With so many health careers, it can be confusing to figure out the answer to the question, “What is public health administration?” Leaders in this field serve both in the public sector and nonprofit organizations. These health administrators use their insight to manage and support the health programs of their organization.
Someone working as a public health administrator typically enjoys working with people and helping to better the lives of those around them.
If you are considering a job in public health, then working as an administrator might just be the career you have dreamed of!
What is Public Health Administration?
It is necessary for large organizations to run as efficiently as possible, and that is where the public health administrator comes in. By professionally managing the organization from every level, the administrator is a key part of the day-to-day functioning of the organization.
Some of the key job responsibilities of a public health administrator include:
- Grant writing
- Community outreach
- Analyzing local community health issues
- Prevention programs
- Helping with fundraising efforts
- Balancing budgets
Depending on the size of the organization, some or all of these tasks may have others the administrator will work with. A smaller organization may require the public health administrator to do all or many of these tasks as part of their day-to-day responsibilities.
Business skills are a large part of what public health administration is. Focusing on negotiating, innovation, and finance are excellent ways to excel in this position.
Career Opportunities
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Jobs in public health administration are plentiful! Even new workers will find opportunities available to meet their education and experience. When it comes to what is public health administration, there are a wide variety of options to consider. You could work with advocacy groups, non-profit organizations, regulatory agencies, state or federal government agencies or even universities.
Some examples of jobs according to The Society for Public Health Education include:
- Virginia Reproductive Equity Alliance/SIP Program Coordinator
- Vice President –Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- Associate Professor of Health Promotion
Job titles that public health administration jobs may be listed under also include:
- Evaluation specialist
- Program Manager/Director
- Public Health Policy
There are many more career opportunities that will work well with a degree in public health administration. The important thing to remember is acquiring the education and training needed for your field. When choosing your educational path, it is essential that you have the type of career you would like in mind so you can discuss this with your educational advisor.
Education Needed
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Most public health administration positions will require at least a Master’s Degree in Public Health. The type of study will determine job opportunities and most education programs offer several options for specializing in your field.
Master degree programs in public health administration include comprehensive development education. Specific education that focuses on the development and public policy is also included in the coursework.
Students studying this field will see a wide breadth of knowledge is required. Students become competent in planning, evaluation, policy, financial management, and performance improvement.
Some typically required courses include:
- Introduction to Healthcare
- Epidemiology
- Public Health Administration Practices
- Biostatistics
- Leadership Skills
- Organizational Behavior
- Human Resource Management
Students come from a wide variety of backgrounds and a good master’s degree program will take that into consideration. Undergraduates may have majored in education, research, social work or the sciences.
When coursework and internships are complete, the student should be comfortable working with complex health issues. Improving health care, controlling disease, and influencing healthcare policy are all aspects of the public health administration curriculum that students become extremely familiar with throughout their coursework.
Choosing the Best Program for You
At Everglades University, the Master’s Degree in Public Health Administration is prepared to offer either on-campus or online courses. This degree prepares students to excel in the workforce well beyond entry-level positions.
Students can choose a rounded set of courses as well as specialize in either Functional Nutrition or Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
To complete the Master’s Degree in Public Health Administration at Everglades University, students will need to complete 36 credit hours in the core courses as well as a capstone project of their choosing.
At Everglades University, our Master’s in Public Health Administration online or in-person degree is designed with busy professionals in mind. We provide a well-rounded program to prepare students to enter the workforce. Hands-on internships provide the real-life situations and knowledge needed to help our students stand out in their chosen career. Each student has an advisor who will work closely with the student to guide and direct them in their higher education program.
You can take control of your life and get started today on your Public health Administration degree. Enroll now at Everglades University!
Call us today to discuss your future master’s degree program (888) 854-8308 or request more information online.