Public Health Careers

Traditionally, the public health workforce comprises governmental public health employees working for state or local health departments. This workforce is broader than many people may think. Examples of public health job titles include physician, nurse, dentist, dental hygienist, epidemiologist, sanitarian, food inspector, laboratory scientist, outreach worker, child care provider, information technologist, and many others.

In addition, people working in jobs other than "public health" may have public health responsibilities. Police officers, county board members, emergency responders, legislators and others contribute greatly to public health as part of their ongoing work.

Nationally and in Wisconsin, the role of public health and the public health workforce expanded in scope and complexity over the past decades as events such as bioterrorism, natural disasters and disease outbreaks unfolded. Examples included the anthrax scares following 9/11; Hurricane Katrina; the 2009 Wisconsin floods; and the H1N1 influenza pandemic. These events showed that emergency preparedness, response, and recovery are important aspects of public health. However, every day the public health workforce focuses on preventing disease, promoting and protecting the health of all people and communities through partnerships between government, public, private, civic, and nonprofit sectors.

Those who help carry out one or more of the Ten Essential Public Health Services and Core Functions of Public Health (assessment, policy development, and assurance) are a part of Wisconsin's public health workforce.

Scholarships and loan programs

• Learn more about scholarships and loan programs: Wisconsin Primary Care Program
• Bureau of Health Professions - Grants, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• Public Health and Preventive Medicine Grant Programs, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Affordable Care Act opportunities for health professions and educators

The Affordable Care Act provides funding opportunities for health professional workforce development and training. Details about these open opportunities are available from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

Subscribe to notifications at: Grants.gov, Grants Notification Service Subscription Form.

Mentoring and jobs

To learn more about public health mentoring and public health job opportunities in Wisconsin, visit the Wisconsin Public Health Association.