Public health professionals are needed today more than ever. There is no question – especially since the outbreak of COVID-19 – that we require skilled, knowledgeable people working in our healthcare system. If you have felt a calling to work in public health, to make a difference in your greater community, you will want to start with a solid education.
A degree in Public Health is a necessary step in starting – or boosting – your career. It will also prepare you for your role within this ever-growing field. Employers today are looking for candidates with at least some postsecondary education. Many roles, such as Community Health Educators, for example, require at least a bachelor’s degree. This education will provide you with a strong foundation and give you the tools you need to succeed. Some of the desirable traits learned at a public health school include:
- Applying knowledge from classes, skills analysis, research, and critical thinking to public health theory and practice.
- Applying that knowledge to develop key strategies to improve population health.
- Identifying and assessing the social determinants of health in populations.
- Understanding the impact of cultural values on health and the utilization of public health services.
- Understanding the impact of local, state and federal legislation, regulations, and standards on public health practice.
- Evaluating population-based data using epidemiological methods.
- Applying health-related theories that drive health-behavior change interventions and programs.
- Using scientific research methods to evaluate efficacy of health promotion, disease prevention programs.
Of course, before you start any degree program, you will want to find the best public health school to fit your needs. Read on, as we explore the what to look for in prospective institutions.
- A School That Aligns with Your Passion
Before you decide on which public health school you’d like to attend, consider what is important to you. Think about your own passions and career goals. Your school should align with these traits. At Goodwin University, for example, all graduates of the Public Health bachelor’s degree program understand how to deliver health interventions, collect and analyze data, provide counseling and support, and help connect individuals to organizations that improve health. They go on to pursue careers as:
- Community Health Worker
- Disaster Preparedness Coordinator
- Environmental Health Specialist
- Health Educator
- Health Promotion Specialist
- Public Health Program Coordinator
- Research Assistant
2. A School That Offers Room for Growth
One of the key considerations for choosing a great public health school is finding an institution that can grow with you. At Goodwin University, for example, students may go on to pursue their master’s degree in Public Health once they’ve completed their bachelor’s degree. A master’s degree will qualify you for advanced roles in public health, such as an Epidemiologist, Biostatistician, and Public Health Director.
3. A Career-Focused School
Nothing is more important in earning your degree than learning skills that you can directly apply to your career. At Goodwin University, classes are taught by content experts. Their experience can provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to stand out in this critically important field.
4. A Program That Works on Your Schedule
Finding the time to go to school as an adult is hard. You may struggle to keep your work/life balance in check. Throw school into the mix, and it can feel like too much is on your plate. If you have kids or relatives that need care, it’s even harder to find the time to study. You’ll need a school that considers the busy schedules of its students.
Goodwin University offers flexibility in all its programs. Public health classes are offered days, nights, and weekends, too. For added convenience, these courses are offered on-campus, online, or in a hybrid format (a combination of on-campus and online). With various class times and online options, you can create a program that works with your schedule and does not interfere with your work or home life.
5. A Supportive School That Wants to See You Succeed
Some schools offer students their degree, and then send them off into the real world with nothing but a piece of paper. The top public health universities, however, will act as your biggest cheerleader, supporting you every step of the way until you find a career that you love. At Goodwin, for example, our Career Services Team works with students and graduates to help them find incredible roles in their field. From interviewing practice and resume writing to networking events and professional connections around the state, the Career Services Team does not rest until you are working in your chosen profession. All of these services are free and available to students and graduates for life.
Are you ready to start your journey in Public Health? Learn more about the Public Health programs available at Goodwin University by calling 1-800-889-3282 or visiting us online to request more information.
Goodwin University is a nonprofit institution of higher education and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Goodwin University was founded in 1999, with the goal of serving a diverse student population with career-focused degree programs that lead to strong employment outcomes.