Are you are pursuing a career in any aspect of healthcare? If the answer is yes, then you will likely have many career options laid out in front of you. Career opportunities within the healthcare world are varied, yet so exciting. As you consider your various options, you might want to choose one of the government healthcare jobs. The United States Department of Health and Human Services employs healthcare workers. These workers are known as the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service. The government currently employs over 6,500 of these workers. These workers are also frequently referred to as “America’s Health Responders.” These specialized workers work in several different fields. There are a wide variety of specializations for federal agencies. Many of the specializations available will be covered in this article. We will also introduce various United States government agencies that employ government public health workers.
Government Public Health Jobs
The careers available in public health with the U.S. government are more wide-ranging than you might guess. Some might assume that a public health job within the government would be limited to working as a nurse or a doctor. This, in fact, could not be further from the truth, as there ar such a wide range of government jobs in healthcare available. These jobs can range anywhere from a dietitian to an engineer. U.S. Public Health Service Careers fall into one of the following 12 categories:
- Behavioral health
- Clinical and rehabilitation therapists
- Dentists
- Dietitians
- Engineers
- Environmental health
- Health services
- Nurses
- Pharmacists
- Physicians
- Science and research health professions
- Veterinary medicine
We will spend some time reviewing each of these 12 categories of government public health jobs. Below, we will discuss some possible job opportunities. You can learn more about where you could be employed in each of these government healthcare jobs. We will also talk about the different positions that may be available.
Behavioral Health –
The need for behavioral health workers is on the rise. This is the case for government behavioral health workers as well. Behavioral health positions are available in all levels of government – local, state, and federal. There are many types of government facilities that may be looking to hire mental or behavioral health specialists. These include mental health hospitals, state-operated residential centers, or community health centers. There are a variety of specific job titles within the government for behavioral workers. These include clinical psychologist, mental health specialist, and county mental health program specialist. Mental health disorders are on the rise and Professionals who truly care to make a difference are needed now more than ever.
Clinical and Rehabilitation Therapists –
These workers are extremely important, as they help to get people back on their feet. Many of the government rehabilitation jobs include working with veterans. Working with veterans is a unique opportunity, as they have tangibly sacrificed and return to civilian life with many needs. Clinical and rehabilitation therapists are able to help meet many of these needs. Government jobs in clinical and rehabilitation therapy can exist in a variety of settings. These settings include but are not limited to: Veterans Health Administration, state government facilities, and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. Job titles include Rehabilitation Counselor, Rehabilitation Program Coordinator, and Psychosocial Rehabilitation Specialist.
Dentists –
Believe it or not, there are many dental positions available within the U.S. Government. Dentists are needed in various government agencies. These include the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Justice. Additionally, each branch of the military offers dental services. Because of this, each branch needs to hire qualified dental professionals. There is also a need for dental professionals in community healthcare facilities and health clinics. Besides dentists, there is also a need for other dental professionals. These include dental assistants, oral surgeons, and specialists within the field.
Dietitian –
The government is in need of many dietitians. This is partly because so many of the programs offered on the local and state level center around promoting healthy lifestyles. Dietitians are needed in a variety of settings. These settings include county food service offices, military bases, the Veterans Health Administrations, and clinics. Many of the government sponsored programs aim to bring a new and better level of nutrition into schools. These programs need knowledgeable nutritionists and dietitians. These workers will need to plan as well as put the programs into place. The United States Department of Agriculture also hires dietitians and nutritionists. There are also government dietitians needed in each branch of the military.
Engineers –
A lesser known public health government career is that of a public health engineer. Public health engineer jobs are primarily centered around designing systems that keep people healthy and promote public health. These are often related to water supply, drainage, or environmental protection. Employment opportunities for public health engineers can be found within state health departments. There are many opportunities to work as a public health engineer within the US Department of Health and Human Services.
Environmental Health –
Environmental health workers are needed in many government agencies. These jobs can be found on the national level, the state level, and even the county level. There are also many jobs available with the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Some of the most common jobs titles include environmental health specialist and public health investigator. The U.S Department of Agriculture and the US Department of Energy are a few of the other federal agencies looking to hire government workers in the environmental health field.
Health Services –
There are many jobs that fall under the category of health services. These jobs include healthcare manager, health services analyst, medical administrator or manager. Each of these positions is in demand within the government. Many of the federal government agencies are in need of leaders in the area of health service. There are also available health service positions at the local and state level.
Nurses – 
On the federal level, there are many government jobs available for nurses. These are primarily in connection with the military. Many of these military nursing jobs are related to veteran care. The Veterans Health Administration is in need of many qualified nurses to care for the various medical needs of veterans. There is also a need for nurses in rehabilitation and healthcare facilities. Correctional facilities need nurses, as well. There is always a need for qualified nurses throughout the various branches of the military. There is also a need for nurses in clinics, assisted living facilities, and various other healthcare facilities.
