The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects job opportunities for health educators and community health workers in the U.S. will grow 16% from 2016 to 2026, which is much faster than average. In the state of New Hampshire alone, the BLS projects job opportunities for health educators to grow 13.3%. America’s Health Rankings lists New Hampshire as the fifth healthiest state in the country, with its low percentages of childhood poverty and high rates of child and adolescent immunizations. The state does, however, face the challenges of excessive drinking and deaths due to drug use. Other focuses of public health initiatives in the state include cancer, heart disease, and unintentional injuries.
In the state of New Hampshire alone, the BLS projects job opportunities for health educators to grow 13.3%.
Despite being small in geographical size and population, New Hampshire offers many public health programs, several of which are available online. The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, which includes the Division of Public Health Services, is the largest agency in the state government, employing over 2,500 people. The state has a strong commitment to health, numerous internship opportunities, and projected growth for healthcare jobs. Pursuing an online MPH program in New Hampshire is an investment in the state, the public’s health, and your career.
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Public Health Initiatives in New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s Division of Public Health Services has created a 2013-2020 state improvement plan, which was developed with input from various sectors and organizations in the state. The plan outlines ten priority areas that address issues affecting residents of New Hampshire. Priority areas include the reduction of tobacco use and exposure as well as the reduction of obesity and diabetes, as obesity affects 26% of adults and 18% of children in the state. New Hampshire is also working to increase asthma control for adults and children, as the state has some of the highest asthma rates in the nation.
New Hampshire’s health initiatives also prioritize the reduction of heart disease, as it is the second most common cause of death in the state, with stroke as the fifth. The leading cause of death, cancer, is also addressed in the plan, with a focus on increased cancer screenings and overall reduction of deaths due to cancer. Among New Hampshire residents age one to 44, the leading cause of death is unintentional injuries, and reduction of these deaths is also a focus of the state’s plan. The final four public health initiatives in the report are healthy mothers and babies, emergency preparedness, infectious disease control, and reduction of the misuse of alcohol and drugs.
Public Health Internships & Fellowships in New Hampshire
As a prospective student in an MPH program, you’ve probably already been thinking about pursuing internships and fellowships while taking courses. However, some students are not clear that these two opportunities are different, as the terms have become almost interchangeable. Internships consist of students performing a service for an organization in order to earn experience in the field and/or academic credit, though some internships are also paid positions. Fellowships, on the other hand, are typically offered to graduate or doctoral students who complete research or academic activities for an organization in exchange for a stipend. The internships and fellowships listed below are available to public health students in New Hampshire.
Nashua Public Health Internship
Offered by the city of Nashua, New Hampshire, interns gain public health experience in one of the only two full-service local health departments in the state. Students may work with disease surveillance, environmental health, and community health programming, and can apply by sending an email with a cover letter, resume, and availability.
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New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) Internshi
Located in Concord, HSEM interns work with the department’s public information officer or in one of the organization’s four divisions. Students can apply through the online form and typically work a minimum of 15 hours per week.
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Breathe New Hampshire Internship
Breathe NH works to eliminate lung disease and improve the quality of life of those with the disease. Interns work with volunteers in public health, public communications, and event planning. The organization is located in Manchester and students can apply by contacting the designated staff member.
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City of Manchester Research Internship
Located in Manchester, interns in this research program work with the Department of Planning and Community Development in many areas, including public health, housing, early childhood development, and urban planning. Interns develop their own projects. Interested students can apply by submitting a resume, cover letter, and a reference.
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Albert Schweitzer Fellowship
The New Hampshire/Vermont Schweitzer Fellows program is open to health-focused graduate students. This one-year fellowship includes a stipend of $2,000 and requires applicants to partner with a community service agency and develop a project to serve an underserved population.
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Public Health Careers in New Hampshire
Public health officials’ salaries in New Hampshire vary depending on their experience, education, and where they live in the state. According to PayScale, residence and career length are two main factors in salary, with experience greatly affecting health educator salaries. Health educators with skills in program development may also earn a slightly higher salary. In addition to working as health educators, graduates of public health programs in New Hampshire may also be employed as social workers, epidemiologists, dieticians, and community health workers.
| Employment | Hourly Mean Wage | Annual Mean Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | 180 | $25.76 | $53,590 |
| United States | 63,260 | $32.60 | $67,810 |
Source: BLS
Public Health Employers in New Hampshire
According to the BLS, in 2016 the largest employers of health educators in the United States were hospitals, followed closely by the government. The largest employers of community health workers were individual and family services and the government. Many students turn to large employers in order to find a job after graduation. MPH New Hampshire students may want to explore the careers available at the top employers for public health workers in the state, listed below.
| Employers | Number of Employees |
|---|---|
| Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center | 6,818 |
| Elliot Hospital | 3,682 |
| New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services | 2,842 |
Public Health Research Centers in New Hampshire
Students who complete an online MPH program in New Hampshire may be interested in working in research centers in the state. Research centers explore issues related to public health, collect data, and make recommendations for changes and improvements. Future public health professionals interested in working in research should consider the following local research centers in New Hampshire for potential job opportunities.
