Whether you’re already in the health industry or want to switch careers, studying for a graduate certificate in public health can only benefit you in the long run. But what’s the point of studying further if you don’t know what to pursue afterwards? If you’re going to study a postgrad course in Public health, it’s helpful to know what doors this could open for you. Here are some careers you can pursue with a graduate certificate in Public Health.
What is a graduate certificate in public health?
A graduate certificate in public health is a postgrad qualification that covers key areas of public health without loading students with the time and costs of a full master’s degree. Usually, you can expect to earn a graduate certificate between 6 months to a year, depending on the course requirements and the institute you’re studying through. Online might allow you some wiggle room and let you finish within two years. Generally, a public health course like this would cover the following:
- Biostatistics
- Epidemiology
- Environmental and occupational health
- Social and behavioural health
- Health policy and management
Careers You can Pursue a Graduate Certificate in Public Health
It’s always wise to consider the opportunities studying awards you when you’re qualified. For example, teachers study education so they can pursue a career in it. Likewise, if you’re studying for a graduate certificate in public health, it would also be wise of you to consider the potential jobs you can pursue once you’re qualified. Here are some that you might want to consider:
1. Health educator
Health educators do exactly what their title suggests. They educate individuals and communities about behaviours that promote health and others that damage it. In many cases, these are the individuals bringing awareness to the dangers of living an unhealthy lifestyle and adopting habits like smoking. With a graduate certificate in public health, you’ll be equipped to design educational content, run health workshops, and assist in running effective campaigns. Here are some areas that you could work as a health educator:
- Schools or universities
- Nonprofit organisations
- Public health departments
- Private healthcare organisations
2. Community health worker
A community health worker is the link between the healthcare provided in a community and its residents. These individuals know their communities, their needs, and how to help people access the healthcare services they need. Community healthcare workers also partly educate communities on how to stay healthy. In some cases, a person taking a postgraduate course may need to have an education degree beforehand to add weight to their resume. Some common places you may work as a community health worker include:
- Community centres
- Schools
- Medical facilities
3. Public health analyst
In most settings, an analyst analyses data collected within a business or organisation to optimise its services. In the context of a public health analyst, they analyse health trends, evaluate the effectiveness of programs, and provide critical insight into overheads that support decision-making. If you already have some experience in research, policy, or healthcare, a public health certificate can help you pivot into analyst roles or deepen your expertise in population health. Here are some places you may find a job in:
- With government health agencies
- Nonprofits or NGOs
- Research institutions
In this role you’ll likely need to have good analytical skills and technical skills, with some knowledge of how to use digital tools like Excel.
4. Epidemiology assistant
Generally, to become an epidemiologist, you would need to have a master’s degree. However, a graduate certificate along with another relevant qualification may open the door for you to become an assistant to an epidemiologist or function in another support role. Usually, these jobs would require you to gather data on diseases, assist in outbreak investigations or help create and implement plans to control an outbreak.
5. Environmental health technician
You may also be able to find a career in environmental health, depending on your prior degree. This career involves assessing the environment and its impact on the health of the general population. You would be testing things like air and water quality, food safety, pollution, and other factors that could influence our health.
6. Health policy assistant
Working as a health policy assistant involves shaping the systems governing healthcare and public health. As an assistant or coordinator, your role would be researching policies or supporting advocacy campaigns. Studying for a graduate certificate in public health gives you a deeper understanding of the healthcare framework and how certain policies can affect the population’s overall health.
Want to study for a graduate certificate in public health?
Studying for a graduate certificate in public health can improve your awareness and skillset in the medical industry. If you’re considering this course and need some direction, check out this helpful page on completing an online graduate certificate in public health. Here, you’ll find all the information you need to know about completing your graduate certificate in public health online, including entry requirements, career options, and more.
Final thoughts
Public health is one of the studies that can have an impact on a variety of different industries. From education in schools to helping nonprofits worldwide, you can make a true and lasting impact if you play your cards right with a qualification in public health. Consider the career opportunities above and factor them into your career path as you plan.
