Those unfamiliar with the public health field may assume jobs are limited to only certain settings, such as government agencies. However, public health touches on almost every aspect of modern life, and graduates may find they have the opportunity to work for a number of employers and in various settings.
- Public Services: Government jobs include: Health Programme Officer (different health programmes such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, health promotion, information, education and communication (IEC), Nutrition, Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), school health programmes, non-communicable diseases etc.) M&E Officer, Community HIV Liaison Officer, Port Health Officer, Public and Environmental Health Practitioner.
- Non-profit Organisation (NGO): Jobs in this setting often focus on different function carried out by NGOs. Most NGOs in Namibia are implementing community based health programme such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, TB, OVC and other programmes related social welfare such as minorities groups, women, community development, and public health graduate will be equipped with necessary skills to design and implement those programmes.
- Academic: Public health professionals working in academia typically focus on research. In addition, they may also be teaching students enrolled in public health-related degree programs.
- Private: Within the private sector, jobs may be available at insurance companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers or health care facilities, mining and manufacturing companies. Another option for private employment is consulting work performed on a contract basis.
Getting the Right Degree
For some of these jobs, individuals may only need a bachelor’s degree in public health. However, to advance or move into more complex roles, a post graduate degree may be required. Before enrolling in a public health degree program, students should have a firm grasp on the level of education needed for their desired position within the field. In order to specialize, students may need to spend up to six years studying both general public health principles as well as their area of focus.
Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health
At the bachelor’s degree level, students are often given the opportunity to explore multiple specializations within the public health field. For those who plan to go onto a graduate degree, this is an excellent time for students to decide which area of public health they would like to pursue as a career.
Public health schools may offer a bachelor of science or a bachelor of arts to its students. A BS may focus on natural science and could be a better option for those expecting to go into research or specializations such as biostatistics and epidemiology. A BA may have a greater emphasis on social sciences, making it a good option for students interested in community health, social and behavioral health or health promotion and communication. However, school admissions offices and college public health departments should be able to assist students in selecting the right degree path.
After graduation, students may be eligible for positions such as that of a health educator or community outreach worker.
Master of Public Health (MPH)
The MPH is the most common graduate degree earned by those working in the field, and the American Public Health Association says every school accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health must have a curriculum that, at minimum, includes these five areas of study.
- Biostatistics
- Epidemiology
- Environmental Health Sciences
- Health Services Administration
- Health Promotion - Social and Behavioral Sciences
At the graduate level, students generally pick one of the above specializations in which to focus their education. Most MPH degrees take two years to complete although some specializations may be offered as one year programs at certain institutions.
Individuals with a master’s degree in public health are often eligible to fill most of the jobs outlined in the specializations above.
