What Is a Public Health Director and How to Become One
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What Is a Public Health Director?
A public health director leads agencies for local, regional, and sometimes federal health services that educate the public about health care concerns. As a public health director, you also conduct medical research, such as the development of new vaccines and the prevention of disease epidemics and pandemics. Your job duties include being a spokesperson for public health issues, overseeing community health clinics, supervising staff, and developing initiatives to improve the quality of health of your community. The qualifications for a career as a public health director include at minimum a bachelor’s degree in public health, experience working for nonprofit and government agencies, and excellent leadership skills.
How to Become a Public Health Director
The primary qualifications for becoming a public health director vary by state but usually include a master's degree and a license to practice medicine within your state. A master's degree in public health administration is particularly useful because employers typically prefer applicants with this degree. Employers may also require several years of experience in a public health administration position. Many directors start by working for local hospitals or similar facilities, then apply for a public health director role. This is often a government position, so there may be additional local regulations or requirements for this role, possibly including a background check or security clearance. Fulfilling the responsibilities and duties of a public health director requires interpersonal skills, the ability to travel as needed, and sometimes the ability to help direct responses to a time-sensitive public health crisis.
