Minnesota Public Health Career – MN

By allied health world contributing writer
Published: March, 1 2010

How to Become a Public Health Professional in the State of Minnesota

The majority of Minnesota public health careers require a bachelor’s degree, as well as graduation from a master's program in public health.  For example, if you have an interest in biostatistics, you may choose this education path to pursue a career in biostatistics.  First, obtain a bachelor’s degree in math or science.  Second, obtain a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in biostatistics from an accredited school.  This degree would prepare you to design studies, analyze data, and create research methods. 

Specific projects that biostaticians are working on in the state of Minnesota include data study regarding community based clinical trials in AIDS, lung disease prevention, study of medical imaging and the diagnosis of diseases, documentation of drug interactions and chemotherapy in cancer patients, death rates of coronary heart disease in relationship to risk factors, and statistical research regarding genetics.  In addition to the successful completion of a public health education career path, you may also obtain a certified public health (CPH) credential.  Since there are no states at this time that require a license to practice public health, this credential is voluntary.  The credential is obtained by passing an examination administered by the National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE).  Furthermore, the credential represents expertise in the public health community.    www.sph.umn.edu/education/biostats/careers/home.html 

National Board of Public Health Examiners
One Oxford Centre, 301 Grant Street, Ste: 4300
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Phone:  (412) 255-3796
Fax:  (412) 255-3701
Email:  info@nbphe.org
Website:  www.publichealthexam.org

Professional Organizations for Public Health in the State of Minnesota

American Public Health Association (APHA):  This organization prides itself with over 50,000 professional members who work together to promote a healthy lifestyle among all individuals and work on prevention of diseases that effect many individuals.   The APHA also works as a legislation entity.  Current issues include funding, health reform, transportation and public health issues, global climate change, and tobacco regulation.        

American Public Health Association (APHA)
800 I Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
e-mail: comments@apha.org
Phone:  (202) 777-2742
Fax:  (202) 777-2534
Website:  www.apha.org

The Minnesota Public Health Association (MPHA) is a member-based organization with a vision to represent the citizens of Minnesota in the public health arena.  It is also a volunteer organization and is focused on three core values.  One, to expand public health leadership by providing learning opportunities; two, to maintain science based public health policies; third, to actively participate and make a difference in the public health field in the state of Minnesota. 

Minnesota Public Health Association
P.O. Box 14709
Minneapolis, MN 55414
Email:  info@mpha.net
Website:  www.mpha.net