Best jobs in public health

The best jobs in public health are epidemiologists, nurses, and healthcare educators. Public health has a variety of positions, where those who are passionate about health can find positions that fit their skills and interests best. While public health positions are all related to healthcare, they each have their own specific skills and requirements for success. If you are interested in a position in public health, here are ten of the best jobs in public health to consider:

1. Epidemiologist

   Average Salary: $59,329

   An epidemiologist specializes in studying and investigating different diseases, including its causes and effects on the human body. Their responsibilities revolve around gathering samples and subjecting them to various experiments and scientific procedures, traveling to different areas to conduct observations and in-depth analysis, maintaining extensive records, coordinating with other scientists and experts, and summarizing findings into reports and presentations. Furthermore, as an epidemiologist, it is vital to utilize expertise by creating policies for a healthy and safe environment for everyone.

2. Nurse

   Average Salary: $57,564

   Nurses are medical professionals assigned to a specific department in the hospital and provide their trusted department services. Nurses are in charge of taking patients' medical histories, getting vital signs, preparing patients for checkups or procedures, explaining upcoming practices, answering any questions, and communicating any concerns to the assigned doctor. Nurses should ensure that patients follow the medical advice given to them. They also assist patients in completing administrative requirements, such as filling out forms, validating details, and endorsing payments.

3. Healthcare Educator

   Average Salary: $50,333

4. Health Administrator

   Average Salary: $68,603

   A health administrator is primarily in charge of overseeing a medical facility and developing strategies to optimize its overall operations. Using their expertise in healthcare, it is their duty to assess the existing patient care systems to identify its strengths and weaknesses, implementing solutions in vulnerable areas to provide better services to patients. Their responsibilities also include setting goals and objectives, managing the medical and non-medical workforce, and addressing issues and concerns, resolving them promptly and efficiently. Furthermore, they must implement the facility or organization's policies and regulations, including its vision and mission.

5. Biostatistician

   Average Salary: $85,645

   A biostatistician specializes in gathering and analyzing data for medical and biological research. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around devising the ideal questionnaire or survey for significant results, maintaining accurate records of data, developing conclusions and research papers, contributing findings to publications, and even collaborating with other scientists. There are also instances where biostatisticians may train junior statisticians, conduct corrective measures on inconsistencies and data error, and develop new strategies for scientific outcomes. Most importantly, a biostatistician must adhere to the laws and regulations on data gathering processes.

6. Environmental Scientist

   Average Salary: $60,208

   Environmental scientists are responsible for analyzing environmental issues and creating their solutions. They protect the environment together with human health by using their understanding of natural science. It is their job to advise policy-makers, work with industry professionals to reduce waste, and clean up polluted areas. Also, they assess environmental risks and research to guide businesses, government administrators, as well as the general public on probable environmental threats and health risks. Additionally, they ensure that these entities follow the environmental regulations and policies to help minimize their environmental impact on the ecosystem.

7. Dietitian

   Average Salary: $58,480

   A dietitian's role is to assist clients in their journey to achieve their health goals. Typically, a dietitian's responsibilities revolve around interviewing and assessing a client's diet needs and goals, learning their preferences and restrictions such as allergies, and crafting a personalized nutrition plan. Moreover, it is essential for a dietitian to monitor a client's progress and maintain information on all accounts. There are also instances where one may promote healthy eating habits to the public, all while keeping abreast of the latest nutrition studies.

8. Safety Engineer

   Average Salary: $74,228

   The duties of a safety engineer depend on one's industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around overseeing the implementation of the safety policies and regulations in a company by conducting regular inspections and maintenance checks, coordinating with department personnel to gather data, assessing risks, and arranging precautionary measures. A safety engineer must also address issues and concerns, responding to them in a timely and efficient manner. Furthermore, there are instances when they have to lead safety orientations and seminars to maintain a safe and productive environment for everyone.

9. Health Policy Analyst

10. Community Health Worker

    Average Salary: $37,079

    A community health worker is a health professional who is a lay member of the community that provides health care in both urban and rural environments. Community health workers offer the health needs of the community they serve and provide some direct services such as first aid and blood pressure screening. They help people understand their health conditions and deliver health information by using appropriate cultural terms and concepts. Community health workers also make home visits to patients who are clinically ill, pregnant women, and individuals at high risk of health problems.