Entry level public health jobs | Learn how to get entry level public health jobs in the USA: As the shadows of the Covid-19 crisis begin to wane, numerous individuals stepping into the job market might feel a bit lost. It’s quite common for recent high school or college graduates to be uncertain about where to begin their job hunt, especially given the economic flux resulting from global pandemics and supply chain disturbances. However, an exciting and essential field beckons—public health. The pandemic spotlighted the pivotal role that public health professionals play in safeguarding the nation’s health. The American Public Health Association asserts that public health experts will consistently play a significant role in curbing chronic diseases and fostering community wellness.
Pros and Cons of Beginning in Public Health
Embarking on a public health career journey is thrilling, but like any career, it has its highs and lows.
Benefits include:
- Respect & Admiration: Healthcare professionals are often held in high regard, appreciated for their contributions to societal wellness.
- Financial Rewards: Starting salaries in public health frequently surpass those in other industries.
- Job Security: Illness is an unfortunate inevitability; thus, the demand for public health professionals remains constant.
- Purpose & Pride: Knowing your role positively impacts society can be immensely fulfilling.
However, there are challenges to consider:
- Competition: The race for entry-level public health positions can be intense.
- Rigorous Training: New entrants may find the initial learning curve steep.
- Immense Responsibility: The nature of the role often involves significant accountability, sometimes even in life-altering situations.
- Occupational Hazards: Entry-level public health positions may come with exposure risks to infectious diseases or other health threats.
Understanding these aspects can aid in determining if public health resonates with your career aspirations.
Launching Your Public Health Career
Convinced that public health is your calling? Now’s an optimal time to leap. Even post-pandemic, the need for public health professionals remains urgent. The battle against diseases globally persists, and the Covid-19 era underscored the indispensability of public health champions in ensuring societal well-being.
Now, how does one break into this field? The route varies based on educational backgrounds.
Public Health Roles for Those Without a Degree:
No formal education in public health? No worries! Many roles prioritize on-the-job training over academic credentials. Here are entry-level public health jobs that might not necessitate a specialized degree:
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Billing/Coding Specialist
- Support Staff in Assisted Living Facilities
- Occupational Therapy Aide
- Emergency Dispatch Operator
Advantages and Disadvantages of Entry Public Health Jobs
Public health is a vast field that offers numerous career opportunities. However, like any profession, it has its pros and cons. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you determine whether it’s the right career for you.
Pros of Public Health Jobs
- Social Benefits: Healthcare professionals often garner respect and admiration for their contribution to society.
- Financial Incentives: Even at entry-level, public health jobs typically offer better compensation than many other fields.
- Job Security: Illness and diseases are inevitable, ensuring a constant need for public health workers.
- Satisfaction and Pride: Knowing that your work directly impacts the well-being of society can be fulfilling.
Cons of Public Health Jobs
- Competition: Landing that first public health job can be challenging due to high competition.
- Intensive Training: Entry-level positions often come with a steep learning curve, demanding both focus and commitment.
- High Responsibility: The nature of many public health jobs means that lives often hang in the balance.
- Risk Exposure: Certain roles may expose workers to infectious diseases or other health hazards.
Before diving into this field, it’s crucial to understand what lies ahead. So, is public health the right career path for you?
Starting a Career in Public Health
Public health was thrust into the spotlight due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This crisis underlined the importance of health workers, emphasizing their role in guiding, protecting, and educating the public.
For Non-degree Holders: Fear not if you lack a formal public health degree. Many jobs require on-the-job training and not necessarily a specific academic background. Some positions include:
- Medical assistant
- Medical billing/coding specialist
- Assisted living aide
- Occupational therapy aide
- Emergency call-taker
For Degree Holders: Having a public health degree can provide an edge during job applications. Furthermore, it unlocks opportunities that non-degree holders may not access:
- Public health analyst
- Early intervention specialist
- Environmental health manager
- Research Associate
- Epidemiologist
- Microbiologist
For those with a master’s degree or higher, even more opportunities open up, including positions with top organizations like the CDC.
Salaries in Public Health
Entry-level public health salaries can vary significantly, with some positions earning upwards of $100,000 annually. However, on average, new entrants can expect salaries between $30,000 and $50,000. External factors such as location, industry demand, and job complexity can influence these figures.
Top 10 Entry-Level Public Health Jobs
- Health Promotion Specialist: Focus on promoting healthy living. Estimated pay: $50,745/year.
- Public Health Analyst: Find solutions to health issues at a community level. Estimated pay: $49,000 to $100,000/year.
- Environmental Health Specialist: Ensure community spaces are safe and clean. Estimated pay: $49,887/year.
- Clinical Research Assistant: Participate in lab tests and studies. Estimated pay: $32,000 to $55,000/year.
- Hygienist: Focus on dental health and education. Estimated pay: $77,090/year.
- Disease Intervention Specialist: Address STD spread and education. Estimated pay: $48,389/year.
- Environmental Scientist: Work on projects to address diseases. Estimated pay: $76,530/year.
- Public Health Inspector: Ensure compliance with safety regulations. Estimated pay: $51,764/year.
- Entry Level Healthcare Recruiter: Match candidates with healthcare jobs. Estimated pay: $48,458/year.
- Public Health Informatics Scientist: Blend of public health and IT. Estimated pay: $63,087 to $157,838/year.
Whether you have a formal education in public health or not, numerous opportunities await in this sector. The key is to find a role that aligns with your passion, skills, and long-term career goals.
