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Minnesota School of Public Health – MN

By allied health world contributing writer
Published:  February 29th, 2010

Minnesota is a diverse state with numerous opportunities for a career in public health.  Current hot topics in the public heath area include substance abuse prevention, social marketing, violence prevention, issues of physical activity and nutrition, management of disease, gambling campaigns, and   mental health issues.  The Minnesota Institute of Public Health is a company that deals with all of these hot topics across the state of Minnesota.  An eclectic group of public health professionals work as a team through project work to provide Minnesota citizens with protection against public health issues.  In addition, The Minnesota Department of Health is an agency that employs a wide range of public health professionals.  Current hot topics from this organization include seasonal and H1N1 flu information, Minnesota health reform initiatives, food safety, and changes within the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program.  What an exciting and interesting time to pursue a career in public health across the state of Minnesota.  Also, Minnesota can offer public health professionals with opportunities of growth, future, and development.  www.health.state.mn.us          

Minnesota Public Health Education

The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) is an organization that is able to accredit Minnesota public health schools, in addition to specialized public health programs.  In other words, it is the accrediting body for schools of public health.  The Master of Public Health (MPH) degree is the most recognized professional degree, but there are other masters and doctoral degrees.  The Association of Schools of Public Health (ASPH) is the representative organization for CEPH accredited schools.  The ASPH promotes graduate education, partners with other agencies to research education topics and continually improve public health education, works with accredited schools regarding consistent competencies for MPH degree graduates, and advocates for public health career options.  Minnesota currently is home to one ASPH accredited school.  http://www.ceph.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1              

Continuing Educational for Public Health Professionals in Minnesota

As stated earlier, at this time there are no special licensing requirements for public health professionals.    However, if you have obtained the certified public health (CPH) credential, you must acquire continuing education hours to maintain active.  Every two years, 50 hours of continuing education is required to maintain your CPH designation.  In addition, a reevaluation of skills in required at 10-year increments throughout your public health career. 

www.publichealthexam.org/FAQs.cfm#MaintenanceofCertification    

Through campus based and online programs, aspiring Public Health Professionals in Minneapolis, St. Paul and Rochester, Minnesota may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state including the United Hospital, Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Children’s of Minnesota and St. Mary’s Hospital.