Florida is the third-most populous state in the U.S. and has the nation's highest percentage of residents over the age of 65. The state's location and climate, as well as the constant influx of tourists from around the world, also contribute to its unique public health needs. As a result, the number of workers in the public health sector is expected to increase over the next several years. Health educator positions in Florida, for example, are expected to grow by more than 24% in Florida.
Health educator positions in Florida, for example, are expected to grow by more than 24% in Florida
A variety of Florida schools offer master's of public health (MPH) degree programs to care for the state's aging population. As you research online MPH programs in Florida, know that this degree qualifies you for many careers in many different aspects of public health. Earning your online MPH in Florida can also help you make professional connections in the state to further launch your career upon graduation.
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Public Health Initiatives in Florida
For graduates with an MPH, Florida holds numerous opportunities. The size and diversity of Florida's population are reflected in the state's top public health priorities, as is the state's tropical climate. Florida's State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) is updated every few years to address the most pressing public health issues, including prevention and control of infectious disease, chronic disease prevention (including efforts to help residents maintain a healthy weight), community partnerships to reach diverse population groups, improving access to care and maintenance of the state's healthcare infrastructure.
Dedicated initiatives also target specific public health issues, such as Zika-Free Florida, which fights the spread of this serious mosquito-borne illness, efforts to combat prescription drug abuse, the Refugee Health Program, the HIV/AIDS Surveillance Program, various programs to assist people with disabilities, and emergency preparedness, which prepares for the public health needs that can arise during and after natural disasters, such as hurricanes. Public health programs in Florida also include seasonal initiatives like Flu-Free Florida or an emphasis on food safety during the holiday season.
Public Health Internships & Fellowships in Florida
Internships and fellowships provide students with firsthand experience in a specific field, working with experienced professionals who can share their knowledge and observe the student's progress. However, there are some notable differences. Internships may be either paid or unpaid and can last anywhere from a few weeks to a year, depending on the program, while giving students exposure to hands-on work in a professional environment. Fellowships, conversely, last anywhere from a few months to three years, and while they also provide hands-on experience, they are usually intensive, paid programs which can prepare a student for future leadership roles in their field.
Here are some examples of internships and fellowships available to students enrolled in online MPH programs in Florida. Keep in mind that these are hands-on programs that must be completed in-person, even if all other coursework is taken online.
Based at Florida International University (FIU) in Miami, this internship lasts two semesters and prepares graduates to become registered dietitians or nutritionists who can encourage healthy eating and lifestyle choices. To apply, the student must have completed a didactic program in dietetics that is approved or accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics.
Public Health Careers in Florida
A public health official's salary depends upon their level of experience, professional credentials, where they live and work, and the nature of their job. The table below shows data gathered from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and compares the total number of people employed as epidemiologists and health educators alongside their mean wages in the state of Florida and the U.S. as a whole. Florida employs 5.2% of the nation's total number of epidemiologists and health educators, and they earn a mean wage that is approximately 4% below the national average.
| Employment | Hourly Mean Wage | Annual Mean Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | 3,290 | $31.42 | $65,345 |
| United States | 63,260 | $32.60 | $67,810 |
Source: BLS
Public Health Employers in Florida
As you search for an MPH career Florida, you should begin by looking at the state's largest employers, as they are likely to have the most public health jobs available. State and local departments of health are an excellent source, as are large hospitals.
| Employers | Number of Employees |
|---|---|
| Florida Hospital | 33,000+ |
| Florida Department of Health | 17,000+ |
| Jackson Health System | 12,000+ |
Public Health Research Centers in Florida
A large percentage of public health careers focus on research, policy-making, and education. Research centers offer valuable opportunities to gain real-world work experience, and though they vary in size, many are affiliated with colleges or universities. Gaining that work experience makes it easier for students to get jobs after graduating from online MPH programs in Florida.
Florida Institute for Health Innovation (FIHI): A non-profit, non-governmental organization located in West Palm Beach, FIHI researches how public health policy affects the community, identifies challenges to community health, and researches new methods for improving public health.
University of South Florida (USF) College of Public Health Research Centers and Institutes: USF is located in Tampa and is home to a group of research centers. They focus on topics such as the health of mothers, infants, and young children; global health and infectious diseases; occupational health; statewide public health information collection and distribution; and more.
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Research Centers: The graduate programs in public health based at the Miller School of Medicine include more than 20 research centers. They conduct research into a variety of areas, such as drug abuse and treatment, health education outreach to the Hispanic community, epidemiology of ocular diseases, how humans and oceans affect each other in tropical and subtropical climates, and more.
