Career Paths in Public Health and Wellness

Public Health

Public health professionals protect the health of a variety of populations, from neighborhoods to an entire nation. They prevent problems from happening or re-occurring by implementing educational programs, policies, and services; by regulating health systems and some health professions; as well as conducting research.

Common areas of Public Health (more can be found at aspph.org).

• Community Health: Focuses on work with defined communities to identify and resolve public health problems and to promote well-being.
• Education: Interdisciplinary study focusing on how health education can affect behavior and lifestyle decisions that have an impact on public health.
• Epidemiology: Application of the scientific method to the study of disease in populations for the purpose of prevention and control.
• Biostatistics: Study of theories and techniques for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting quantitative data relevant to public health issues.
• Maternal and Child Health: Focuses on the improvement of public health delivery systems for women, children, and their families through advocacy, education, and research.
• Global Health: Study of health across national boundaries and of socioeconomic, cultural, and other factors causing disease that transcend national borders, ethnicity, and other divisions.
• American Public Health Association

Registered Nurse (RN)

RN’s assess health problems and the needs of patients, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. They also advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention. Licensing or registration is required.

• Nurse.org

Pharmacist

Pharmacists compound and dispense medications following prescriptions issued by physicians, dentists, or other authorized medical practitioners.

• Pharmacy is Right for Me

Nutritionist

Dietitian nutritionists use nutrition and food science to help people improve their health. Nutrition and dietetic technicians work with dietitian nutritionists to provide care and consultation to patients while also providing general nutrition education. Both roles are nationally credentialed and are an integral part of healthcare and foodservice management teams.

• Read more about nutritionists

Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapists are health practitioners who focus on holistic methods to promote the ability of patients — both physically and mentally — to fulfill daily routines and roles. They build patients' fine motor skills and encourage rehabilitation through the performance of activities required in daily life.

• Read more about the occupational therapy profession

Physical Therapist

Physical therapists improve movement and manage pain of injured or ill patients. Practitioners in this role typically work in preventive care, rehabilitation, and treatment.

• Becoming a physical therapist

Allied Health Profession

There are a variety of health-related careers beyond nurse, doctor, veterinarian, etc. Spotlight on Careers says: “Allied health professionals, regarded as experts in their field, contribute to patient health directly or indirectly.” Examples of these professions include Athletic Trainers, Radiological and MRI Technologists, as well as practitioners of alternative medicine.

Psychology

Psychology is a diverse field with a variety of opportunities. Many psychologists work as health care providers to assess behavioral and mental function and well-being of patients. Psychologists can also teach, conduct basic applied research, and serve as consultants to communities and organizations.

• American Psychological Association
• Career paths in psychology

ExploreHealthCareers.org

A comprehensive resource offering profiles, educational requirements, and industry information for over one hundred health-related careers. A great place to start exploring careers.

Mayo Clinic Explore health care careers 

National Institutes of Health

A listing of health and medical careers.  Links include information on job growth, skills necessary, activities done in the course of the position, salary and more.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook - Health Care Occupations

Active Minds (AM)

American Heart Association (AHA)

Center for Outreach, Volunteerism, and Education (COVE)

Colgate Hunger Outreach Program (CHOP)

Do Random Acts of Kindness (DoRAK)

Hamilton Fire Department (HFD)

Public Health Initiatives (PHI)

Southern Madison County Volunteer Ambulance Corp

Pre-health Pathways

Global Public and Environmental Health Minor

The Health Sciences Advising Office, Career Services, and faculty members in the departments of Biology, Anthropology, and Geography will support you through making decisions related to your major and class choices.

Depending on the field you are interested in you may need to attend a graduate program. Many opportunities for entry-level positions exist in these areas. To advance your career you might need to obtain a degree like an MPH (Master of Public Health), RN (Registered Nurse), DPT (Doctorate of Physical Therapy), to name a few. 

Please make an appointment with your academic advisor or your Career Services Advisor to talk about your options for post-secondary education.

Featuring Ayanna Williams ’08, health researcher, Insight Policy Research; Steven Gabriel ’15, fellow, Buffalo’s Center for Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness; and Katie Williams ’15, product development and introduction fellow, FHI 360.