There is a misunderstanding surrounding the public health careers because it is difficult to define the field. One level involves providing medical care within a community or outside a hospital. At another level, there are global repercussions attributed to public health and it may refer to efforts undertaken in the prevention of epidemics and in the improvement of health of a whole nation. So with a master's in public health, what are the proper position for you?

What Can You Do With a Master's in Public Health?

To answer the question, there are 8 great positions for you to choose:

1. Public Health Doctor

The work of a public health doctor is to give quality medical care to the common people. One may work as a manager or a teacher, or conduct researches. Others may work directly with patients and help in diagnosing various health problems and illnesses.

Being a physician, a public health doctor requires a medical degree of an accredited university. A master's in public health can provide a boost to their education. The salary depends on the location where a public health doctor is employed and ranges between $150,000 and $200,000.

2. Director of Family Health

A director of family health very often oversees the daily operations of a public health center. No matter it is public sector or private sector, a director is expected to manage all operations of a facility such as human resources and finances.

The education requirement is a master’s degree in public health with several years experience in the field. The salary depends on the location and size of the facility and ranges between $70,000 and $125,000.

3. Bioterrorism Researcher

What can you do with a master's in public health? Bioterrorism researcher sounds cool! A bioterrorism researcher works in a lab and cooperates closely with state and federal agencies to find potential hazards. Bioterrorism researchers need to have knowledge about various diseases, toxins and their treatments. They are required to analyze the possibility of terrorists using a specific biological agent to attack.

Qualification required is a doctorate in genetics, immunology, microbiology or virology along with a master’s in the public health. The salary ranges between $40,000 and $150,000 per year.

4. Health Center Administrator

A health care administrator oversees the management of a healthcare setting. One may either work as a general manager of the entire facility or work for a large individual department. A health care administrator may work in the area like hospitals, nursing homes, private or public clinics or large doctor’s offices.

Apart from the qualification, experience in the field is crucial to get a high paying job. The average annual salary is around $84,270 and range between $51,280 and $144,880.

5. Director of Non-Governmental Organization (NGO)

A director of NGO, who usually has great passion for the community health, oversees the operation of an organization, including budgets management. A NGO director may find work internationally and travel can be a regular part of the job.

Apart from the education, working experience is essential for a NGO director. The salary depends on the location of employment and ranges between $64,000 and $100,000 per year.

6. Infection Preventionist

What can you do with a master's in public health? This is another great option. An infection preventionist is required to analyze the potential of an infection posing serious threats to public health. One has to analyze data, gets involved in the provision of immunizations and medicines and educates the community to help prevent infection spread.

A infection preventionist can work for a local health agency in the community or with an outreach group or hospital whose aim is to improve public health. The salary ranges between $40,000 and $100,000 per year.

7. Legislative Policy Advisor

Legislative policy advisors are required to use their medical and legal knowledge to influence public health policy, required to carry out researches to find the benefits of laws related to public health related policies, and also required to work for think tanks, advocacy groups or individual politicians.

Apart from master’s degree in public health, they may graduate from a law school, have advanced training in medical fields or graduate from a medical school. Some advisors may have received advanced medical training. The salary ranges from $65,000 to $110,000 per year.

8. Academic Policy Advisor

Academic policy advisors are required to make decisions about educational programs related to public health. They are usually responsible for funds and grants allocation and for guiding policies. They may work for a federal or state organization, a public health or a university group.

They may have a medical degree and some high paying jobs require that experience as a practicing physician. The salary ranges between $52,000 and greater than $85,000 per year.

Other Career Choices for People with a Master's in Public Health

Apart from the above mentioned 8 career options, there are many other answers to the question "What can you do with a master's in public health?" Here comes another 70 great options for you: