How do you become a public health specialist?

1 1. Get a relevant education

The first step to becoming a public health specialist is to get a formal education in public health or a related field. You can start with a bachelor's degree in public health, health sciences, health education, or social sciences. Some public health specialists also have a master's degree or a doctorate in public health, which can open up more opportunities for leadership, research, and teaching. Depending on your area of interest and specialization, you may also need to take courses in epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health policy, health promotion, or community health.

2 2. Gain practical experience

The second step to becoming a public health specialist is to gain practical experience in the field. You can do this by completing internships, volunteering, or working in public health organizations, agencies, or programs. This will help you develop your skills, knowledge, and network, as well as expose you to different aspects and challenges of public health work. You can look for opportunities in local, state, national, or international settings, depending on your goals and interests.

3 3. Obtain certification or licensure

The third step to becoming a public health specialist is to obtain certification or licensure, if required by your employer or state. Certification or licensure can demonstrate your competence and credibility as a public health professional, as well as enhance your career prospects and advancement. There are different types of certification or licensure available for public health specialists, depending on your specialty, level of education, and experience. For example, you can become a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), a Certified in Public Health (CPH), or a Licensed Social Worker (LSW).

4 4. Join a professional association

The fourth step to becoming a public health specialist is to join a professional association related to your field or specialty. Professional associations can provide you with access to resources, training, networking, advocacy, and recognition. They can also help you stay updated on the latest trends, issues, and opportunities in public health. Some examples of professional associations for public health specialists are the American Public Health Association (APHA), the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE), and the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL).

6 6. Make a positive impact

The sixth and final step to becoming a public health specialist is to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of the people and communities you serve. As a public health specialist, you can apply your expertise, passion, and creativity to address various public health problems, such as infectious diseases, chronic diseases, environmental hazards, health disparities, or health literacy. You can also collaborate with other public health professionals, stakeholders, and partners to design, implement, and evaluate effective and sustainable solutions. By becoming a public health specialist, you can make a difference in the world and contribute to the common good.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?