In recent times, Public Health has become a sought after field that seems to be growing rapidly, all thanks to programs like online MPH no GRE. Over 50% of the fastest-growing jobs in the United States fall into this category. From simple to profound, there are quite a few reasons and possibilities that make Public Health Programs as popular as they are today. Notably, the profession has also been credited for being able to increase the average life expectancy of Americans by a whopping 25 years in the US from 1990 to 1999.
Individuals who partake in Public Health Programs and Degrees tend to work tirelessly around the world to make sure people have access to cleaner water to drink, healthy food to eat and an oxygen dominated air to breathe in. The role of a public health professional is even more crucial today when the world stands at the brink of a climatic revolution. From keeping the environment clean and controlled to working towards developing vaccinations, Public Health Professionals are doing the world a service by performing their duties, and it is not surprising that individuals want to pursue it.
However, there are a few things you need to consider before you enter the arena of Public Health.
1. Public Health Poles Apart from Other Clinical Health Professions
It is imperative for individuals to understand the difference between Public Health Programs and other Medicinal and Clinical Programs. For this, a thorough understanding of these professions is essential. These professions are often mixed up, and the common man struggles to differentiate between the two.
The basic and foremost difference between the two is the fact that where most clinical professions have their focus on treatment, Public Health is about the prevention of illness. Most clinical professions deal after one has been diagnosed with the disease, but public health focuses on making sure that these diseases don’t reach the people in the first place.
2. An undergraduate is always an option.
Where it isn’t necessary to have an undergraduate degree to be able to achieve a master’s in public health, it is most certainly advised and recommended. Starting from the basics during an undergraduate degree can help you get prepared for everything that is to follow. Another minor advantage can be familiarity with procedures and even senior professionals. This allows you a certain amount of comfort when you make that transition into an advanced graduate degree.
An undergraduate degree, more or less, gives students an edge over those who enter the field of public health later in life. However, it is not a necessity at all. One can choose to do it if they are passionate about public health, and well, it is always good to have that option.
3. The Requirements are always high to get in
This isn’t meant to be discouraging. In fact, higher requirements suggest higher standards of progression. Additionally, the requirements need to be high, given the fact that Public Health professionals are going to be working on matters that could potentially save hundreds of lives.
The requirements include high scores on the graduate entrance exam and a good GPA score. Additional requirements like professional experience, presentation skills, and the individual’s personal record matter quite a bit. The application criteria may vary, as a result of the degree track area, but it is mostly the experience and understanding of the track to plan on following. It is imperative to prepare yourself well for some tough competition.
4. Hands-on Experience Always Works
Experience is most certainly the king when it comes to practical professions like Public Health. Experts and seniors heavily recommend getting experience in any clinical or public health institution for a better understanding. It also gives an individual the idea of whether or not this is something that they can pursue for the rest of their lives. It is, more or less a trial ground to know how well you fare in this regard.
Options in terms of getting an experience could include part-time or full-time work at a hospital or clinic. Moreover, there are also opportunities in regards to volunteering for non-profit organizations like the American Red Cross or even something locally based. Exploring the plethora of public health-related options at the Peace Corps or Teach for America are some other options that could be pursued as well.
Final Word
The opportunities for working in Public Health have risen lately, and it is a profession that most individuals are seriously considering. However, there are factors that you need to consider in order to make an informed decision about whether or not you want to join a Public Health Program. It is a beneficial and progressive field to be pursuing. However, it requires an immense amount of conviction and hard work.
