High-Demand Public Health Jobs: Opportunities and Outlook 2020-2030
The COVID-19 pandemic brought about an increased need for trained public health experts. Let’s explore some of the most sought-after public health jobs and see if this field is right for you. The COVID-19 pandemic was one of the most significant health crises to impact the world in decades. As the pandemic put pressure on the U.S. healthcare system, healthcare facilities and organizations needed skilled professionals to fill vital public health roles.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that many public health careers are expected to see continued growth from 2021 to 2031. We’ll delve into the most in-demand public health professions, discussing their typical responsibilities, average salaries, and projected growth.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Public Health Careers
Throughout the pandemic, various industries depended on public health experts to keep their employees and customers safe. Local governments also recognized the need to have public health professionals on staff to monitor and respond to new developments.
Struggling to meet your deadline?
Get your assignment on High-Demand Public Health Jobs: Opportunities and Outlook 2020-2030 done by certified MDs and PhDs in the USA. ORDER NOW!
While the official COVID-19 disaster declarations in the U.S. are expected to end in May 2023, many businesses and healthcare facilities will continue to seek professionals who can develop and adapt safety protocols, reduce the impact of diseases in communities, and update corporate policies and procedures.
Public health professionals play a crucial role in helping businesses, communities, and the government adapt to a post-pandemic world.
What Can You Do With a Public Health Degree?
The Most In-Demand Public Health Jobs
We’ve compiled a list of the most sought-after public health jobs based on the BLS’s projected job growth data for the period 2021-2031.
1. Biostatistician
Biostatisticians design experiments related to biology and public health, collect and analyze data, and interpret the results. They are responsible for overseeing research studies to ensure their accuracy, compiling reports based on collected data, and presenting their findings to the public health and healthcare community.
Biostatisticians also design clinical trials, assess population genetics, engage in ecological forecasting, and conduct biological sequence analysis. They primarily work for research foundations, educational institutions, and government agencies.
The demand for biostatisticians is on the rise due to the increasing need for statistical analysis. With the aging population and the continued presence of COVID-19, the healthcare industry and consulting research firms require biostatisticians to research the effectiveness of new medications and conduct clinical trials.
2. Medical and Health Services Manager
Medical and health services managers plan, organize, and oversee services for entire healthcare facilities, specific departments, or medical practices. They work behind the scenes to ensure that healthcare operations run smoothly.
This role is suitable for individuals who are detail-oriented, organized, and possess a range of strong technical skills.
The rise of group healthcare practices has increased the demand for medical and health services managers. Overall, the need for medical and health services managers mirrors the demand for healthcare
3. Epidemiologists
Epidemiologists are medical investigators who study the spread of diseases, identify communities at risk, and devise strategies to stop and prevent epidemics. Their primary mission is to protect the public by reducing the risk and occurrence of diseases.
Typically, epidemiologists focus on applied public health and work for state and local governments. They may also engage in research and secure positions within universities, consulting firms, or government agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The demand for epidemiologists has surged due to the pandemic, and COVID-19 has reignited interest in studying and preventing new and emerging diseases.
- Median Annual Salary: $78,830
- Projected Employment Growth (2021-2031): 26%
4. Social and Community Service Managers
Social and community service managers oversee workers who provide public health services. They assist community members in selecting and implementing programs that benefit local populations. These managers assess the effectiveness of each initiative and recommend improvements as necessary.
Social and community service managers are in high demand because of an aging population in need of social services like adult homecare, and the increase in substance abuse cases. More individuals dealing with addiction are being referred to treatment programs, which drives the need for program managers.
- Median Annual Salary: $74,000
- Projected Employment Growth (2021-2031): 12%
5. Health Promotion and Education Specialists and Community Health Workers
While health education specialists and community health workers share some responsibilities, their roles differ in certain aspects.
Health promotion and education specialists design programs and intervention strategies to encourage healthy behaviors in individuals and communities. They develop and evaluate programs, making adjustments when necessary. They may also train community health workers to implement initiatives.
Community health workers interact directly with healthcare providers and social service organizations to advocate for community residents. They provide information about available healthcare services, manage outreach programs, and discuss relevant health concerns with colleagues and community members.
The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened interest in preventing behaviors and practices that negatively affect health. Developing programs and policies to help people lead healthier lives can prevent diseases and reduce treatment and procedure costs.
6. Public Health Nurse
Public health nurses educate communities about health-related issues, deliver direct healthcare services in community settings, and enhance health and safety by increasing access to care. They monitor health trends and risk factors to prioritize interventions that benefit the most people.
These nurses also design and implement disease prevention and clinical preventive initiatives, such as cancer and mental health screenings and immunization clinics. Government agencies recognize the advantages of preventive healthcare services, which drives the demand for qualified public health nurses.
7. Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Technicians
Occupational health and safety specialists inspect workplaces and assess whether employers adhere to safety standards and government regulations. They also train both employers and workers in implementing and maintaining safe practices.
These specialists demonstrate the proper use of equipment, the maintenance of safe work
environments, and the avoidance of hazardous practices. They investigate accidents to determine their causes and prevent them from recurring.
Employers and insurance companies hire occupational health and safety specialists to keep employees safe, avoid accidents that increase insurance costs, and reduce workers’ compensation claims.
- Median Annual Salary: $78,740
- Projected Employment Growth (2021-2031): 5%
8. Environmental Scientists and Specialists
Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment. They examine the interaction between the environment and human health to prevent, control, or remediate environmental problems.
These specialists gather and analyze data to inform government agencies, businesses, and the public about hazards that could pose health concerns or create environmental issues.
Growing attention to environmental issues and population growth are driving the demand for environmental scientists. Many local governments, businesses, and individuals seeking to reduce their environmental impact hire environmental scientists to develop sustainable practices.
9. Health and Safety Engineer
Health and safety engineers create processes and systems to protect people from illness and injury, as well as to prevent property damage. Leveraging their knowledge of health and engineering, they assess new equipment, inspect workplaces for hazards, and ensure that safety protocols are up to date.
They are also responsible for recommending additional safety measures, training the workforce, and implementing new health and safety policies.
Health and safety engineers typically work in manufacturing, engineering, and construction, although some find roles in consulting firms or state and local governments. As technology continues to transform the engineering field and more workplaces adopt complex regulations, health and safety engineers can help reduce costs and safeguard employees’ lives.
10. Emergency Management Director
Emergency management directors plan and execute responses to natural disasters and similar emergencies. They collaborate with public safety officials, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies to minimize disaster-related damages.
They also organize emergency response training, review and adjust emergency plans, coordinate resource use between communities and organizations, and prepare assessments after crises. During emergencies, they monitor and manage the situation from a command center.
The BLS anticipates that the demand for emergency management directors will remain steady, as natural disasters cannot be entirely avoided. However, employment outlook is often determined by state and local budgets. In areas heavily reliant on federal funding, maintaining a full-time emergency director may be challenging.
Discover Your Next Public Health Career
The demand for public health professionals will remain robust as communities continue to refine their public health strategies. With these prospects in mind, now might be an opportune moment to pursue a career in public health.
Ready to get started? The healthcare sector requires professionals who can help individuals and communities effectively monitor and respond to future threats.
Dont wait until the last minute.
Provide your requirements and let our native nursing writers deliver your assignments ASAP.