Student Resources

Careers

While a few Health Studies students may go on to clinical careers, most will opt to attend Master of Public Health programs, or go directly into the workforce upon completion of their undergraduate degree.

Health Studies differs from “clinical” health professions such as physicians, physician assistants, nursing, physical/occupational therapy by focusing on prevention of disease.

PUBLIC HEALTH (HEALTH STUDIES) CLINICAL HEALTH
Related Degrees/Professions: Bachelors in Health Studies, Master of Public Health, Health Promotion Specialist, Epidemiologist, Health Services Administration, Health Policy Analyst Related Degrees/Professions: Physician (MD), Physician Assistant (PA), Occupational/Physical Therapist (OT/PT), Registered Dietician (RD), Registered Nurse (RN)
Benefits: Population/Communities Benefits: Individuals
Focuses on: Health Focuses on: Disease
Goals: Prevention and Health Promotion Goals: Diagnosis and Treatment

graduate working at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island

Employers

Potential employers are as diverse and numerous as those choosing to work in this field. They include companies and agencies in the United States and around the world such as:

  • not-for-profit agencies
  • federal and state agencies
  • city governments
  • universities
  • corporations
  • pharmaceutical/biomedical companies

Job Market

  • Health and health care is the largest industry in Rhode Island
  • The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that health care will generate 3.2 million new jobs between 2008 and 2018, more than any other industry
  • The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that certain professions, such
    as health educator, epidemiologist, and health administrator, will grow even faster
  • USDHHS Public Health Study (2005) found that there will be a shortage of
    250,000 (non-clinical) public health professionals in 2020.

Career Resources

Below are some websites that cater to job listings and opportunities for graduate school. A good approach is to browse these websites for job postings that interest you and use this information to structure your program of study and practicum and internship experiences.

Professional Organizations:

Websites for Job Postings: