Article by Renata McGee

The general population has many needs that have to be met on a regular basis. Health is usually at the top of the list, which is why there are numerous health professionals working to improve and maintain health in society. Public health is a popular career because it allows professionals to work with a variety of people and areas. Online career training is becoming a prevalent way for students to earn a degree in public health.

The profession spans across a large range of areas and activities, but all the work focuses on the evaluation and regulation of health for the public. Professionals target general or specific areas, which can include nutrition or a metropolitan city’s healthcare system. It is highly common for professionals to handle complex problems involving overall healthcare services and systems. They contribute to keep communities free from outbreaks of infections. They also work with individuals, families, and communities by promoting healthy behaviors. The field can have graduated students entering careers that have them working for wellness programs in schools, hospitals, universities, and government firms. With the field being incredibly diverse students have many options to consider before deciding on an online degree program. Family health, health education, epidemiology, and environmental health are just a few of the options that students can choose to focus their schooling on.

Online training for public health is commonly only available at the graduate level, which includes a master’s or doctorate degree. This is because most careers need individuals who have more in depth training. Students can’t enter a graduate degree without first completing a bachelor’s degree. A bachelor’s degree provides students with a general education that can be applied to a graduate degree program. A health science degree is the ideal option for students to gain a broad foundation focused on the medical field. Student’s study includes biology, chemistry, health education, and healthcare administration, which provides the knowledge needed to succeed in a graduate degree program.

Graduate degree programs online include a master of public health or a doctor of public health. An MPH degree is a science-based program that incorporates specific information on how to use knowledge to improve public health, educate, and provide preventative measures. Education covers advanced training in health and administration duties. Environmental science, epidemiology, public health biology, management, health promotion, and disease prevention are some course subjects that are covered through a master’s program. Master’s degree programs prepare students to step into leadership roles as food safety inspectors, health inspectors, public health advisors, and more. Furthering education at the PhD level qualifies students for upper level management and roles in academia.

At the doctorate level students specialize in one specific area such as nutrition, behavioral science, child health, and epidemiology. Students enrolled in an epidemiology program will mainly study how diseases spread. The goal of education is to prepare students to contribute to the field by creating strategies to keep outbreaks in check. Courses that supplement specific fields of study include leadership, public health internship, and management. Students that want to be involved on the research side of the profession should consider entering an online training program at this level.

Searching out possible online public health degree programs is the best way to begin the process of entering the profession. Utilizing the vast online resources to decide on a specific program helps students enter the field of their choice.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERIC OUTLINE and may or may not depict precise methods, courses and/or focuses related to ANY ONE specific school(s) that may or may not be advertised at PETAP.org.

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About the Author

Renata McGee is a staff writer for PETAP.org. Locate Online Public Health Colleges providing the education you’re looking for at PETAP.org, your Partners in Education and Tuition Assistance Programs.

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