Robust public health workers are committed to preserving the health and vitality of its people, making sure that roles like health educator, community health education, and public health is available to everyone.
Health workers serves as a pillar of support in times of illness, offering diverse career paths for driven individuals.
From front-line healthcare workers to administrators, researchers, and educators, opportunities are available for those that are eager to make a lasting impact.
Joining this sector is not restricted to personal fulfillment but also contributes to the greater good of the people, This helps in innovation and the growth of the community.
For a student to work as health work the candidates must have a degree either in any of the health departments, this will ensure a strong foundation for impacting and contributing in disease prevention and health promotion.
I Have listed Ten (8) Outstanding careers in public health that you should consider to study in school
1.Epidemiologist: Epidemiologists are at the front line of public health response and surveillance, as an Epidemiologist you are essential in recognizing, comprehending, and limiting the spread of diseases within you home , people, communities and the world as a whole.
FUNCTIONS/NATURE OF EPIDEMIOLOGIST
This special health worker “Epidemiologists” investigate thoroughly in the social determinants of health, any environmental health concerns, and any chronic disease or illnesses in addition they also investigate infectious diseases.
Their work is more like understanding a variables affecting the people, population generaly.
Epidemiologist as a health worker is not only limited to the lab; but they also work in communities as I have explained before, they interacts with stakeholders, disseminating research results, and promoting evidence that is based on strategies that will lower disparities and increase health equity.
An epidemiologists also work in conjunction with medical practitioners, governmental organizations, and academic institutions to track any patterns in illness, disease or infection out broke.
They look into epidemics, and create plans for control and prevention.They are always committed in their work making them to earn higher life a doctor
In order to determine vulnerable populations, epidemiologists evaluate the efficacy of interventions, and provide guidance for public health policies and guidelines, they plan and carry out research.
An epidemiologists must be highly skilled in statistical analysis, research methodology, and communication.
Epidemiologist are very essential in guiding public health responses to new threats, such as infectious disease outbreaks and chronic health issues. Such disease could be measles outbreak, Ebola and so on
As an Epidemiologist you must support the global effort of protecting people’s health and well-being by identifying trends, evaluating risk factors, and creating focused interventions.
Health educators use a range of tactics, such as multimedia campaigns, community events, and workshops and seminars, to educate people on the benefit of living a healthy life.
FUNCTIONS/NATURE OF HEALTH EDUCATORS
Special Health workers (Educators) encourage long-lasting behavior change by using behavioral theories and evidence-based on their practices, this will enable people to take up healthier habits and lifestyles.
Health educators are very essential in influencing community health behaviors and help in lowering the level of avoidable diseases, this is through different ways such as pushing for physical activity, healthy eating, or quitting smoking.
In addition to what we discussed above health workers disseminate knowledge and information about good health, health educators act as dependable allies and advocates, offering resources, support, and direction to people as they live and hope for better health.
3.Environmental Health Specialist
Environmental health specialists are vital to the protection of public health, this is because they carefully evaluate and control a wide range of environmental factors that may have a direct impact on people’s health.
FUNCTIONS/NATURE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST
This environmental Health Specialist experts are the first line of defense against environmental threats to human health, they mainly focus on food safety, sanitation, and air and water quality.
These health specialists worker involves in a wide range of duties, such as carrying out in-depth inspections of industrial facilities, they keep an eye on the pollution levels in water and air sources, they make sure that regulations are being followed and any irregularities are been followed accordingly.
Again in order to reduce environmental risks and safeguard vulnerable populations, environmental health specialists also work in partnership with businesses, government agencies, and community organizations
Environmental health specialists help to prevent a wide range of health issues, from respiratory conditions brought on by air pollution to waterborne infections originating from contaminated water and air sources, they achieve this through their proficiency in risk assessment and mitigation.
Through promoting laws and procedures that put environmental health first, they aim to build more sustainable, safe, and clean communities where people can live happy and enjoy a healthy live.
Public Health Nurse offer a wide range of important healthcare services and educational programs that enable people and communities to prioritize their well-being, public health nurses are important pillars of community health.
FUNCTIONS/NATURE OF PUBLIC NURSE
Every health worker is essential therefore Public Health Nurse are committed professionals, they put forth non ending effort to address the particular needs and difficulties of various populations, with a strong emphasis on disease prevention and health promotion.
Public health nurses perform health screenings, evaluate people’s health, and offer individualized advice on managing and preventing illness and death.
To create comprehensive health education programs that encourage healthy behaviors and lifestyles, Public Health workers work closely with stakeholders including healthcare providers, community leaders, and others which in turn help them gain access to the hearth of the people .
In addition to providing clinical care, public health nurses act as defenders of marginalized groups, pushing for laws and programs that address social determinants of health and advance health equity.
Not only the functions mentioned above public health nurse play a vital role in crisis response efforts, providing critical healthcare services during emergencies and disasters, and ensuring continuity of care in challenging circumstances.
Such critical time example are the Ukraine war, Gaza war and many war that is taking parts in Africa.
