The Exciting Prospects that Lie Ahead in Health Communications ...

In the realm of healthcare, information is the most powerful tool that many doctors and medical institutions possess. Information allows physicians to warn patients about the dangers of skipping your flu shot or how to keep your children from becoming injured on the playground. In response to this increasing demand, many universities have created a health communications degree program. The program prepares students to work in this ever-expanding and evolving field, which is growing at a rapid pace. Before determining if this profession is right for you, learn about the history of health communication, the field?s day-to-day, real world demands and how to land a job all your fellow graduates will envy.

What is Health Communications?

Healthcare policies, precautions and recommendations are changing on an almost daily basis. Many hospitals are finding that getting the word out in a timely fashion is critical, especially when the overall population could be in danger. As a healthcare communications representative for a hospital, university, publically funded healthcare agency or governmental entity, it?s your job to spread the word about any pressing healthcare issues. This may mean speaking to millions of anxious citizens via the internet or television, visiting a grade school to teach children about the importance of proper hygiene or even holding a town hall meeting over a social networking site.

What to Expect During University

The idea of health communication is relatively new concept, and the first courses specifically designed for this major weren?t offered until 1995 through Tufts University. A growing demand for well-educated health communications professionals prompted many universities across the United States to create a new degree program, or incorporate classes dealing with the subject into the current curriculum. As a health communications major, you?ll be expected to gain knowledge in a variety of disciplines, including public health, medicine, psychology and sociology. General communications is another key aspect of the degree program and if you?re not able to speak concisely, clearly or in front of a crowd, this may not be the best career path for you.

Finding an Enviable Position

Rural hospitals, governmental agencies, non-profit organizations and pharmaceutical companies have all employed health communications majors. The job market is favorable and the need for qualified, educated health communications analysts is expected to rise over the next few years. Many entry-level positions will only require a bachelor?s degree, but don?t expect to land a coveted position unless you at least earn an advanced degree in any number of related fields, including a Masters degree in Nursing. On-the-job experience and a proven track record of excellence are also necessary to reach an executive level position. Be prepared to work your way up from the bottom and don?t underestimate the power of a good reference and higher education.

Be warned that health communications is not for everyone. If you have an eye for detail, enjoy public speaking and can handle a heavy workload, than it might just be a field worth exploring.

Source: http://otaesl.org/the-exciting-prospects-that-lie-ahead-in-health-communications

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