Public Health (Ph.D.) are viable options. However, a successful career is determined by a variety of factors. You must consider your interests and strengths when comparing job descriptions. If you are looking for a job that meets your career goals, you should consider growth projections and possible career paths before pursuing it.
