For graduates holding a Masters in Public Health degree, there are many different specialty fields to enter. Among the many on the list is the field of Occupational Health.  Occupational Health is the field of Public Health that deals with the health and safety of those engaged in employment. Those MPH program graduates seeking to work in the Occupational Health field can find work in government agencies and hospitals. There are many different careers within the Occupational Health category, but here is the Top 5:

1. Occupational Health and Safety Specialists – Occupational Health and Safety Specialists look at work environments and make sure that they are safe for public health and also come up with procedures to eliminate, control and/or prevent disease and injury that may be caused by chemicals and other biological or ergonomic factors. Occupational Health and Safety Specialists also analyze data regarding work environments. Occupational Health and Safety Specialists are employed in both the public and private sector. Annual salary does depend on the place of employment, but averages between $38,000 and $94,000.

2. Occupational Health and Safety Technicians – Occupational Health and Safety Technicians collect data regarding work environments and give it to the Occupational Health and Safety Specialists for analyzing. The Occupational Health and Safety Technician also execute programs intended to limit chemical and biological risks to workers. Occupational Health and Safety Technicians find work in government positions, hospitals, universities, residential construction, among other places. The annual salary of Occupational Health and Safety Technicians varies depending on the employer, but usually is in the $27,000 to $72,000 range.

3. Researcher in Occupational Health and Safety – Like all other fields, Occupational Health needs a lot of good researchers to help their work progress. A Researcher in Occupational Health and Safety is a lot like other researchers in the field of Public Health. The main difference is that they concentrate only on occupational health and safety instead of also researching other specialties in the field. The Researcher in Occupational Health and Safety needs to have previous experience doing research, preferably in the public health field. Researchers in Occupational Health and Safety find themselves employed by government agencies, hospitals, universities, and private companies as well. Salary does depend on the place of employment and also on education and previous experience.

4. Occupational Health and Safety Educator – The Occupational Health and Safety Educator works at a university or college teaching occupational health to public health students. Generally, Occupational Health and Safety Educators will have experience in the occupational health field in addition to their MPH or even doctorate degree. Teaching is not for everyone, but if you like a bit of a challenge to go along with your love for research and occupational health, then it could be right for you. Since it is a teaching position, the annual salary differs depending on the school you are employed with along with education and experience. This is one career where the more education you have, the better. Also, the more experience you have, the better. Teaching at a university level is an important part of public health.

5. Worksite Wellness Program Coordinator – The Worksite Wellness Program Coordinator comes up with a plan to make worksites and all of their policies and procedures promote public health. It is not necessary to have an MPH degree to be a Worksite Wellness Program Coordinator, but having the degree cannot hurt as the coordinator needs to have knowledge of public health issues and needs to have managerial experience. MPH graduates looking to find a job as a Worksite Wellness Program Coordinator will find jobs in companies like a construction company or a factory. Salary does depend on the place of employ and level of experience.

Again these are just five of the many jobs in Occupational Health that graduates from a Masters in Public Health program can look forward to getting. The important thing to remember when searching for a job in the Occupational Health field is that you choose one that you will enjoy. Do not base your career on pay alone. Of course, salary is a big part of deciding your career choice, but it should not be the deciding factor. Do your research and you will find the Occupational Health job that is right for you.

References:

• http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes299011.htm
• http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes299012.htm
• http://worksite-wellness-programs.com/tag/worksite-wellness-program-coordinator/