Public health consultants are highly trained professionals who share their expert health advice to hopefully lead programs and policy changes that directly impact the future of community health. Public health consultants are self-employed subject matter experts and generally specialize in a particular area of public health. They work with a wide variety of organizations, such as government agencies, healthcare organizations, and health-focused nonprofits, to address specific public health problems and develop more effective programs, policies, and procedures. Public health consultants are experts in public health, epidemiology, and disease control.
They work with communities to identify and address problems related to the spread of diseases or ailments. Learn about the benefits of Public Health Consulting & Entrepreneurship EXPO. Those who work as public health consultants often have experience in a variety of areas of public health. And because many public health initiatives are project-based, there is an ongoing need for specialized and experienced experts, such as public health consultants, to help provide the direction and strategy needed to carry out these large-scale projects.
Some employers prefer candidates who have a master's degree in public health or health administration. While earning a bachelor's degree will allow you to get some entry-level public health jobs, earning a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree is almost mandatory for people who want to become a public health consultant. This certification is offered by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc (NCHEC). At the end of your MPH program, you will need to complete a final course in which you will apply the statistical methods you have learned to some aspect of public health.
Public health consultants will need to keep abreast of these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace. A CPH credential is the most common certification for public health consultants and demonstrates their commitment to staying at the forefront of public health knowledge. The primary prospective avenue to becoming a public health consultant is to complete the five-year postgraduate training program in public health, as described in Hot Desk. Entering the broad and significant field of public health can be an excellent way to promote and protect health.
There is also a shortage of biostatisticians, environmental scientists and other important public health workers. Job prospects for all health professions, including public health, are above average for all occupations combined. Charlotte Hughes Huntley shares some practical definitions and examples to help you understand what public health consulting is, who it serves, and what it entails. Other health care programs or even degrees in other subjects, such as social sciences or humanities, can also prepare you for a career in public health, especially if you plan to pursue a post-secondary degree.
The field of public health is becoming increasingly interdisciplinary, as professionals are required to have a wider range of skills to succeed. Protecting vulnerable populations, protecting the environment, and researching and using statistics are part of this important public health role.
