Public Health Certification

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: February 17th, 2010

Are there additional certifications that increase one’s credibility in public health?

There are a variety of certifications depending on the specialty one pursues in public health. Examples of these are Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE), and Licensed Social Worker (LSW).

Learn more about the public health degree.

Is there a professional organization for those in public health?

The American Public Health Association is the main organization for this profession. Some of the benefits for joining APHA include having have access to their research and science (in the Journal of Public Health), attending their conferences, obtaining continuing education credits, and acting as a public health activist with other members. There are other organizations one can belong to depending on their specialty within public health. For instance, those in dietetics or nutrition would also be members of the American Dietetics Association.

In the field of public health, what are some common job titles?

The titles within this broad field can really run the spectrum. There are analysts, specialists, managers, and directors of various initiatives. Here is a breakdown of some common titles by category found on the University of North Carolina, School of Public Health website.

Nutrition

Clinical/Registered Dietician
Nutritionist
Worksite Wellness Specialist
Consultant
Program Coordinator
Policy Assistant
Research Associate

Epidemiology

Epidemiologist
Occupational Epidemiologist
Risk Analyst
Program Director (of academic or medical research center)

Learn more about the public health salary.

Biostatistics

Biostatistician
Research Statistician
Statistical SAS Programmer
Statistical Writer
Analysis Programmer
Health Informatics Specialist

Health Behavior and Health Education

Mental Health Research Scientist
Consultant Health Educator
Coalition Coordinator
Public Health Advisor
Program Coordinator/Manager Education
Research Evaluator
Outreach Coordinator

Environmental Science

Environmental Biologist
Water Lab Supervisor
Research Entomologist
Research Scientist
Consumer Health Director
Air Quality Engineer

Public Health Leadership

Bioterrorism Preparedness Specialist
Public Health Nurse
Safety & Health Specialist
Clinical Trials Coordinator
Director for Public Health
Process Integration Manager
Public Health Educator
Environmental Health Coordinator

Learn more about the public health employment.

Maternal and Child Health

Project Director
Public Health Prevention Specialist
Clinical/Medical Director
Program Planner/Evaluator
Health Scientist Consultant
Research Associate
Developmental Services Coordinator

Global Health

Environmental Protection Specialist
Statistician
Laboratory Operations Coordinator
Health Scientist
Public Health Analyst
Health Education Specialist
Public Health Advisor

Health Policy and Management

Operations Administrator
Vice President for Strategic Development
Health Officer
Research Associate
Public Health Advisor
Project Specialist
Health Policy Analyst