What is a director of public health? This is a question career advisers usually encounter in the course of their duty. Directors of public health are basically healthcare professionals who are responsible for determining the overall objectives and visions for public health within a particular region. This post will shed more light on what exactly public health directors do, their work environment, salary, career outlook and entry requirements.
Specific Roles
A public health director works across three main domains. These include health improvement, public healthcare and health protection. Their specific functions in these domains include:
- Organizing and commissioning the delivery of clinical and cost-effective health services.
- Formulating and discussing budget allocations for different departments.
- Participating in employee recruitment and personal development programs.
- Managing senior staff members in areas such as recruitment, appraisals and any disciplinary or grievance issues.
- Providing leadership and expert advice to the local healthcare authorities and organizations.
- Creating effective working relationships with other local agencies to protect public health interests in the area.
- Communicating with staff and management so that they can contribute in making policies, formulating budgets and solving problems.
- Attending and participating in meetings and seminars relative to public health.
Work Environment
The work environment for directors of public health varies, depending on the type of services they offer and location. However, a majority of directors spend most of their time in an office setting. Some work in the field attending to various healthcare needs of the local population. Others travel frequently to attend public health meetings and seminars.
Career Requirements
Anyone who wants to become a public health director must have at least a master’s degree in public health or any other health-related field. A master’s degree in public health course equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to identify the determinants of diseases and health in local populations, use systematic approaches to develop, evaluate and implement public health policies and employ various techniques to communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences.
In addition to educational qualifications, you must have a valid certification and licensure from the state where you work in. Most states accept people who have a medical practice license issued by the American Board of Preventive Medicine or the American Board of Internal Medicine. Other states allow individuals who have an RN (Registered Nurse) credential.
Essential Skills
You must possess certain skills and traits in order to function effectively as a director of public health. You must show a strong ability to read, analyze and interpret scientific and technical terms relative to public health. You must be able to respond effectively to questions and complaints and show the ability to write quality articles and speeches using original and innovative techniques. Other essential attributes include strong leadership skills, ability to solve problems and make quick decisions and ability to adapt to a new environment.
Career Outlook and Salary
According to PayScale, public health directors earn an average salary of $80,992 per year. The highest paid individual earns $112,505 while the lowest-paid gets $45,177. The employment rate is projected to grow by 17 percent up to 2024. This is considered much faster than the national average and presents huge job prospects for those who want to enter into this field.
Related Resource: What Health Administration Jobs are in Public Health?
If your desire is to work with the local populations and help them transform their lives for the better, then a career in public health may be the best choice for you. As a public health director, you will be responsible for all the activities that enhance effective disease prevention and awareness among the local populations.
