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Public health administrators play a vital role in protecting and improving the health of communities. If you’re interested in a career in public health, read on to learn how to become a public health administrator.
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Introduction
Becoming a public health administrator requires a combination of training, experience, and dedication to the field of public health. Although there is no one “right” path to becoming a public health administrator, there are certain steps that can improve your chances of success.
First and foremost, you will need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in public health or a related field such as health administration, business administration, or sociology. A master’s degree in public health (MPH) is also highly recommended. You can find programs at many colleges and universities across the country, or you can complete an online MPH program if you have the time and inclination.
Once you have completed your academic training, you will need to gain some practical experience working in the field of public health. This can be done through internships, volunteer positions, or entry-level jobs with public health organizations. These experiences will not only give you the opportunity to learn about the day-to-day workings of public health agencies, but they will also allow you to network with other professionals in the field.
Finally, you should consider obtaining certification from a professional organization such as the American Public Health Association or the National Environmental Health Association. Although certification is not required for all positions, it can give you an edge over other candidates when applying for jobs. In addition, most states have licensing requirements for certain types of public health professionals, so be sure to check with your state’s licensing board before beginning your career.
What Does a Public Health Administrator Do?
Public health administrators are responsible for developing and implementing programs and policies to protect and improve the health of communities. They work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, hospitals, nonprofits, and research institutions.
Most public health administrators have at least a master’s degree in public health or a related field. Many also have experience working in public health or healthcare administration.
Education
A bachelor’s degree is the minimum educational requirement for public health administrators; however, many employers prefer or require a master’s degree in public health (MPH), health administration, business administration or a related field. Competition for jobs is expected to be strong because the growth of the occupation will be limited by government funding and reimbursement constraints. Many candidates will have experience working in the public health field before they become administrators. Some may have advanced degrees in public health or related fields, such as medicine, nursing, dentistry or social work
Skills Needed to Become a Public Health Administrator
There are many projected job openings for public health administrators between now and 2024, so this is a great career to consider if you’re looking for a way to help people and make a difference in community health. But what does it take to become a public health administrator? Here’s what you need to know.
First and foremost, you’ll need to have strong leadership skills. Public health administrators are responsible for overseeing the work of public health professionals and ensuring that programs are run effectively and efficiently. This requires the ability to motivate and guide team members, as well as excellent communication skills.
You’ll also need to be well-versed in the principles of public health. This includes an understanding of issues like disease prevention, health promotion, and biostatistics. Familiarity with grant writing is also helpful, as many public health administrators are responsible for securing funding for their programs.
Finally, it’s important to have a strong understanding of business principles. This is because public health administrators must often juggle multiple budgets and manage complex financial activities. Strong analytical skills are essential in this role.
Salary and Job Outlook
The salary for public health administrators varies depending on experience, geographical location, and size of the facility. The median annual salary for all medical and health services managers was $96,540 in May 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The top 10% earned more than $172,860, while the bottom 10% made less than $56,680.
Large facilities in metropolitan areas tend to pay higher salaries than smaller facilities in rural areas. For example, the mean annual salary for medical and health services managers in New York was $142,750 as of May 2018, while the mean annual salary in Mississippi was $103,710 during the same period.
The number of jobs for medical and health services managers is expected to grow by 18% from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the BLS. The aging Baby Boomer population will drive demand for better and more efficient health care services.
Conclusion
There are many ways to become a public health administrator. The most common route is to earn a master’s degree in public health, although some people may choose to earn a bachelor’s degree or PhD instead. Alternatively, some people may choose to enter the field with a degree in another field such as business administration or healthcare administration. Many public health administrators also have experience working in the public health field before moving into administration.
