Online Associate Degrees in Public Health: Comparing Schools

Inside Three Online Associate’s Programs for Public Health

Available both online and in person, public health associate programs provide foundational health and science curriculums for those heading into professional programs like surgical technology and nursing. They also work well for those planning on transferring to four-year programs focusing on public health or an area of medicine. When considering a public health program, look at its flexibility in terms of how and when courses are delivered to make sure it fits with your schedule. Also consider the overall cost and availability of financial aid, though many associate degrees are through community colleges and come with a reasonable price tag.

FAQs About Online Public Health Associate Degrees

Are there any certifications or licenses you need to work in public health?

Certification and license requirements for public health depend on the individual state, position, and/or employer. Healthcare positions often require additional certification, but an associate degree prepares you for entry-level positions that don’t necessarily require it. Public health professionals who want to advance their careers may earn specific certifications to show their expertise in certain areas. Such certifications include, Certified in Infection Control (CIC) and Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES). These certifications typically require a bachelor’s degree.

How much does an online public health associate degree cost?

Tuition for public health associate programs typically ranges from $125 to $500 per credit, depending on residency. Some schools offer generous financial aid options, all-inclusive tuition, and discounted tuition. You may also qualify for scholarships for public service students or scholarships for online students. There’s also loan forgiveness through acts of public service that can help with cost. Find more information about funding your education in Steps’ financial aid guide.

How much can you make with an associate degree in public health?

Annual salaries for entry-level positions in public health or related fields are about $45,000 to $50,000 per year. This salary varies depending on location, experience, and specific position. A medical records specialist, for example, earns an average of $46,600 per year while a community health worker earns a median wage of $48,200 annually and administrative assistant earns about $46,000 per year.

Can I earn my associate in public health 100% online?

Many schools offer associate degree programs in public health that are completely online with no campus visits required, though some classes may have in-person lab requirements. Most programs utilize an asynchronous format, so lectures are prerecorded to be viewed at your convenience instead of you having to attend live classes at set times. With online learning, all lectures, exams, and activities occur online via forums, chat rooms, and virtual classes. This often allows people with full-time work schedules and family obligations to pursue their education. Many schools with online programs also offer virtual services like advising and tutoring, so online students can receive the same support services as in-person students.

What careers will an associate’s degree in public health qualify me for?

Public health associate degree holders have a lot of upward mobility potential in the workforce. While the options increase as you earn a bachelor’s or higher degree, there are still lots of options for those with associate degrees in public health. Those include entry-level positions as a community health worker, health educator assistant, public health technician, environmental health assistant, and administrative roles. A bachelor’s degree can advance you into positions such as health educator, epidemiology assistant, program coordinator, environmental health specialist, community outreach manager, and public health analyst.

Common Online Public Health Associate’s Degree Courses

Although individual courses vary between different public health associate programs, the general topics typically remain consistent. You’ll learn how to promote health on a mass scale. This involves learning about global health, the environment, lifestyle, and nutrition. Programs may also include healthcare topics like medical terminology. Here’s a smattering of some of the common courses you’ll find in associate degree programs.

Introduction to Health Systems

This course gives an overview of the development, structure, and trends of the American healthcare system. This includes how services are organized and delivered, the impact of healthcare policy decisions, the relationship between healthcare costs and benefits, and allocation of resources. With this knowledge, students learn to use critical thinking to shape healthcare policy.

Fundamentals of Nutrition

Because diet is a major factor in lifestyle diseases, nutrition plays a large role in public health and is therefore included in most curricula. Through lectures, activities, and discussions, this course gives an understanding of the scientific principles of nutrition, how the body digests and converts food, and why diet is so important.

Global Health

In this course, students learn about important concepts, tools, and frameworks used when studying global health. Topics include the burden of global disease, health policy, health disparities, and potential obstacles to global health interventions. Students also explore ways to address global health through multiple avenues, such as social-behavioral sciences, humanities, and policy.

Lifestyle Diseases and Global Burden

As the name suggests, students learn about the connection between human behavior, environmental factors, and health policy when assessing the global and socioeconomic impact of diseases caused by certain behaviors and environments. They also explore risk factors and ways to promote better public health, such as diet and exercise.

Public Health and Health Science

This course gives a broad introduction to both public health and health science by exploring the different systems of healthcare and public health in the United States. Topics include health promotion, disease prevention, social determinants of health, and epidemiology and environmental health. The role of government in public health may also be addressed.

Resources for Public Health Students

• American Public Health Association: The APHA offers public health professionals and students the latest research, news, resume and career advice, books, and webinars. Members enjoy opportunities to network alongside other benefits.
• Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health: This website provides information on accredited public health programs and a step-by-step guide covering everything from public health careers to finding your first job.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: This science-based organization supports, promotes, and protects public health. It addresses issues like the social determinants of health and other topics relevant to public health professionals.
• Essential Skills for Public Health Students: Public health students need a combination of hard, soft, and online skills to help in their journey to a degree. This Steps’ guide explores these skills and offers expert insights.
• Public Health Foundation: This organization offers tools for professional development, news on health issues, and resources for professionals. It provides foundational knowledge for those seeking a public health career.
• Public Health Resources & Scholarships: This STEPS’ guide equips and empowers public health students through comprehensive lists of scholarships and other financial aid options. It also provides support for students and professionals.
• World Health Organization: The World Health Organization has a wealth of information on many health conditions and their impact around the world. It also provides up-to-date news about relevant topics.

Top-Rated Online Public Health Associate’s Degrees

Schools in this ranking are accredited by the U.S. Department of Education, have an online public health program, and offer career placement and academic counseling services. Evaluations were then weighted based on the number of online programs and percentage of students enrolled in distance education. Next, schools are ranked for affordability, which includes tuition and fees along with institutional aid, and student outcomes/academic quality, which includes things like retention rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and graduation rate.