The COVID-19 pandemic has given Canadians an appreciation of the role that public health professionals play in keeping them safe and healthy in a crisis. Public health is as fulfilling as a career in healthcare can be. Public health professionals work to ensure we live in healthy communities. Finding the right program to get you primed for your career can be a challenge. Here are the top seven reasons why pursuing the MSc Health Sciences – Public Health specialization at the University of Lethbridge is a smart way to launch your career in public health.
1. Public health is seeing growth in employment
According to Randstad, one of the world’s largest HR firms, health care is one of the fastest growing sectors in the world, with demand likely continuing following the heightened profile and importance of public health professionals as a result of COVID-19.
2. You’ll get to apply your skills to a variety of jobs and work settings
Protecting our health means protecting our environment, too. Public health professionals conduct research and take action through policies and programs that reduce environmental pollutants in our air, food, soil, and water. Furthermore, public health professionals are highly sought-after by governments at municipal, provincial and federal levels; as well as by for-profit and non-profit organizations seeking to promote and protect employee and community health.
3. You’ll get hands on training through a workplace practicum
Experiential learning is a big part of public health training at the University of Lethbridge. As part of their coursework, students can complete a public health practicum placement locally, nationally, and internationally.
4. You’ll learn from a diverse and experienced team
“Students also want to learn from people who have direct (not just academic) experience in the field. Most faculty teaching in our graduate Public Health program have this experience. Our faculty members have worked as clinicians, in government, and for NGOs locally, nationally, and internationally. Together, we built the MSc Health Sciences -Public Health specialization using our combined knowledge of what these employers are looking for.” Cheryl Currie, Associate Professor of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Lethbridge.
5. You’ll develop key skills you’ll actually use
Just ask MSc Health Sciences – Public Health specialization student Ransi Nayakarathna what she gained from her studies in the program. “Unlike most other public health programs, this program offers a well-balanced course selection that prepares you for your future career, a practicum option to get hands-on experience at a local or an international workplace of your choice, and if you want to further your education and do a PhD, it prepares you for that with the master’s thesis you are doing. It is rare to find a graduate course that offers all these three options together.”
6. You’ll gain direct experience in conducting epidemiologic research
Public health is a broad term that encompasses several key areas of study, including epidemiology and biostatistics; program planning, implementation, and evaluation; public health policy making; and infectious and chronic disease prevention and control. All these areas of expertise are thoroughly covered in the University of Lethbridge’s MSc Health Sciences – Public Health specialization.
7. You’ll Share in an altruistic common goal of a healthy society living in a healthy environment
Public health professionals share a desire to improve the health of individuals and communities, making the world a healthier place by addressing infectious disease, promoting healthy lifestyles, and preventing injury and disease.
