Hawaii

Public health programs prepare graduates for careers in government health departments, education and research, private healthcare and insurance companies, or nonprofit organizations. In Hawaii, a state with particularly high rates of chronic diseases, public health programs offer an opportunity to improve people's lives.

Online MPH programs in Hawaii cover all major areas of public health — from behavioral health to epidemiology to biostatics — and the competencies and experiential learning needed to excel in these fields. Some also offer valuable concentrations at the local level, like indigenous health, or at an international level, such as global environmental sustainability. With rapid growth in the industry, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that positions in health education will grow 16% by 2026.

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Public Health Initiatives in Hawaii

Now is an opportune time to pursue public health careers in Hawaii. The state's Department of Health (DOH) works on several challenging initiatives focused on urgent, statewide issues — particularly in obesity and chronic disease epidemics — and improving health for all residents. These include:

• Chronic Disease Prevention & Health Promotion Division (CDPHPD): Also known as the Tobacco Settlement Project, the CDPHPD works to control tobacco and prevent, detect, and manage diseases such as asthma, cancer, diabetes, and stroke.

• The Healthy Hawaii Initiative (HHI): Launched in 2000, the HHI responds to weight gain affecting more than half of Hawaiians. It promotes disease prevention, healthy living, and sustainability. Its Prevention Programs seek to increase healthy eating and physical activity while reducing rates of smoking and sedentary time.

• HHI Partnerships: Through partnerships with the University of Hawaii, the Department of Public Health Sciences, and the HHI, the DOH makes environmental and systems changes aiming to develop ways for residents to maintain healthy lifestyles.

Public Health Internships & Fellowships in Hawaii

Both internships and fellowships can supplement your education. An internship provides temporary job placement, paid or unpaid, with an emphasis on hands-on training. Fellowships entail merit-based scholarships designed to enhance your education. Fellowships require specific eligibility, sometimes including an internship to give you the opportunity to take advantage of both.

The following examples show internships and fellowships available to students in public health programs in Hawaii:

Public Health Careers in Hawaii

Several factors influence a public health official's salary. There are several types of positions available, and your previous experience, credentials, location, occupational level, and sector of employment will all matter. The Bureau of Labor Statistics outlines state and national salary expectations for specific roles. According to these statistics, public health professionals in Hawaii earn a salary slightly lower than the national average, though online MPH programs in Hawaii provide greater potential for advancement and opportunity for higher paying roles. Here are the median wages in Hawaii for health educators compared with the national average:

Source: BLS

Public Health Employers in Hawaii

Public health provides more opportunities than ever for MPH Hawaii graduates with jobs at larger employers. For a career in public health, top employers include the government, educational institutions, and medical centers.

Public Health Research Centers in Hawaii

If you prefer a career in research, Hawaii is home to several large, public health research institutions, in addition to universities that offer research on health-related issues. Here are three worth investigating:

• UH Office of Public Health Studies: Every UH faculty member collaborates with public and private organizations on a variety of public health research topics, including infectious and chronic diseases, health policy and management, and social/behavioral sciences.

• Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research-Hawaii: With divisions in Oregon and Hawaii, KPH supports government-funded research programs and develops projects of its own. CHR-Hawaii focuses on research issues uniquely suited to its ethnically diverse population.

• Pacific Health Research & Education Institute (PHREI): PHREI, a private, nonprofit research organization, focuses on epidemiological research on veterans and their unique health concerns.

Public Health Professional Organizations in Hawaii

Professional organizations give students and recent grads the chance to stay informed on current issues, events, collaborate with industry peers at networking events and conferences, and learn beyond graduation through continuing education (CE) programs. Joining as a student may give you access to cheaper memberships, but it's important to remain a member beyond graduation for continued support and opportunities to hone your skills.

• Hawaii Public Health Association (HPHA): A community of professionals and organizations and an affiliate of the American Public Health Association, HPHA improves public health and provides education and training opportunities on today's issues. Members receive information on local public health efforts, important legislative updates, and invitations to HPHA networking events.

• Hawaii State Rural Health Association (HSRHA): HSRHA caters to rural health needs in Hawaii while also participating in national health initiatives. As a member, you get free access to HSRHA events, opportunities to attend HSRHA-sponsored training sessions and workshops, and eligibility to serve on the association's board.

• National Council of Asian Pacific Islander Physicians (NCAPIP): Comprised of over 8,000 advocates nationwide, NCAPIP works to advance Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander health. The organization encourages members to become active advocates for underrepresented communities.

Public Health Certifications and Licenses in Hawaii

In some cases, public health practices require licensure. Dietetics strongly favors graduates of online MPH programs in Hawaii and requires licensure. To become a registered dietician, you must pass an exam and fulfill strict licensing and certification requirements. Working for the Department of Health's Public Health & Environmental Laboratories consists of passing certification exams to obtain a laboratory license as another example. Check BLS information for qualifications regarding licensure and certification.

Accreditation for Online Public Health Master's Programs in Hawaii

Accreditation assures prospective students that the program successfully meets rigorous educational, experiential, and financial standards An accredited graduate program also assists with further educational opportunities, whether transferring credits (schools are more likely to accept credits from other institutions if accredited) or moving on to doctorate level education.

Accreditation can be regional, national, or programmatic. Employers and advanced degree programs are typically accredited regionally, and online MPH programs may also be accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), the only programmatic designation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Because CEPH-accredited programs meet the highest possible standards in the field, many employers do not consider credentials without it.

Scholarships for Public Health Master's Degrees in Hawaii

Last Updated: March 11, 2019