Kine 4357 Team Project Public Health Careers Resource Guide
Kine 4357 Team Project Public Health Careers Resource Guidepublic Hea
KINE 4357 Team Project: Public Health Careers Resource Guide Public Health Career Profile Assignment Part I/Working Draft Using resources such as the book: 101+ Careers in Public Health, along with other resources such as bls.org, Indeed.com, glassceiling.com, Google Scholar, UTA Library Database, and government job posting sites, you are required to research and synthesize the information in order to create a detailed written profile of a public health career. Choose your “dream job,” so that you can become more informed about an area of public health you are interested in! Using the template below, fill out each section completely. Important: Refer to the grading rubric so that you are aware of how this assignment will be graded. All written material should be in complete sentences. Do not use bullet points. Submit the assignment in two places: this assignment portal and Discussion Board 6.1 for peer review.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
The landscape of public health careers is broad and evolving, with numerous opportunities for professionals motivated by a desire to improve population health. A significant demographic shift, including the projected retirement of approximately 42% of the public health workforce by 2020 (Sellers et al., 2015), underscores the increasing demand for skilled individuals in this field. For example, epidemiology stands out as a critical specialty, often likened to detective work, where practitioners investigate disease patterns to identify sources and prevent outbreaks. Epidemiologists may focus on infectious diseases, chronic conditions, or environmental health issues, depending on the organization's needs (Sandman, 1991). My chosen career is in infectious disease epidemiology, driven by a passion for disease prevention and global health initiatives, with the goal of contributing to early detection and containment of infectious threats worldwide.
Job Description
A public health epidemiologist specializing in infectious diseases is responsible for monitoring disease trends, investigating outbreaks, and analyzing data to inform public health policies. They work closely with healthcare providers, laboratories, and governmental agencies to detect emerging infectious threats and develop strategies to control and prevent disease transmission. The role involves designing and implementing surveillance systems, conducting epidemiologic studies, and communicating findings to stakeholders and the public (CDC, 2021). These professionals may also participate in vaccine development, health education campaigns, and policy advocacy to reduce disease burden within communities. The work environment includes government agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state health departments, academic institutions, and international health organizations.
Job Requirements
A career in infectious disease epidemiology typically requires a minimum of a master's degree in public health (MPH) or epidemiology; however, many positions prefer or require a doctorate (PhD) or equivalent experience (BLS, 2023). Core competencies include strong analytical skills, proficiency in statistical software, epidemiologic research methods, and knowledge of infectious disease dynamics. Certifications such as the Certified in Public Health (CPH) credential may enhance job prospects and professional credibility (APHA, 2022). Essential skills include critical thinking, effective communication, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams. Experience in outbreak investigation, data management, and public health policy are highly valued by employers.
Compensation and Employment Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, 2023), epidemiologists earn a median annual salary of approximately $78,000, with the top 10% earning over $124,000, depending on experience and geographic location. The job outlook for epidemiologists, including those working with infectious diseases, is projected to grow 5% from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations (BLS, 2023). Growth is driven by increased emphasis on disease prevention, emerging infectious threats, and global health security. In Texas, employment opportunities for epidemiologists are available within state and local health departments, research institutions, and healthcare systems, with salaries comparable to national averages and additional demand fueled by recent health crises such as COVID-19.
Resources for Further Information
- From the textbook: 101+ Careers in Public Health
- From the federal government: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Careers Page - https://www.cdc.gov/careerlegacy
- From professional organizations: American Public Health Association (APHA) - https://www.apha.org/
- Specific to Texas: Texas Department of State Health Services - https://www.dshs.texas.gov
- State health sector portal: Tarrant County Public Health Department - https://www.tarrantcounty.com/en/health.html
- Regional health resources: Greater Houston Partnership - https://www.houston.org/
References
American Public Health Association. (2022). Certified in Public Health (CPH) credential. https://www.apha.org/professional-development/certification
Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023). Occupational outlook handbook: Epidemiologists. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/epidemiologists.htm
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Careers in epidemiology. https://www.cdc.gov/careerlegacy/epidemiology/index.html
Sandman, P. M. (1991). Infectious disease epidemiology: An introduction. Journal of Public Health, 81(2), 205-210.
Sellers, K., et al. (2015). Protecting the future: Workforce strategies in public health. American Journal of Public Health, 105(11), 2325-2330.