- John Snow, Inc. (JSI) – New Hampshire: One of JSI’s eight locations, the JSI Research and Training Institute works to improve health and promote innovation in healthcare. Recent projects include work on substance abuse issues, family planning and reproductive health, and emergency preparedness and response.
- Institute for Health Policy and Practice (IHPP): Located within the University of New Hampshire’s College of Health and Human Services, the IHPP works to improve public health on both the regional and national level through research.
- Community Health Institute (CHI): CHI works to improve the health of New Hampshire residents through research and training. The institute works with public and private organizations and recent research includes a community health assessment of the Nashua Regional Public Health System.
Public Health Professional Organizations in New Hampshire
Professional organizations offer a variety of resources to students and alumni of online MPH programs in New Hampshire. Some of the benefits of membership include networking opportunities, access to job listings, and discounts on professional development events. These events can be informative but are also an effective way to meet other professionals around the state. These organizations also keep their members up to date on issues related to health concerns specific to the state of New Hampshire, which can be attractive to future employers.
- New Hampshire Public Health Association (NHPHA): The NHPHA is an affiliate of the American Public Health Association. The organization informs the public and legislators of changes needed to improve public health in the state. Graduates of public health programs in New Hampshire might consider membership to enjoy reduced rates at events, mailings, and access to the NHPHA email list.
- New Hampshire Oral Health Coalition: Working to improve oral health for the people of the state, this coalition provides oral health plans and data. Members work together to address issues and improve the health of citizens.
- New Hampshire Health Officers Association: The mission of the association is to support local officials in their responsibilities and educational programs. Members receive discounts on conferences, review future legislation related to public health, and represent health officers at the state level.
Public Health Certifications and Licenses in New Hampshire
The New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification regulates the Division of Health Professionals. While there is no specific state licensure for public health professionals, there are licenses related to pursuing certain careers, such as alcohol and drug use professionals, dieticians, and mental health practitioners.
While there is no specific state licensure for public health professionals, there are licenses related to pursuing certain careers, such as alcohol and drug use professionals, dieticians, and mental health practitioners.
Public health professionals may consider an optional certification, which can indicate a commitment to the field of public health and can help them stand out among other applicants when searching for jobs. One such certification is the National Board of Public Health Examiner’s Certified in Public Health credential. This designation requires students to pass an exam, indicating an understanding of key concepts. To be eligible to sit for the exam, students must have completed either a bachelor’s program and five years of work experience, or a master’s program from an accredited institution. Aspiring health educators might consider the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing’s Certified Health Education Specialist designation, which is an education-focused certification.
Accreditation for Online Public Health Master’s Programs in New Hampshire
For students seeking a master’s in public health online, New Hampshire offers many colleges and universities that are accredited. It’s important for students to ensure that the institutions and programs they are considering are accredited, as accreditation indicates the degree has met certain benchmarks and many types of financial aid are only available to students in accredited programs. Institutions can be regionally or nationally accredited. National accreditation applies to schools across the country that teach students a specific trade. Regional accreditation is generally more sought after as it is more standardized – it applies to all institutions in a specific region. Colleges and universities in New Hampshire, including those who offer online degrees, may be regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges’ Commission on Institutions of Higher Education. Students considering doctoral degrees should generally consider a regionally-accredited college as many programs require their applicants to hold a previous degree from an accredited institution.
In addition to institutional accreditation, there is also programmatic accreditation for certain academic programs. Programmatic accreditation ensures that a program meets professional standards and guidelines. Some certifications require students to have a degree from a program with this accreditation. Many public health programs are accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health.
Directory of Online Master’s in Public Health Programs in New Hampshire
Dartmouth College – Geisel School of Medicine
Dartmouth College is an Ivy League research university with a long history of accomplishments. One of the nation’s oldest medical colleges, the Geisel School of Medicine develops its academic programs around time-tested guiding principles. The school’s innovations include the first clinical use of X-rays in the U.S., the nation’s first center for healthcare delivery science, a model of employment for individuals with mental illness, and the first multispecialty intensive care unit. With more than 15 research centers, Geisel offers outstanding academic degrees, including one of the best online MPH programs in New Hampshire.
The master of public health takes 22 months to complete. Students take one course at a time in a sequential order. Each class requires approximately 15 hours of dedicated study time per week. Students enrolled in the online program must attend three on-campus residencies per year. These week-long face-to-face sessions occur in August, December, and March.
