How to Build a Career in Public Health After a BSc

Rubbia Khalid November 27, 2024

 Public health is a dynamic and impactful field focused on improving community health outcomes through research, policies, and intervention strategies. With a BSc in Biomedical Science as a foundation, you have a unique advantage in understanding the scientific and clinical aspects of healthcare, which can propel you into various public health roles. South Africa, with its diverse health challenges and opportunities, provides numerous pathways for those looking to pursue a career in public health.

In this blog post, we’ll explore how to build a career in public health after completing a BSc in Biomedical Science, focusing on postgraduate studies, career opportunities, skills development, and networking.



Step 1: Understand the Field of Public Health

Public health is an interdisciplinary field, which means there are various areas you can specialize in. Some common specializations include:

  • Epidemiology: Study of disease patterns, outbreaks, and preventive strategies.
  • Health Policy: Shaping laws and regulations that impact health systems.
  • Global Health: Addressing health issues on an international scale, often through organizations like the WHO.
  • Community Health: Designing programs to improve the health of local populations.
  • Environmental Health: Understanding the relationship between environmental factors and health outcomes.

It’s important to explore these areas early on, as each one offers distinct career paths and opportunities. Researching these areas will help you align your interests with the right career direction.


Step 2: Gain Relevant Experience

Building a strong portfolio of practical experience is essential. Here are ways to gain experience:

  • Internships: Intern with hospitals, research institutions, NGOs, or public health departments. Internships provide hands-on experience, and some programs may require it for postgraduate admission.
  • Volunteer Work: Get involved in community outreach programs or health awareness campaigns. Working with NGOs or local clinics can give you real-world insight into public health issues.
  • Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera and edX offer online courses in public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, and global health. These courses are great for strengthening your resume and expanding your knowledge.


Step 3: Pursue Postgraduate Studies in Public Health

To specialize further and increase your career prospects, consider enrolling in a postgraduate program. South Africa offers several excellent universities with robust public health programs:

You can choose between different postgraduate degrees depending on your interest:

  • Master of Public Health (MPH): A comprehensive two-year program designed to deepen your understanding of public health practices and prepare you for leadership roles.
  • Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Public Health: A shorter program that covers core public health topics like epidemiology, health systems management, and biostatistics.

Admission Requirements typically include:

  • A BSc in Biomedical Science or a related field.
  • A solid academic record.
  • A motivation letter explaining your interest in public health.
  • Recommendations or references from academic mentors or employers.
  • Some programs may require work or volunteer experience in health-related fields.


Step 4: Secure Funding for Your Studies

Postgraduate studies often come with tuition fees, but there are several funding options available:

  • Bursaries and Scholarships: Apply for funding from the National Research Foundation (NRF), South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), or university-specific scholarships.
  • Student Loans: Explore student loans from local financial institutions.
  • Work-Study Programs: Some universities offer part-time work opportunities to help cover tuition costs.


Step 5: Build Essential Skills

Beyond theoretical knowledge, there are several skills you should develop during your studies:

  • Data Analysis: Learn to work with statistical software like SPSS, STATA, or R. Public health relies heavily on data to make informed decisions.
  • Project Management: Being able to plan, manage, and implement public health programs is crucial. Consider getting certifications in project management, such as PMP.
  • Communication: Public health professionals often have to communicate complex health information to a diverse audience. Strong writing and presentation skills are essential.
  • Cultural Competence: South Africa’s diverse population requires public health professionals to understand and respect different cultural contexts in their work.


Step 6: Explore Career Opportunities in Public Health

After completing your postgraduate studies, you will be prepared for various public health roles, such as:

  • Epidemiologist: Conduct research on the causes, patterns, and effects of diseases.
  • Health Policy Analyst: Evaluate and create health policies to address public health issues.
  • Public Health Educator: Design and implement community health programs to raise awareness about diseases and healthy lifestyles.
  • Biostatistician: Analyze health data to identify trends and inform policy decisions.
  • Environmental Health Specialist: Focus on how environmental factors (e.g., pollution, sanitation) affect human health.
  • Global Health Specialist: Work with international organizations like WHO to address health challenges worldwide.

Potential employers include:

  • Government Agencies: National and provincial health departments.
  • NGOs: Organizations like Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), WHO, and UNICEF.
  • Research Institutions: The Medical Research Council (MRC) or universities with research-focused public health programs.
  • Hospitals and Clinics: Roles in health management, community outreach, and disease prevention.


Step 7: Network and Stay Updated

Networking is key to advancing your career in public health. Here’s how you can stay connected:

  • Public Health Conferences: Attend events like the Public Health Association of South Africa (PHASA) annual conference to network with professionals and stay updated on the latest trends.
  • Professional Bodies: Consider joining organizations like PHASA or the South African Society for Epidemiology and Public Health (SASEPH).
  • Online Communities: Connect with public health professionals on LinkedIn, participate in webinars, and follow industry trends to stay informed.


Step 8: Consider Further Education and Specialization

After completing your postgraduate studies, you can consider pursuing a Master of Public Health (MPH) for deeper specialization or a PhD in Public Health if you’re interested in academia or advanced research roles. However, with an honours or master’s degree, you may already be qualified for many public health roles, especially if you have built a strong portfolio of work and research during your studies.


Conclusion

Public health is an essential field that significantly impacts global and local health outcomes. With a BSc in Biomedical Science, you are well-positioned to pursue advanced studies in public health and take on a variety of impactful roles that improve health systems, design effective policies, and prevent disease. By following these steps, from gaining experience and pursuing postgraduate education to building essential skills and networking, you’ll be ready to embark on a successful career in public health.

If you’re interested in pursuing a specific postgraduate program or need assistance with your application, feel free to reach out for more guidance!

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Rubbia Khalid

Posted by Rubbia Khalid

BSc in Biomedical Science & Physiology from UNISA.

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