Public Health Professional Organizations in Florida
Professional organizations in public health offer numerous benefits to current students and recent graduates of online MPH programs in Florida, and they are well worth their membership fees. Some offer career services or job boards, and may hold meetings in your area that provide valuable networking opportunities that can assist in the job search. They also offer continuing education programs that allow you to stay current in your field and earn CE credit to maintain any certifications you hold. Annual conferences are another excellent benefit of these organizations.
Florida Public Health Association (FPHA): The FPHA was established in 1931 and supports Florida's public health professionals and students through advocacy, networking, and professional development opportunities. It includes a student interest group, with chapters at a number of Florida universities. The FPHA holds an annual conference in addition to numerous local meetups and continuing education programs.
American Public Health Association (APHA): The APHA is a national organization strengthening the public health profession and promoting scientific health policy while providing local and national networking and education opportunities for its membership. A number of member sections are focused on specific public health topics, so members with shared interests can network and collaborate on policy papers and scientific programs. The student assembly connects public health students and young professionals as well.
Florida Chapter of the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE): SOPHE is an independent, national organization focused on health educators. It provides educational opportunities, resources, and professional networking through its regional chapters. The Florida chapter offers student memberships and resources, as well as standard professional memberships.
Public Health Certifications and Licenses in Florida
Dietitians, nutritionists, and nutrition counselors practicing in Florida must all be licensed by the Dietetics and Nutrition Practice Council.
Many public health careers, such as health educators, do not require licenses or certifications in Florida. Medical practitioners, however, must have proper licensure whether they work in public health or not. Dietitians, nutritionists, and nutrition counselors practicing in Florida must all be licensed by the Dietetics and Nutrition Practice Council. Although certification is not required for many positions, it still can be a distinct professional advantage in the job market. For example, you can earn a certification in public health (CPH) by the National Board of Public Health Examiners. Earning this certification shows potential employers that your education and experience allow you to meet a recognized national standard in public health. Some schools offer graduate certificates for specialized public health topics online, including community health management, environmental public health, epidemiology, infection control, biostatistics, food safety and more. Graduate certificates like these can be a valuable addendum to your master's degree.
Accreditation for Online Public Health Master's Programs in Florida
Accreditation is crucial for any program or institute of higher education. When a school or program is accredited, it has successfully passed an evaluation of its curriculum, and indicates to your prospective employers and others that you received a quality education. Regional accreditation is the most prestigious type; six agencies oversee six regions of states throughout the country, and usually accredit nonprofit private and public institutions. The regional body overseeing Florida schools is the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). National accreditation is the less prestigious variety, and is generally granted to for-profit institutions and trade schools.
Certain fields, including public health, have accreditation bodies which oversee specific programs in that subject. When choosing online MPH programs in Florida, be sure that any program you consider is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). CEPH handles accreditation for schools of public health and standalone baccalaureate programs in Florida and throughout the United States. CEPH is a private, nonprofit organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and a member of the Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors (ASPA). A program accredited by CEPH is recognized as meeting the established standard for education in public health. This programmatic accreditation often is applied to a program at a school which holds regional accreditation.
Directory of Online Master's in Public Health Programs in Florida
Florida A&M is a historically black university based in Tallahassee. The Florida legislature created Florida A&M's Institute of Public Health (IPH) in 1995 with the explicit purpose of creating better health opportunities for the Sunshine State's poor and underserved citizens. The IPH has continued to evolve and now offers a master of public health program online. Unlike the program's on-campus counterpart — which offers specific concentrations — the online MPH program is generalist. All online students complete a public health practice concentration, which prepares graduates for either leadership positions in public health organizations or a career that combines public health with another discipline.
This degree is one of the best online MPH programs in Florida and requires students to complete a total of 50 credits. The curriculum includes core courses in epidemiology, health policy, and behavioral science. Students must also complete a culminating experience, consisting of an internship, an applied research project, and a comprehensive examination.
As the online program is practice-oriented, all applicants must already have three years of professional public health work experience. To that end, the program intentionally caters to working professionals, delivering coursework asynchronously through Blackboard to allow students the flexibility to work and go to school simultaneously. The school also allows students to enroll in classes on a full- or part-time basis. Applicants must have either a GPA of 3.0 or better over their last 60 credits or a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better. All applicants must submit a statement of interest, GRE scores, and three letters of recommendation. Though Florida A&M does not allow out-of-state online graduate students to pay in-state tuition, out-of-state online tuition is only slightly higher than in-state tuition.
Scholarships for Public Health Master's Degrees in Florida
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation provides scholarships, including some at the graduate level, to students studying dietetics and who intend to work in that field. The total number of scholarships awarded varies each year, as do the amounts awarded to individual scholarship recipients.
Amount Offered: $500-10,000Scholarship Deadline: April 17Eligibility Requirements: An applicant must be an academy member, U.S. citizen or permanent resident who is or plans to be enrolled in an accredited graduate program in dietetics in the given scholarship year.