Student Resources

Careers

While some graduates 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.

Public Health differs from “clinical” health professions such as physicians, physician assistants, nursing, physical/occupational therapy by focusing on preventing disease, understanding and addressing health disparities through education, community engagement, and research to promote health and well being.

PUBLIC HEALTHCLINICAL HEALTH
Related Degrees/Professions: Bachelors in Public Health, Master of Public Health, Health Promotion Specialist, Epidemiologist, Health Services Administration, Health Policy AnalystRelated Degrees/Professions: Physician (MD), Physician Assistant (PA), Occupational/Physical Therapist (OT/PT), Registered Dietician (RD), Registered Nurse (RN)
Benefits: Population/CommunitiesBenefits: Individuals
Focuses on: HealthFocuses on: Disease
Goals: Prevention and Health PromotionGoals: 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.
  • Employment opportunities for health education specialists and community health workers is projected to grow 17% from 2020 to 2030, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
  • Growth is the health care and social assistance sector is expected to be driven by the aging population and prevalence of chronic conditions (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)

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: