How To Pursue a Degree or Career in Community Health

Community health focuses on enhancing health and reducing disparities among specific populations. The field aims to give communities better access to health services while improving their well-being.

Are you interested in helping communities improve their health? Many colleges and universities offer degree programs that prepare students for careers in community health.

Before starting a degree program, learn more about community health. Find out what degrees are available, and explore options for individuals who want to pursue careers.

How Can I Start a Degree or Career in Community Health?

If community health is your passion, starting a career is easier than you might think. The key is finding a community health degree program that teaches all about community health and opens doors to great careers.

What Is Community Health?

Community health is a non-clinical approach to:

• health improvement
• disease prevention
• health disparity reduction

It addresses factors serving as barriers to the well-being of geographically defined populations. These factors can include:

• race
• economic status
• location
• age
• nationality
• language

Community health programs, which tackle these challenges to increase access to effective healthcare, are widely used in the United States. In 2022, more than 30 million people used health centers funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) alone.

Types of Community Health Degree Programs

Colleges and universities nationwide offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs for students interested in community health careers. Here are common degree types.

Associate Degree in Community Health

An associate degree in community health is typically completed in two years. Concepts explored in these programs might include how to:

• assist communities with finding screenings or health services
• track the progress of individuals working toward health goals
• promote health through workshops and group discussions

Some programs prepare students to transfer to four-year bachelor's programs. Others might include additional healthcare subjects like public health.

Bachelor's Degree in Community Health

A bachelor's degree program in community health usually lasts four years and prepares students to do the following:

• offer health education and promotion
• advocate for diverse communities
• examine ways environmental concerns impact health
• determine what it takes to create a healthy community

Courses in a bachelor's program might cover:

• human nutrition
• health innovation
• human pathophysiology
• human development
• community health

Master's Degree in Community Health

A master's degree in community health prepares students for leadership roles. You'll learn to:

• assess economic, social, and behavioral factors that affect community health
• use data analysis to prioritize issues in community health
• influence public health outcomes through evidence-based interventions
• construct and implement community health programs

Master's programs typically last two years; however, some can be completed in as little as 12 months.

Top Careers in Community Health

Earning a degree in community health qualifies you for numerous careers in the field. Here are some top community health positions.

Community Health Worker

Community health workers teach people how to adopt healthy behaviors. They also advocate for individuals and communities lacking adequate health and social services. Community health workers can start their careers with a high school diploma, though some employers require postsecondary education or certification. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of community health workers is projected to grow 14% from 2022 to 2032.

Health Education Specialist

Health education specialists promote wellness and create strategies to enhance individual and community well-being. They design health programs, help people find health services, and train community health workers. This role typically requires a bachelor's degree. Employment is projected to grow 7% from 2022 to 2032.

Health Services Manager

Health services managers play a primary role in planning and coordinating health and medical services. Some of their responsibilities include:

• managing budgets
• working schedules
• ensuring legal compliance for health facilities or medical practices

A bachelor's degree is typically required for this role. The BLS projects employment for this role will grow 28% from 2022 to 2032.

Epidemiologist

An epidemiologist is a public health worker who uses research, policy, and community education to reduce risks of negative health outcomes. The responsibilities of an epidemiologist include:

• collecting data
• conducting studies
• reporting findings to the public, policymakers, and the medical field

A master's degree is typically needed for this position. Employment is projected to jump 27% from 2022 to 2032.