Leadership in public health administration is pivotal in shaping the health outcomes of communities. Effective leaders in this field drive initiatives that improve public health infrastructure, manage health crises, and advocate for policy changes that promote overall well-being.
If you’re interested in breaking into this exciting and fulfilling field, here’s everything you need to know about public health administration, and how you can become an effective public health leader.
What Is Public Health Administration?
Public health administration involves the planning, directing, and coordination of health services and programs. Administrators work to ensure communities have access to necessary health services, oversee health policies, and lead health promotion activities.
Some of the most prominent challenges in this field include:
- Managing interdisciplinary teams
- Addressing diverse health needs
- Navigating the complexities of public health crises
“That’s why public health is so collaborative,” says Neil Maniar, Director of the Master of Public Health program at the Bouvé College of Health Sciences. “Public health is very interdisciplinary, especially in a leadership role. So you’ll find yourself really trying to get a number of people to work together to solve a variety of problems. And that can be really challenging at times.”
If you want to become a leader in public health administration, but are unsure if you’re ready to take on today’s complex healthcare challenges, here’s everything you need to know about breaking into this rewarding profession.
How to Become a Leader in Public Health Administration
1. Choose the Right Educational Pathway
Educational requirements are a cornerstone for aspiring public health administrators.
“A public health degree enables individuals to really understand what those factors are that are impacting a person’s health and how to address them effectively,” Maniar says.
A bachelor’s degree in public health provides a blend of theory and practice that’s foundational to the field, covering topics like:
- Epidemiology
- Biostatistics
- Health policy
However, if a leadership role is your professional aspiration, it’s important to consider more advanced public health education like a Master of Public Health (MPH).
“Having a master’s degree gives an additional layer of credibility and is an important tool to acquiring a leadership position,” Maniar says. “That’s because it really helps you understand the root causes of public health issues, and whether it’s at a system-, community-, or individual-level.”
Top MPH programs also provide specializations in areas like global health, environmental health, and health policy, allowing you to tailor your education to your career interests. This specialization can prove helpful for leaders trying to navigate these niche areas of public health.
“I can confidently say that I’ve held leadership positions in the healthcare system because of my education, and I don’t think I could have done it without a public health degree,” Maniar adds.
2. Develop Essential Skills for Public Health Leaders
Developing interdisciplinary skills is essential for anyone aspiring to become a leader in public health administration. These skills help you manage complex healthcare programs and ensure your initiatives are carried out ethically and effectively.
For example, strategic decision-making is a critical competency for public health leaders. It involves analyzing data, forecasting future trends, and making informed choices that align with the organization’s goals and the broader public health objectives.
It can help leaders:
- Allocate resources strategically
- Manage emergency situations effectively
- Promote long-term planning
Consider the public health crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health leaders were needed to make fast, strategic decisions on implementing lockdown procedures, allocating medical resources to hospitals, and planning vaccination campaigns based on evolving data.
Another important skill for leaders in public health administration is effective communication. This competency is essential for conveying information clearly and persuasively to communities.
Public health leaders use communication skills in public outreach programs to educate the community on health risks and preventive measures, as well as public health advocacy at the local, state, or federal level.
3. Gain Relevant Experience
Real-world experience is invaluable for developing the skills needed to become an effective leader. Aspiring public health leaders should seek out professional development opportunities that can bolster their resume.
You can gain hands-on experience through:
- Internships
- Volunteer opportunities
- Previous roles in healthcare settings
“I would highly recommend volunteering with local nonprofits,” Maniar advises. “If you have the opportunity, you should even consider serving on a nonprofit board. That’s a great way to get leadership experience.”
Participating in research projects and community health assessments can also provide practical insights into public health issues and solutions. These experiences won’t just enhance your resume, but build your confidence and competence in real-world public health settings.
4. Stay Informed on Industry Trends
Prospective public health administrators should stay updated with the latest public health challenges, technologies, and policies. This knowledge provides a competitive edge and informs better decision-making.
“One of the big challenges that you’ll continually face as a leader is that healthcare is constantly changing,” Maniar warns. “There’s always another crisis on the horizon, and you have to be adaptable as a public health leader.”
To stay informed, consider regularly reading public health journals, attending conferences, and participating in professional organizations. Some of the most notable sources include:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- The New England Journal of Medicine
- World Health Organization
These publications can be valuable resources into the latest innovations, technologies, and future threats to community health.
According to the National Association of County and City Health Officials, more than nine in ten Americans are endangered by the underfunding of local public health—with 312 million people in the U.S. living in areas with reduced budgets for local health departments.
“There also always seems to be a budget crunch or issues around funding,” Maniar adds. “And that’s something you’ll have to navigate as a public health leader.”
5. Build a Strong Professional Network
Building a professional network within the public health sector is essential for career advancement. Mentorship and peer collaboration can provide guidance, support, and opportunities for growth.
“I think building a strong professional network is a really important tool in a public health professional’s toolkit,” Maniar says. “It’s really important to build one’s network throughout your career. I often will tell my students that they should think about the relationships they’re building as something that could serve them throughout their career.”
You can find networking opportunities through:
- Professional associations
- Conferences
- Social media platforms
Joining groups such as the American Public Health Association (APHA) or local public health organizations can also provide access to resources, job opportunities, and professional development events.
6. Continuing Education
Most of the time, an MPH education is sufficient to become a leader in public health administration. It provides a solid foundation in public health principles, equipping professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to address a wide range of public health challenges.
However, other degrees and certifications can enhance your ability to lead in public health, depending on the leadership role you’re interested in.
“If somebody is in a leadership position that deals with finances, then having an MBA in addition to the MPH could be really beneficial,” Maniar says. “Or, if someone wants to be a leader in a clinical area, then having an additional clinical degree is gonna be important as well. So it really depends on what the leadership position is.”
Earning another degree isn’t the only way to continue your education. Valuable certifications, including the Certified in Public Health (CPH) credential, can demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of public health competencies and commitment to the field.
To determine if you need to advance your educational background, it’s important to assess your career goals and the specific requirements of your desired leadership.
Become the Future of Public Health
Effective leadership is essential to ensuring communities receive optimal care and advice that promotes long-term health. While a passion for helping others is an important element of any public health leader, having a strong advanced education—like an MPH degree—is also essential.
“I think an MPH degree has become more popular over the last several years because we’re starting to see the value of public health in so many aspects of individual and community well-being,” Maniar says.
Choosing the right program can be challenging. However, earning a Master of Public Health degree from Northeastern University can prepare you to become an innovative and impactful public health leader across many different industries and sectors. The interdisciplinary coursework and experiential learning model provides a strong and enduring foundation of knowledge and skills to address complex public health challenges in nearly every industry.
