Career Information for a Degree in Community Health Services

Community health services degree programs focus on public health, community health education and the provision of wellness resources in community settings. Because these degree programs focus on providing healthcare in a variety of settings, graduates may consider employment as health educators, social workers or community health directors, among other possibilities.

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What is a Degree in Community Health Services?

Bachelor's or master's degree programs in community health services fields may include public health, community health or community health education, and are offered through a variety of health and human services academic departments at colleges and universities. These degree programs provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in community settings, help increase levels of health, promote understanding of healthy lifestyles and address public health risk factors.

Health administration and management coursework often covers planning, delivering, managing and assessing public health and associated programs. Students also take classes in epidemiology, nutrition, healthcare law and other community health topics. Depending on the type and focus of the program, graduates of programs in community health services fields might work as health educators, social workers, community health directors or in other positions.

Careers in Community Health Services

Health Educator

Health educators work in a variety of settings, including government agencies and community outreach centers, to educate members of different populations on topics such as nutrition, health insurance, physical fitness, preventive care and limiting health risks through behavior. They may also help health agencies and organizations respond to public health threats by informing clients about vaccinations and other resources. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) noted that in addition to a bachelor's degree, prospective health educators can acquire professional certification, while those wishing to advance to supervisory positions might pursue advanced degrees (www.bls.gov). Health educators working in schools generally need further education and may require licensure, the BLS said.

The BLS reported that health educators should see employment growth of 18% between 2008 and 2018, because they teach prevention and promote wellness, which can help combat the need for costly healthcare in the future. Health educators with experience and advanced degrees are prepared for the most employment opportunities, the BLS said. According to the BLS in May 2010, health educators command an average yearly salary of $50,270.

Social Worker

Social workers in healthcare settings provide assistance to people who are affected by illness, injury or negative health conditions. They evaluate patient needs, make arrangements for in-home care or assisted living, counsel clients and their families about healthful living and refer clients to community resources for health, financial, legal or housing assistance. The BLS noted that social workers typically hold either Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or Master of Social Work (MSW) degrees and must be licensed or certified by the states in which they work. Employment growth for medical and public health social workers was projected to be 22% from 2008-2018, the BLS said. BLS wage estimates for May 2010 indicated these social workers earned $49,200 on average.

Community Health Director

Community health directors, also known as public health directors, are often employees of government agencies or nonprofit organizations. They plan and oversee the implementation of community programs designed to promote healthful living and prevent behaviors that lead to the spread of diseases. Community and public health directors also make policy recommendations, respond to disease outbreaks and public health crises, distribute information to community members and work with other organizations or agencies to maintain public health. Community health directors often plan budgets and are responsible for writing grants, acquiring program funding and maintaining compliance with local, state and federal regulations.

The BLS estimated that medical and health services managers would experience 16% employment growth from 2008-2018, due in large part to growth of the healthcare industry and the need for experienced management personnel to guide the offering of services. Average yearly salaries of medical and health services managers were reported at $93,670 in 2010, the BLS said.

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