Medical professionals working in the public healthcare system are focused on preventing, treating and researching disease in the community they live in. Public health workers aim to ward off disease, with information and action promoting community health, such as vaccination programs or needle exchange programs.
Careers in public health are varied and rewarding, with a place for people with all kinds of interests and skill levels.
Why should I work in public health?
Working in public health, whether in a pharmacy, medical centre, hospital or family practice, is a fulfilling and exciting career. Medical professionals treat complex health problems, give access to health care, and treat and reduce injury.
Those working in public health work with people and families to meet the challenge of providing health care every day. There are many areas that one can work in the field of public health, including research, demographics, social work, medicine, specialists, even becoming teachers or lab workers. People with a wide range of skill levels can find a niche within the public health care system to suit them.
How do I begin a career in public health?
Most careers in public health require a qualification at the bachelor level. Universities across Australia offer courses to suit most levels of public health care, from a Bachelor of Health Sciences, to a Bachelor of e-Healthcare. Most undergraduate health care courses provide a general overview of healthcare, with opportunities to specialize later on.
Undergraduate health care degrees can range from three to five years, depending on the specialization. Postgraduate courses are also available, but not always a prerequisite to gaining a job in the health care sector. However, studying at a postgraduate level would improve your chances of employment in the health sector as well as potential pay and work opportunities.