A Queen's Journey volume 1 April 2013 | Page 9

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At Boston University’s online degree website, the student spotlight section highlights Meeghan De Cagna a recent graduate of the Master of Science in Health Communication program. She is currently a Director of Communications, Marketing and Technology for the American Medical Student Association. She handles all the communications, media, and public relations aspects of the association. She states that the course provides a better understanding of the healthcare system as a whole. She raves about the program”… Intellectually challenging, creative and blends both the science of health with the art of writing and communicating. It speaks to both my interests.” (BU2013) With my background in healthcare and my recent education I have faith that if I challenge myself to complete this degree I would have a similar experience. This degree also speaks to my interests and I wish to find the same success as she did after completing the program. It is my hope that having a Master’s degree will not only make me a better candidate for the career I ultimately want to obtain , but also give me the ability to market myself more effectively with potential employers.

l My ultimate goal is to obtain a position as a Health Communication Specialist at the Center for Disease Control commonly referred to as the CDC. The job requires the person to create and launch messages about healthcare to the public. These outreach campaigns can shape how people hear and talk about health issues. They plan and improve on a constant basis so that these outreach methods can achieve the programs goals and encourage positive health practices. Other positions similar to this include; Public Health advisor and Health Services Manager.

These positions are highly coveted and not to mention very hard to obtain employment in these positions as a new Graduate. These positions are civil service and federal government positions. There is the potential that after 10 years of service student loan balances may be forgiven. The holders of these titles will have military rank, pay and government benefits associated with them as well. Military personnel are given preference for these positions, but they consider all who apply that meet the basic criteria for the job posting. I would like to be involved in the production of public service announcements including but not limited to podcasts, contributions to the website, newsletters, posters and other media outlets. The CDC and the Department of Human Services have training programs as well as summer internships that may help get my foot in the door, so to speak with an entry level position.

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Medical and Health Services Managers

They usually find work overseeing a physician office, clinic or hospital. This would be including performing the duties of a Health educator as well. The median salary is $84,270 for 2010. The growth expected for these positions is 22%. This is an administration position geared toward people who want to be executives. (OOH2013)

Health Educator

The job outlook for this position and other positions like this are expected to grow by 37% from 2010-2020, which is faster than average. The median annual wage for 2010 was $45,830. Similar jobs would be: middle or High school teacher, or Career counselor