Educational: Though public health professionals come
from varying academic backgrounds, a Master's in Public Health is the
most appropriate educational credential for this field. An MPH degree
usually covers courses in various public health specialties such as community
health, environmental and occupational health, biostatistics ( the theory
and application of statistical science to analyze public health problems),
epidemiology (study of patterns of health and illness and associated factors
at the population level), health care administration etc. Other than an
MPH degree, those interested in public health career can also explore
degree programs in health care administration or community health. However,
these degrees will be focused on a specific field rather than provide
a foundation in all disciplines of public health.
There are many different degree programs for those interested in studying
public health. Some of the programs include:
MPH - Master of Public Health
MHA - Master of Health Administration
MHSA - Master of Health Services Administration
MSPH - Master of Science in Public Health
PGDPHM - Post Graduate Diploma in Public health Management
PhD - Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health
There are also dual degree programs for those who are pursuing their
degrees or have already completed their degree in disciplines like social
work, law, public policy, dentistry, business, medicine, nursing, and
veterinary medicine. In most public health schools, candidate with an
advanced degree is eligible for an MPH program. A public health degree
will help those in other fields understand the principles of public health
and apply these principles to their practices.
Another distinction between degrees, is the professional degree versus
the academic degrees. Professional degrees generally have a greater orientation
towards practice in public health settings. MPH, MHA, DrPH are examples
of degrees which are geared towards those who want careers as practitioners
of public health in traditional health departments, managed care organizations,
community-based organizations, hospitals, consulting firms, international
agencies, state and federal agencies, among others.
Academic degrees are more oriented toward students wishing to seek a
career in academics and research rather than public health practice. Examples
of academic degrees are the MS , PhD, and ScD (stands for doctor of science).
However, each school of public health can tailor their degree programs
significantly. Students interested in getting a degree in public health
should check with individual schools for more information on specific
degree programs.
Personal attributes: Should have service mentality,
stamina, patience, power of concentration, emotional stability, logical
and analytical mind, problem solving ability, communication skills, leadership
quality, ability to take timely decisions, self -motivation etc. They
should have the instinct to help and serve without getting sentimentally
attached. Apart from all these one must have a pleasant smiling face whatever
be the situation.
