Master's degrees in the field of public health have grown steadily over the past few years. Currently, there are over 2,000 public health programs in over 150 American universities. So how can you break into this field of study on a master's level? In this article we will list five professions that can help you grow after a bachelor's education and easily enter into a master's program in public health.

Resource: 15 Top Cost-No-Object and 15 Top Affordable Master's in Public Health (MPH) Degree Programs

1. Nursing

Perhaps the first profession that comes to mind when we think of public health is a nurse. This job will not only help you develop skills working with patients in different areas of the community, but it will also teach you all the basics of the healthcare industry and technology. To become a nurse you will have to have some type of Nursing Diploma such as a BSN or an ASN, then you will have to pass the National Council Licensure Examination. Working as a nurse not only puts you into close contact with the community, but it can prepare you for rewarding future study in the public health sector.

2. Childbirth Health Educator

For those who like working one-on-one with people, becoming a childbirth health educator might be a good choice. Childbirth health educators have to teach expectant mothers what to expect in childbirth, deal with issues such as gestational diabetes, and teach breathing techniques to classes. Bachelor's degree holders with an emphasis in child welfare, pediatrics, and education should look into this profession.

3. Health and Safety Engineers

Health and safety engineers work in many different areas, from construction sites to governmental locations. In this job, you will have to be able to work with a team to devise working locations that are safe for employees. Also, if working for a corporation, you may have to examine how they can package their goods with the least risk of contamination from external sources. Some areas of study that would be helpful to break into this field include occupational hygiene and engineering.

4. Working In Government Programs

Many young people with a bachelor's degree in public health could gain a great deal of experience applying for government programs such as the Peace Corps or AmeriCorps. If you do have a spirit of adventure, the Peace Corps now offers their volunteers a choice of what area of the world they would like to work in. You can also find many opportunities to use your skills working on health and safety issues in whatever community you wish to enter into. Working for either of these government programs will not only give you real world experience, but they can offer you ways to enter into governmental work or even assist with master's application in the future.

5. Air Quality Monitoring Technician

In this job you will develop skills in collecting and analyzing data. You will also have to work to enforce different environmental laws currently on the books regarding pollution levels. This job can be applied for with a bachelor's or associate's degree, as long as you have experience with courses in weather-based technology and meteorology.

Out of these five professions, hopefully you have found one that suits your interests and personality. Whether you like to deal with people in your daily work, or if you like to keep to yourself and analyze data, you will find at least one profession here to suit your personality. The one sure thing all of these degrees share is the ability to advance you towards a master's degree in public health.