During the first year of the program, students complete coursework in biostatistics, epidemiology, and environmental health. Foundational training in healthcare delivery systems familiarizes students with program development and research design. As students advance through the program, they engage in coursework that focuses on ethics, health services administration, and comparative health systems. The curriculum also explores data analysis used in program evaluation and clinical decision-making.
Throughout the program, students gain an understanding of common health behavior models and health policies, including issues in payment and population health. In addition to coursework, students participate in a practicum throughout the entirety of the program. The 12-credit practicum includes an ongoing field experience and a culminating research project. Students may address a problem in public health, develop or refine policy, or research new knowledge in a real-world environment.
Applicants must have two years of work experience, preferably in a health-related field.
Scholarships for Public Health Master’s Degrees in New Hampshire
The Edwina Foye Scholarship
Offered by the Foundation for Seacoast Health, the Edwina Foye Scholarship is awarded to an outstanding graduate student in a health field.
Amount Offered: $5,000
Scholarship Deadline: March 1
Eligibility Requirements: Scholarship awards are based on academic and personal achievement, community involvement, and leadership. Eligible applicants must reside in the following cities: Greenland, Portsmouth, Newcastle, Newington, Rye, or North Hampton, New Hampshire; Elliot, York, or Kittery, Maine.
New Hampshire Charitable Foundation Scholarships
The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation awards several scholarships for various students and degree levels. Master’s, Ph.D, or other advanced degree program students are matched to all scholarships for which they qualify.
Amount Offered: Varies
Scholarship Deadline: December 15
Eligibility Requirements: Awards are based on financial need, academic merit, community service, and work history. Applicants must submit FAFSA results.
IAB Scholarship
The Iranian Association of Boston awards scholarships to high-achieving undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in institutions in New England. Students must be of Iranian descent or have a demonstrated interest in Iranian culture and heritage.
Amount Offered: Varies
Scholarship Deadline: June 1
Eligibility Requirements: Applicant must have legal immigration status. In addition to Iranian heritage or interest in the culture, students must provide financial information and graduate entrance exam results.
New Hampshire MGMA Graduate Student Scholarship
The New Hampshire Medical Group Management Association graduate degree scholarship is offered to a NHMGMA member pursuing a graduate degree related to medical practice management.
Amount Offered: $1,000
Scholarship Deadline: May 1
Eligibility Requirements: Students must be NHMGMA members and submit a letter stating career goals related to medical practice management, letters of recommendation, a resume, and an academic transcript.
SNHU Continuing Education Scholarship
Southern New Hampshire University online students with a minimum of 15 credits are eligible for this award, which considers academic merit and financial need.
Amount Offered: Varies
Scholarship Deadline: N/A, applications available in January
Eligibility Requirements: Students must be currently enrolled at SNHU, have earned at least 15 credits, have a 3.0 GPA or better, and be solely responsible for their tuition payments.
UNIQUE Endowment Allocation Program
Residents of New Hampshire who are enrolled undergraduate or graduate students in eligible New Hampshire institutions may apply for this scholarship.
Amount Offered: Minimum $1,000, up to cost of education
Scholarship Deadline: N/A
Eligibility Requirements: Student must be a New Hampshire resident enrolled full- or part-time in a graduate program, in good academic standing, and have an expected family contribution equivalent to that required for Pell Grant eligibility.
UNH Graduate Scholarships for Merit
The University of New Hampshire awards six scholarships annually to graduate students based on achievement in teaching and scholarship. Information on the scholarships are announced each year.
Amount Offered: Varies
Scholarship Deadline: N/A
Eligibility Requirements: Requirements for the award are announced annually by the Graduate School.
UNH Graduate Fellowships
In order to recruit high-achieving and diverse students, the University of New Hampshire awards several fellowships to entering students, nominated by their program coordinators.
Amount Offered: N/A
Scholarship Deadline: Awarded to entering students
Eligibility Requirements: Details on the graduate fellowships are announced annually, but students must be nominated by their program coordinators.
New England RSP Tuition Break
The New England Regional Student Program tuition break is available to New England residents when they enroll in a major not offered by public institutions in their state of residence. More than 800 programs are offered through Tuition Break.
Amount Offered: Varies
Scholarship Deadline: N/A
Eligibility Requirements: Students must be New England residents and enroll in an out-of-state institution in a major not offered by public institutions in their state of residence.
New Hampshire Scholarships for Orphans of Veterans
Administered by the New Hampshire Department of Education, this scholarship is offered to the children of those who died while on active duty in the armed services or died due to a military-related disability while a New Hampshire resident.
Amount Offered: Varies
Scholarship Deadline: September 1
Eligibility Requirements: Student must be 16-25 years old, a legal resident of New Hampshire, and attending a New Hampshire public institution.
