Health Communication: A Growing Career Field

Health communication has become one of the fastest growing areas in the field of communication. The Healthy People 2010 national project states that health communication involves putting public communication strategies to work in order to educate the public and those in the healthcare industry about important health information. This includes improving the relationship between patients and healthcare providers, public health campaigns, and promoting healthy living through the media. The mission of health communicators is to not only inform the public on health news, but to also help them identify places to get assistance. We've all seen public service announcements on television or on billboards, and even heard them on the radio. These are part of health communication campaigns, but there are other opportunities in this field.

Colleges across the country are now offering degrees in health communication. Colleges and universities that offer this as a major or minor include:

Clemson University

East Carolina University (M.A. in Communication with health communication emphasis)

Emerson College (M.A.)

Ithaca College (minor)

James Madison University

Juniata College

North Dakota State University

Ohio University

University of Findlay

University of Southern California (minor)

If you choose to enroll in one of these programs, expect to take several general communication courses that will train you in effective communication strategies and educate you on being responsible when providing information to the public. Examples of courses include communication training, public relations, communication research, media writing, and reporting. Coursework focused on health communication may include classes in creating public health campaigns, public advocacy, examining health information around the world, and studying the effects of the media on health.

So what kind of jobs can you expect to get with a degree in this major? Fortunately, because this is a growing field there are many opportunities. You may work formulating health campaign strategies for the public. Working as a community health advocate is another possibility. If you are interested in marketing and public relations, PR professionals in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies are always in need. Healthcare organizations like hospitals, insurance companies, and nonprofits also need those that have been educated in effective communication. Examples of organizations that employ health communication majors include the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and television networks like CNN.

If you have a passion for writing and are interested in helping others lead healthy lives, consider earning a degree in health communication.