Public Health

Public health professionals work in a variety of different environments including community health centers, local, state and federal health departments, large non-governmental organizations, private corporations, and international health organizations. Public health practitioners treat individuals and focus on preventing disease and injury, promoting healthy lifestyles, and educating entire populations. They implement educational programs, develop policies, administer services, conduct research, and regulate health systems to achieve these goals. Read through the tabs below to learn more about pursuing a career in public health and the next steps to take.

• Typical Responsibilities
  Public health professionals also confront complex global health issues, such as improving access to health care, controlling infectious disease, and reducing environmental hazards, violence, substance abuse, and injury. In the past century, public health initiatives have been responsible for increasing life expectancy by almost 30 years in the United States. The broader development and application of population-based prevention programs will continue improving health over the next decades.
• Prerequisite Coursework
  Each Public Health program sets its own prerequisite coursework requirements based on the degree obtained. It is best to review a program’s website for all prerequisites requirements and substitutions, including academic coursework, patient care experience, testing, and more.
• Standardized Test(s)
  There is no universally required standardized test for PA admissions. Some programs may require any of the GRE, MCAT, TOEFL, or other science-based testing
• Letters of Recommendation
  This varies widely by program. Review specific program websites for detailed information. Some additional information can also be found on the SOPHAS website.
• The Admissions Cycle

  There is a Centralized Application Process (SOPHAS) that 90 out of 106 accredited Public Health programs participate in.

  Application opens: mid-August and Application system closes: early August the following year.

  Fees: $140 for first school/program selected, $50 for each additional school/program selected

  Fee waivers: There is a fee assistance program to help cover application deadlines available to eligible students to apply.

  SOPHAS has created an Applicant Help Center to aid the application process