PUBLIC HEALTH PROFESSIONAL
The American Public Health
Association describes public health as "the science and the art of (1)
preventing disease, (2) prolonging life and (3) organized community efforts
for (a) the sanitation of the environment, (b) the control of communicable
infections, 8 the education of the individual in personal hygiene, (d)
the organization of medical and nursing services for the early diagnosis
and preventive treatment of disease and (e) the development of the social
machinery to ensure everyone a standard of living adequate for the maintenance
of health, so organizing these benefits as to enable every citizen to realize
his birthright of health and longevity." This health care professional
is concerned with entire populations rather than individuals. The terms
public health and community health are sometimes used interchangeably.
Public health careers coordinate
an interdisciplinary approach to addressing the physical, mental and environmental
health issues of communities via health promotion, health maintenance and
disease prevention. One may obtain a degree in public health with an emphasis
in areas such as public health education, school health education, environmental
health, occupational health and safety, gerontology, epidemiology, etc.
See Health Educator.
Education
Bachelor, masters and doctorate
degrees are awarded in public health. Required areas of study include health
sciences, epidemiology, statistics, environmental health, public health
administration, communicable disease, health education methods, community
organization and support courses in natural, social and behavioral sciences
and communication skills.
Registration/Certification/Licensor
Varies depending on emphasis
chosen.
Salary
$15,000-55,000
Employment Opportunities
Employment opportunities are
available with government health organizations at the international, national,
state and local levels. Private businesses, industry and professional voluntary
health associations also employ many graduates from public health programs.
Graduates are also employed in a variety of areas including public health
education, public health administration, counseling, community organization,
pharmaceutical sales, patient education, family health, Welles programs,
social services, health administration, communications, marketing, health
planning, epidemiology, community service, family and youth resource centers,
environmental health, public relations and public service.
Programs
Professional Association
American
Public Health Association
800 I. St., NW
Washington, D.C. 20001-3710
(202) 777-2742
Last updated: June 25, 2001