If you have a passion for the health of society and individuals, pursuing a career in Public Health would be a great fit for you, especially considering the significant role Public Health officials play in our world today, particularly during the COVID-19 era. The health sector offers numerous opportunities globally, not just in the US.
Obtaining a Master’s degree in Public Health is a wise move, as it opens up a range of job prospects that align with your degree. In this article, we will explore some career options available to individuals with an MPH degree, along with potential yearly salary projections for positions in the United States, giving you an idea of your earning potential.
With a Master’s in Public Health, you can become a leader with innovative ideas, deep insight, and a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by patients, healthcare professionals, and government policymakers. You will also gain the skills necessary to use emerging technologies and medical knowledge to address health disparities within society. The fact that you hold an MPH demonstrates your passion for solving health issues, as it is a skill-based degree.
Given the skill-based nature of the degree, there are several career paths for MPH graduates to pursue. Let’s take a closer look at some of them:
- Public Health Nurse: The average yearly salary for a Public Health nurse in the USA is approximately $58,200 USD. This profession is expected to experience growth in the coming years. Public Health Nurses play a crucial role in promoting public health by focusing on educating groups, communities, or social groups about various health topics. They often work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, and healthcare providers, and their responsibilities include educating people about preventive measures, discussing patient problems, and offering suggestions.
- Health Informatics Specialist: Health Informatics specialists, also known as Biostatisticians, earn an average salary of around $62,600 USD per year in the US. They typically work in public health organizations, drug and food administrations, biostatistic organizations, and governmental agencies. These specialists analyze health data and statistics to identify correlations between lifestyle and health effects. They develop statistical protocols, analyze health databases, utilize analytics software, and utilize their knowledge of computer systems to compile health reports.
- Epidemiologist: Epidemiologists earn an average salary of approximately $62,900 per year in the US. They are employed in various settings such as pharmaceutical companies, health institutions, and government health departments. Epidemiologists aim to understand the spread of diseases and strive to develop treatment solutions. Their work is similar to that of scientists, as they employ their knowledge of Biology, Mathematics, and Statistics to monitor and report on epidemics and pandemics.
- Healthcare Administrator: Healthcare administrators earn an average salary of about $65,500 per year in the United States. They work in clinics, government healthcare facilities, hospitals, and similar settings. Healthcare administrators oversee and guide the activities of healthcare institutions to ensure smooth operations. Their responsibilities include supervising staff, managing budgets, coordinating healthcare programs, and overseeing the supply of healthcare equipment.
These are just a few of the career options available to individuals with a Master’s in Public Health. The demand for this degree is growing every year, with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a 14% growth rate by 2028. Pursuing any of the above job descriptions is a viable option with your MPH degree.