Public health professionals in Missouri must address several health issues in the state, from the aging population's access to senior care to the many residents who live in poverty and without health insurance. Most Missouri residents are overweight or obese, and the state faces an opioid addiction epidemic that killed more than 900 people in 2016.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the number of epidemiologist jobs in Missouri will increase 5.1% by 2024, and health educator jobs in the state will increase by 10.1%.
Missouri needs trained public health professionals to alleviate these statewide health problems. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the number of epidemiologist jobs in Missouri will increase 5.1% by 2024, and health educator jobs in the state will increase by 10.1%.
Online MPH programs in Missouri prepare future public health professionals to address these challenges. The University of Missouri, the state's largest educational institution, offers an affordable MPH program entirely online, and Missouri State offers a hybrid MPH program. Other respected online MPH programs in Missouri are offered through private universities.
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Public Health Initiatives in Missouri
Missouri officials recognize several public health challenges. According to the Census Bureau, 16.1% of Missourians are 65 or older, higher than the national average of 14.9%. Ensuring that the state's aging population has access to senior care is a top priority.
The Census Bureau reports that 14% of Missouri residents live in poverty, compared to 12.7% nationwide, and 10.5% of the population under 65 lives without health insurance, compared to 8.8% nationally. Missouri health officials express concern that many residents cannot afford preventative health services, good nutrition, and opportunities for exercise.
Nearly 66% of Missouri residents are overweight or obese. The Missouri state government supports initiatives to foster better nutritional choices and exercise habits, including educational programs for children and adults. Opioid addiction is also widespread in Missouri. State health officials report that 908 people died from opioid overdoses in Missouri in 2016.
Public Health Internships & Fellowships in Missouri
Internships and fellowships offer students and recent graduates opportunities to gain professional experience. Internships may be paid or unpaid and usually involve basic work. Fellowships, in contrast, are paid positions that require candidates to perform all job functions. Students in public health programs in Missouri can benefit from the internships and fellowships listed below.
This internship at the University of Missouri's Center for Public Health Policy in Columbia focuses on health policy issues important to Missouri residents. Interns learn data-driven research techniques and lead focus groups. Interested students should contact the center by email.
Public Health Careers in Missouri
Although public health officials earn comfortable salaries, they typically work for government agencies and nonprofit institutions, which means they earn less than similarly qualified professionals working in the private health industry. A public health professional's salary depends on several factors, including experience, position, and geographic location. Those with advanced degrees earn higher salaries, and professionals with years of experience in public health roles earn more than recent graduates.
| Employment | Hourly Mean Wage | Annual Mean Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | 1,260 | $24.99 | $51,970 |
| United States | 63,260 | $32.60 | $67,810 |
Source: BLS
Public Health Employers in Missouri
Public health professionals address public safety issues; their expertise is valuable to state, county, and city governments. However, opportunities in public health are more limited than those in other fields. For the best chance of securing employment after graduation, students earning master's degrees in public health online in Missouri should identify the largest public health employers in the state, such as those listed below.
| Employers | Number of Employees |
|---|---|
| Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services | 1,545 |
| St. Louis County Department of Public Health | 501 |
| Kansas City Health Department | 193 |
Public Health Research Centers in Missouri
Public health officials depend on state research centers for the latest findings in the field. Research facilities are major employers of MPH graduates. Public health students should identify the most influential public health research institutions in the state to understand sources of health information and to find jobs after graduation.
The Center for Health Policy: The Center for Health Policy at the University of Missouri promotes the analysis and discussion of health policy issues with reference to new research findings. The center assesses and improves public health initiatives that benefit Missouri residents.
The Institute for Public Health: The Institute for Public Health at Washington University in St. Louis fosters interdisciplinary research in the public health field. The institute also educates health professionals and Missouri communities about new findings.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services: This government agency engages in research efforts to gauge and improve public health in Missouri. The department publishes the Missouri Health Assessment, a comprehensive report about health issues in the state.
Public Health Professional Organizations in Missouri
Public health professionals rely on research to inform best practices. Due to the nature of health research, standards change over time. Public health professionals need to stay informed about the latest developments, and professional organizations provide opportunities to attend seminars and conferences covering the latest trends in the public health policy and practice. These events allow public health students and professionals chances to network and create professional relationships that can lead to job opportunities.
Missouri Association of Local Public Health Agencies: MoALPHA fosters communication among city, county, and state health department employees. This group provides health professionals opportunities to exchange information at annual conferences.
Master of Public Health Graduate Association: This student-run organization unites past and present University of Missouri graduate students and faculty. The association fosters mentoring relationships, provides networking opportunities, and helps direct the development of the MPH curriculum at Mizzou.
Missouri Public Health Association: This interdisciplinary association of public health students and workers improves health-related education, encourages discussion of trends in the field, and influences legislation relevant to public health. MPHA hosts annual meetings, arranges internships, and awards scholarships.
Public Health Certifications and Licenses in Missouri
Public health positions often require professional licenses or certifications. However, the credentials required to hold public health jobs are not necessarily issued by the state government. For example, many hospitals and county health departments prefer health educators certified by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing. Similarly, organizations employing epidemiologists often prefer candidates certified by the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology.
In Missouri, public health professionals who work with sensitive populations or potentially harmful substances must hold state licenses and certifications.
In Missouri, public health professionals who work with sensitive populations or potentially harmful substances must hold state licenses and certifications. For example, leaders of organizations that provide care to children must maintain Director Certification through the Department of Health and Senior Services. Also, substance abuse clinic workers who handle controlled substances, such as methadone or suboxone, must register with the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs.
Accreditation for Online Public Health Master's Programs in Missouri
Accreditation is the process by which external agencies verify an academic program's quality. Attending an accredited MPH program ensures future employers will recognize the value of your degree. Accreditation indicates graduates of the program have the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to the field.
There are two primary forms of accreditation in the United States. Academically oriented institutions, including those that offer quality MPH degrees in Missouri, are usually regionally accredited. Regional accreditation is more prestigious, but vocational and online-only colleges often hold national accreditation. Public health students should also look for MPH degree programs accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). An independent agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, CEPH only accredits programs that maintain rigorous educational standards and base courses of study on the latest research.
Directory of Online Master's in Public Health Programs in Missouri
A.T. Still University's online master of public health degree equips the next generation of seasoned healthcare professionals with the tools, skills, and knowledge needed to make a real difference in the lives of people across the country. The program incorporates evolving practices and standards in the public health field.
Through this online MPH in Missouri, students get individualized attention, as class sizes average 16 students. Faculty are available to answer questions, encouraging program participants to take part in class discussions and assignments online. This enables students to form connections that can help them throughout their public health careers.
To apply to the program, prospective students must fill out an application form. They do not need to provide GRE or GMAT scores but must submit transcripts for any accredited colleges or universities previously attended. Classes begin at five different start dates throughout the academic year, including two in the fall and three in the spring.
Once enrolled, distance learners have access to key resources, including career services, a university writing center, technical assistance, and online tutoring. Both Missouri residents and non-residents pay the same tuition.
Graduates go on to embark on many different careers, serving as health educators, health department directors, health education consultants, and public health program managers. They may also work for nonprofits, insurance companies, clinics, hospitals, and government agencies.
ATSU's campus is located in Kirksville, Missouri.
Scholarships for Public Health Master's Degrees in Missouri
This scholarship assists permanent residents of Taney County pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in the medical field.
Amount Offered: $1,000Scholarship Deadline: March 10Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must be from Taney County, must be full-time students, and must demonstrate financial need.