The Field
Public health professionals fight emerging health threats, in their neighborhoods and around the globe.
They understand how disease works—not just in bodies, but in communities, as well. That means studying the biological, behavioral and social issues (think race, gender, immigrant status, street violence, access to healthy food and job opportunities, and environmental factors) that prevent wellness and allow illness to spread.
And, of course, it means helping people stay healthy, by reaching out to them, educating and empowering them, and connecting them with vital resources.
To be successful in public health, you’ll need to be very passionate about helping other people. You’ll also need to be a forward and critical thinker. And, you’ll need to be willing to go where people are struggling because that’s where you’ll be most needed.
The Outlook
When it comes to careers in public health, the sky really is the limit. Clinics, health departments, organizations like the Red Cross and United Nations, and high-level government agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and National Institutes of Health all employ public health specialists with varying levels of education and experience.
Whether you decide to get to work at a local nonprofit or become an epidemiologist at a major national organization, your job prospects look pretty good. The number of Social and Human Service Assistants jobs is expected to rise 17% in the East Bay between 2017 and 2022. You can qualify for those with an associate degree from CCC. Health Care Educator positions, which generally require a higher degree, are expected to grow 10% during the same time frame.
For a better idea of the kinds of jobs available to people with a background in public health, check out our online Career Coach.
Our Program
What job you eventually hold really depends on how far you want to continue your education.
And, whatever you want to do, we’re a great place to start.
If you want to get right to work helping a community clinic with record keeping and outreach, or doing low-level research on academic projects, all you need is an associate degree from CCC. Our program will give you everything you need to be successful in those jobs, including hands-on experience and exposure to a wide breadth of disciplines that impact public health.
If you’re seeking a higher position, want to move into a different medical field, or even earn your doctorate so you can study the origin and distribution of disease as an epidemiologist, our program also puts you on the fast track toward advanced degrees.
Our associate degree for transfer guarantees admission to California State University, along with other perks, like junior standing and a GPA boost in case you’re applying to a competitive program. That puts you on your way to getting a bachelor’s degree, with clear advantages, at a fraction of the cost.
If that sounds like something you want to be part of, why not see if we can help you pay for college or even get the ball rolling and apply now?