What exactly is a public health coordinator?
I met with a public health nurse a few weeks ago to talk about birth control. I asked her how she got to be doing what she did, and I found her answer very interesting. I would LOVE to educate people about proper sex education (STI's, different types of birth control, consent, gender & sexuality, etc.). She said I might like to become a public health coordinator. What does a PHC do, and what would I have to major in to become one if I'm interested? I don't want to go to nursing school (can't afford it, not into medicine), but I don't want to be a teacher either. What do you advise that I do? #career #college-major #nurse #health #college-advice #career-advice #public-health #public-health-coordinator
2 answers
Rachel’s Answer
A Public Health Coordinator essetinally educates and promotes health education and prevention within a certain demographic or community. That can include proper hygiene education, sex education, screening for breast cancer, doing physical activitiy classes, proposing grants for programs, working with health departments, fire departments, etc., and so much more! The opportunities are endless as far as what you can educate and who you will be educating. There is a lot of work that goes into it because you are there trying to help people better themselves through education and implemenation.
Ken’s Answer
Hi Kahley!
This is a very important area, as you have already recognized! Here is some information that might be helpful The University at Buffalo seems to have a very good program. Talk to the head of that program and the head of alumni relations to get to meet and talk to graduates to see what they are doing and where they are doing it.
http://sphhp.buffalo.edu/
http://sphhp.buffalo.edu/home/information-for-current-students/public-health-jobs.html
Here is information on the county and state level about public health. You could go to the office of each in your area and ask to talk to the person in charge saying that you are considering majoring in this area and see what advice they have. This will give you a first hand inside view of the job and career area.
http://www2.erie.gov/health/
https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/public_health_works/careers/
Best of luck! Please keep me posted. Send thank you notes to those who help you.