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Oklahoma School of Public Health – OK

By Joanna Pelletier, allied health world contributing writer
Published:  February 18th, 2010

As the seas of yellowish-green ocean give way to the concrete shore of Oklahoma's suburbs and city, one can see why someone would devote their life to working in the field of public health. With
nearly two thirds of its 3.5 million residents living in cities (www.statehealthfacts.org), Oklahoma is in need of people who are versed in keeping others healthy, and Oklahoma public health schools provide the education necessary to accomplish this.

Schools of Public Health in Oklahoma

Most public health officials have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Public Health; some, depending on their profession, may even have a Doctorate.

The road to becoming a public health official begins with a strong high school education. Students who plan to enter this profession should place emphasis on building strong collaborative, writing, communication, scientific reasoning, and mathematical analysis skills, which can be obtained through English, communication, high school math, social sciences, biology, and chemistry classes.

Even though the State of Oklahoma does not require its officials to take a national examination before they obtain their license, students should look for colleges and universities that are a part of an association like the Association of Schools of Public Health. Colleges that participate in these networks tend to stay more current with issues that affect the field, and may offer better learning and professional skill building opportunities.

Most public health officials combine a major in biology, microbiology, organic chemistry, epidemiology, or public health with a public health internship during their collegiate years. They may also participate actively in public health fraternities or campus organizations.

Those who have chosen to pursue an education beyond college typically obtain a Master's degree in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Public Health, Health Promotion, Bioterrorism, or another field that may be within their interests.

Through campus based and online programs, aspiring Public Health Professionals in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Norman, Oklahoma 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 Saint Francis Hospital, Oklahoma State University Medical Center, Saint Anthony Hospital and the many INTEGRIS Health Centers.