Public health officials monitor the health and well-being of communities, including assessing health problems and hazards, assuring access to healthcare, and formulating public policies related to healthcare issues. Health promotion and disease-prevention are stressed. Public health officials are often trained in epidemiology, biostatistics, nutrition, management, and public policy.
Jobs are available in non-profit organizations, clinics, government agencies, and industry. Many public health training programs are Master’s-level programs, which can be completed in approximately two years.
For more information on public health careers, see the ASPH Web page.
Prerequisites:
- Prerequisite courses vary by program. Courses in science, social and behavioral science, statistics, and communication are suggested. Check individual programs of interest.
- Most schools require a standardized entrance exam (MCAT or GRE), check individual programs.
- Experience working/volunteering in a public health setting (clinic, non-profit agency, health departments)
- To apply, most schools participate in a centralized application service, SOPHAS.