Career Path: Public Health Information Officer

What is a Public Health Information Officer?

A Public Health Information Officer ensures that information is provided on request and that all information releases are accurate, consistent and timely. The Officer often writes, coordinates and reviews all relative information releases and serves as the single dissemination point for all agency information. The Officer also ensures that the public receives accurate, consistent and timely information to allow them to make decisions to reduce their health risk.

Public Health Information Officers develop and conduct media briefings to make public health information available, and monitor broadcast and print media to produce follow up news releases, briefing papers, and correct misinformation.¹

Daily tasks include:

• Coordinate and execute media campaigns to achieve mission-driven goals
• Monitor and report on results using analytic tools, and make ongoing improvements
• Manage budget and financial reporting for communications department
• Work closely with the communications team, agency leadership and staff to ensure goals are met²

These tasks may vary depending on the company or type of facility that you work for:

US Army Public Health Center in Joint Base Lewis McChord, WA: Responsible for coordinating, planning, organizing, and implementing a comprehensive health promotion program³

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, GA: identify and set budget requirements, and administers fiscal resources, and initiates request for additional resources.⁴

South Boston Community Health Center in Boston, MA: Recruits, selects, and develops personnel to staff the health information function, and evaluates subordinates’ performance.⁵

Becoming a Public Health Information Officer

A minimum of a Baccalaureate in a Health Science is required. A Master’s Degree and  RHIA or RHIT credential are often preferred. Since an officer position typically requires some leadership responsibilities, many open positions included a preference. Because communicate is a main focus of this role, excellent written, verbal and presentation skills are also a high priority.²

Career Outlook

Because employment of healthcare occupations is projected to grow 13 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations, about 2.3 million new jobs will be added.⁶ This translates to a very positive career outlook for a Public Health Information Officer. Paycale.com reported that the average in the United States make around $53K per year. The pay spectrum stretches from $34K to $82K per year. Most positions included competitive benefits and high job satisfaction.²

1. Department of Health. (n.d.). Retrieved October 12, 2016, from https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/public_health_works/careers/public_health_information_officer.htm
2. Public Information Officer Salary (United States) United States Home Change Country Don’t see what you are looking for?Get A Free Custom Salary Report ». (n.d.). Retrieved October 12, 2016, from http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Public_Information_Officer/Salary
3. Health Promotion Officer- JBLM job – US Army Public Health Center – Joint Base Lewis McChord, WA. (n.d.). Retrieved October 12, 2016, from http://www.indeed.com/cmp/US-Army-Public-Health-Center/jobs/Health-Promotion-Officer-f921cc098ab03b44?q=Public Health Officer
4. (n.d.). Retrieved October 12, 2016, from https://jobs.cdc.gov/job/atlanta/health-communication-officer/250/3209075
5. By continuing you agree to Monster’s Privacy Policy, Terms of Use and use of cookies. (n.d.). South Boston Community Health Center. Retrieved October 12, 2016, from http://jobview.monster.com/v2/job/View?JobID=172576723
6. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, Health Educators and Community Health Workers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/health-educators.htm (visited October 12, 2016).