Career Perspectives in Public and Global Health?
“The only thing that will redeem mankind is cooperation.” Bertrand Russell, British philosopher (1872–1970)
The public and global health infrastructure relies on the unique talents and training of many professionals to achieve significant improvements in public health. The wide assortment of new and existing public health challenges create both a need and opportunity for individuals interested in pursuing careers in public health. Few public health professionals or organizations function independently. Most collaborate as part of a larger infrastructure that works on a local, state, national, or global level to improve the health of populations.
Whether you are already on a career path or looking for a profession that will allow you to help others, it is beneficial to understand the various roles of public health professionals. Be sure you keep these health professionals in mind as we explore diseases, disasters, and the future of public and global health over the next few weeks.
To prepare for this Discussion, go to one or more of the currently available job search websites such as:
American Public Health Association:
http://careers.apha.org/jobs
Public Health Employment Connection:
http://cfusion.sph.emory.edu/PHEC/index.cfm?CFID=381569&CFTOKEN=86196596
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
http://www.cdc.gov/employment/
National Association of County and City Health Officials:
http://www.naccho.org/about/work-with-us
World Health Organization:
http://www.who.int/employment/vacancies/en/
Association of State and Territorial Health Officials:
http://www.astho.org/Careers-at-ASTHO/
You may limit to your geographic area or expand to a national search. Review some of the positions currently recruiting employees. Select one career you see job postings for that you are interested in learning more about.
Post a comprehensive response(250-350 words) to the following:
After reviewing several job advertisements in the public health field (using the websites provided), prepare a summary of a job description for one career within the field of public health that is new or of particular interest to you. To do this, go to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (http://www.bls.gov/ooh/), and research information about this career in the current edition of the Occupational Outlook Handbook. Be sure to include information about the following in your summary job description discussion:
1. Nature of the Work—provide a brief summary statement of the nature of the work. What do these professionals do?
2. Education and Training—what are the educational/training requirements for this career?
3. Earnings—what salary can you expect to make in this career?
4. Related Occupations—what other public health professional might this individual regularly work with?
5. Which of the public health organizations identified in your class resources thus far, might employ this type of public health professional? How would this career fit the mission of the organization you selected? (Clue: Look in the “About US” or “Mission” section of the organizations website for more details.)