With their compassionate care and unending commitment to public health, Public Health Nurses make a profound impact on the well-being of individuals and communities, laying the foundation for healthier futures for everyone.
Biostatistician is another front line worker in health.
They are essential members of the public health community.
FUNCTIONS/NATURE OF BIOSTATICIAN
biostatisticians use cutting-edge statistical techniques to evaluate, intricate health data and derive insightful information that supports evidence-based and decision-making om public health .
Through the analysis of trends, patterns, and correlations biostatistician found in sizable datasets, these specialists are instrumental in recognising new health risks.
They assess the efficacy of interventions, and providing direction for the creation of public health policies.
Biostatisticians support public health practitioners and policymakers in making decisions.
This decisions have real impact on population health outcomes by utilizing their knowledge of statistical modeling, data visualization, and epidemiological research techniques.
Their research provides the basis for evidence-based public health interventions and policies.
Whether the research are been examine or not, the effectiveness of immunization campaigns, evaluating the prevalence of chronic illnesses, or examining the social determinants of health disparities are important.
As an advocates for positive change in the field of public health, health policy analysts uses their knowledge in which they have acquired from training and study to sway legislative choices and create policies that solve urgent health issues and advance fair access to healthcare.
FUNCTIONS/NATURE OF HEALTH POLICY ANALYST
As a professional Health Policy Analyst seek to identify areas for improvement within and outside the field, suggest creative solutions, and promote policies that put the health and well-being of all people and communities first, via thorough research, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement.
They also Work together with government agencies, advocacy groups, and community stakeholders, health policy analysts create policy recommendations that tackle systemic obstacles to health equity and are in line with public health priorities. During the Covid-19 Public health Workers contributed more to the well being of its people
Through the synthesis of intricate data into feasible policy recommendations, they enable policymakers to implement significant modifications that enhance health results and diminish inequalities among heterogeneous groups.
Community Health Worker are very essential as the community hear and depend on them for before proper treatment is been taking.
FUNCTIONS/NATURE OF Community Health Workers
They are dependable intermediaries between healthcare professionals and the communities they serve, Yes, the community health workers provide culturally competent and support, information, and resources to advance health and well-being of the people ,communities and the world in a whole.
They are front-line workers, as they have a thorough understanding of regional customs, traditions, and social dynamics, are essential in removing obstacles to healthcare access and enabling people to be in charge of their own health.
Community health workers interact with people in the community on a personal level, fostering relationships based on respect and trust.The community seek for health advice from the health workers any time.
They offer vital health education, make it easier for people to get healthcare services, and provide helpful assistance in addressing social determinants of health like unstable housing, food insecurity,food poisoning and obstacles to transportation.
8.Health Communication Analyst
All the health worker jobs might look and mean the same to you but when you are in the field you will relaise that they have different works to do in respectful field.
So in the field of public health, health communications specialists are very essential because they are skilled storytellers and strategic communicators who create campaigns and messages that effectively convey important health information, guide and educate a variety of audiences, and encourage positive behavioral change.
FUNCTIONS/NATURE OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION ANALYST
This health worker are Equipped with a profound comprehension of communication theory, behavioral psychology, and public health principles, they use their expertise to utilize their proficiency to reconcile intricate health notions with everyday situations, rendering information comprehensible and practicable for both individuals and communities.
Health communications specialists use multi-media campaigns and strategic messaging to spread awareness about urgent health issues, such as mental health, preventive care, chronic conditions, and infectious diseases.
They work closely with community leaders, public health professionals, and other stakeholders to make sure that communication initiatives are customized to the particular requirements and preferences of various groups, promoting accessibility and wide range of communication.
Health communications specialists are essential in motivating people to change their behavior and make healthier decisions for the betterment of their life.
They encourage people to adopt healthy behaviors like quitting smoking,keeping people with strong fate especially people that have a chronic disease or virus such as HIV patience.
They also get regular preventive screenings, engaging in physical activity, and eating a healthy diet by using persuasive communication techniques, storytelling, and social marketing principles.
These fulfilling positions in public health not only provide chances to positively impact people’s lives on an individual and community level, but they also help to create healthier futures for future generations.
Health Communications Specialists contribute to the establishment of a foundation of knowledge, awareness, and empowerment that promotes healthier communities.
They enhances health outcomes for all through their creative communication strategies and unwavering dedication to public health.
Salaries of the various health workers mentioned above
- Registered Nurse (RN): $60,000 to $110,000 per year
- Physician: $200,000 to $500,000+ per year (varies by specialty)
- Nurse Practitioner (NP): $90,000 to $150,000 per year
- Physician Assistant (PA): $90,000 to $130,000 per year
- Health Educator: $40,000 to $70,000 per year
- Epidemiologist: $60,000 to $120,000 per year
- Biostatistician: $70,000 to $120,000 per year
- Health Policy Analyst: $50,000 to $100,000+ per year
- Environmental Health Specialist: $40,000 to $80,000 per year
- Community Health Worker: $30,000 to $50,000 per year
NOTE: The above figure Changes from time to time