Pharmacists –
As with any other position within the realm of public health, there are many opportunities for pharmacists to find work in the government. Working as a pharmacist is a good career choice when it comes to expected salary, and that is no different when working for the government. Government jobs for pharmacists include working at Veterans’ homes, military bases, county offices. The Department of Health and Human Services employs pharmacists, as well. Some of the government job openings for pharmacists include clinical pharmacist, contract pharmacist, or staff pharmacist.
Physicians –
There are countless opportunities and positions available for physicians within the government. There are many government positions held by physicians. Some of these are neurologist, psychiatrist, primary care physician, or telehealth physician. There is also a need for physicians within the FDA and the CDC, as well as various other government agencies. Many of the opportunities available for physicians are found within the Department of Health and Human Services. Many others are within the Department of Veterans Affairs. These jobs allow physicians to pursue their rewarding career while enjoying the stability of a government job.
Science and Research Health Professions –
There are a growing number of science and research jobs available for public health professionals within the government. These jobs can be found in many major federal government agencies. These agencies include the Food and Drug Administration, the Department of Defense, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Department of Energy, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of State. There are also many research jobs available at the National Institute of Health, a government agency. Additionally, there are research jobs available on the state and local government level. Jobs in research continue to be of utmost importance.
Veterinary Medicine – 
You may be surprised to learn that there are government jobs available even in the area of veterinary medicine. The Army hires veterinarians to work with Army animals, such as K-9 units as well as horses. They are also needed to care for military family pets. Military veterinarians are also employed to help improve animal care systems. This is done most often in countries that have been devastated by war. There are also other government veterinary jobs available. These include working in animal clinics, or working for state or county animal service agencies.
Reasons to Pursue Government Jobs in Public Health
Many individuals seek careers in healthcare to help others. A career in public health is a great means toward that end. Public health workers actively bring healthcare to individuals in need. Working with a government agency may give you the opportunity to find those who are in dire need, and then to make a difference in their lives. With this type of government job, you might have the opportunity to provide dental care or health services to Native Americans through the Indian Health Services. You could also have the opportunity to fight disease and discover vaccines through a position with the CDC. You might even provide healthcare to incarcerated individuals through the Bureau of Prisons. It is a unique opportunity to be able to use your degree in so many different ways. This is the case with government public health jobs. It is worth evaluating your own personal goals and desires as you choose a demographic in which to use your degree.
When choosing a public health career path within the government, there are many things to consider. Would you like to work on a local level within your own county? Would you like to branch out and see what unique opportunities the federal government might have for public health care workers? Or would you like to focus on helping with the rehabilitation of war veterans? Each of these unique job choices offers a different opportunity to expand your knowledge and experience. There is such a wide variety of people groups that are in need of medical help. It is worth it to take some time to consider what kind of impact you would like to make on your community as well as on your world.
The possibilities for a career in public health are nearly limitless. These jobs within the healthcare field have inspired dozens of television programs, movies and books. Although working for the CDC may not be as exciting as the work seen in made-for-TV movies, the work of researchers there is integral to protecting the American people from infectious diseases.
How Much Can I Make as a Government Public Health Worker?
As is the case with public health careers outside of the government, there is a very wide range when it comes to expected salary. For example, a dietitian will not make as much as a physician. This is the case whether working inside or outside the government. Some of the highest paid government public health positions are medical officer, dental officer and pharmacologist. It is also good to remember that government jobs offer better than average benefits. When working for the government, you can take advantage of good healthcare, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts. These benefits are just a few of the many offered. These are worth remembering when deciding whether to pursue a job in public health position within the government.
Uncommon Careers in Public Health
Were you surprised by any of the categories listed as careers in public health with the U.S. government? Many people don’t think of engineering as a healthcare field. Of course, engineers often work in places outside the field of public health, but in places like the CDC, engineers are important. They design and put in place methods to control the spread of disease. Many public health engineers work with water treatment and collection. This is done to to keep communities healthy. Engineers are also involved in assessing and maintaining the safety of medical devices. They also work in the development of buildings to ensure that they are free of environmental health hazards. Jobs in public health are clearly not just for doctors and nurses. It may also be surprising to think of working as a veterinarian for the government. Yet it is a neccesary position. This is the case with each of the public health divisions listed above. Even if they are not considered a typical “government job”, the position is essential in order for things to run as they should.
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A desire to help others often lies at the root of a decision to become a healthcare professional. There are few professions that offer the same level of hands-on opportunity to make a lasting difference. Working for the government in public health is a great way to give back to your community. The opportunities are endless. As a dietitian in a county office, you could teach a new mom how to care for her baby in a way that sets them both up for success. Or as a rehabilitation therapist, you could have the opportunity to help a war veteran regain their ability to walk. Public health workers have a unique opportunity to come alongside the government, as well as the people of our nation, and help make our country a better place.
Now that you know more about the public health jobs available with the government, are there any that you are interested in pursuing? The need for reliable, knowledgeable workers within the field of public health will only continue to grow. Government healthcare jobs are in higher demand than ever before. Will you answer the call?
MPH staff, 2023