According to the United Health Foundation, Vermont is currently the fifth healthiest state in the country. The state’s health-related strengths include a low obesity rate, high numbers of physicians and other healthcare workers, and low numbers of infectious diseases and air pollution. This generally healthy population is due to Vermont’s numerous public health initiatives and the fact that the state attracts individuals who are interested in physical activity and the outdoors. The percentage of residents without health insurance decreased 60% in the past decade.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that jobs in health education in Vermont will increase by 6.3%, while healthcare social work jobs will increase by 12.3%.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that jobs in health education in Vermont will increase by 6.3%, while healthcare social work jobs will increase by 12.3%. The state is also home to several excellent universities and internship opportunities for public health students. This state’s success in healthcare makes it an exciting place to study public health and learn the strategies and policies that keep communities healthy and safe.
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Public Health Initiatives in Vermont
Vermont maintains its status as one of the country’s healthiest states through initiatives in nearly every area of public health. Regarding environmental health, Vermont’s Building Resilience Against Climate Effects identifies climate-related health risks in the state and develops strategies for how to eliminate these risks. The Food & Lodging Program works to promote food safety and prevent the spread of disease. The School Environment Health Act and the Envision Program promote healthy school environments.
Vermont also maintains a social vulnerability index in order to keep track of communities who would be especially at-risk in the event of a public health threat. The state’s health officials and other employees then use this data to develop preventative strategies to care for these communities. Additionally, the University of Vermont Medical Center has developed several strategic initiatives, including community engagement activities and surveys, a lecture series, and several conferences focused on health and safety awareness. The UVM Medical Center offers programs in wellness and self-management, employer health management, pediatric outreach, and health education for elderly individuals.
Public Health Internships & Fellowships in Vermont
Students in online MPH programs in Vermont can access several different internships and fellowships. While both types of professional opportunities offer valuable experiences, internships can be paid or unpaid, while fellowships typically involve a regular stipend. Internships are offered to both undergraduate and graduate students, while fellowships are often designed for graduate students. Below you will find more information about public health internships and fellowships in Vermont.
UVM Medical Center Internships
The University of Vermont’s medical center offers paid and unpaid nonclinical internships in human resources, marketing, communications, or information services departments. Students can apply through the medical center’s website.
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Albert Schweitzer Fellowship
This opportunity allows graduate students to work in Vermont and New Hampshire’s vulnerable communities in order to address their health needs through year-long projects.
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Knoll Farm Better Selves Fellowship
Located in the Green Mountains, this large family farm offers regular week-long fellowships to individuals who are studying health, social justice, and conservation. Applicants can apply on the farm’s website.
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Environmental Data Analyst
Offered through Vermont’s Department of Environmental Conservation, this internship allows students to work with the state’s waste management and prevention sector. Fellows analyze chemical contamination in the state’s private water supplies and how this contamination affects the public.
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Job Shadowing at the UVM Medical Center
This five-day internship is offered to high school students, postsecondary students, and professionals interested in healthcare. Interns shadow an employee or clinical faculty member at the medical center.
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Public Health Careers in Vermont
Public health officials can work in a wide variety of environments, including schools, government agencies, hospitals, universities, and other research organizations. Graduates of online MPH programs in Vermont typically work as health and safety inspectors, epidemiologists, health educators, environmental health researchers, and government employees. While researching public health careers and online MPH programs in Vermont, keep in mind that earning a master’s or doctoral degree almost always increases your potential to find high-paying jobs in this field. Because this field is so diverse, salaries will vary widely depending on an individual’s location, employer, credentials, and experience. The following table shows data concerning the number of health educators employed in Vermont, as well as their median hourly and annual wages.
| Employment | Hourly Mean Wage | Annual Mean Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont | 200 | 26.57 | 55,270 |
| United States | 63,260 | $32.60 | $67,810 |
Source: BLS
Public Health Employers in Vermont
Forming connections with large employers in your state can make it easier to find a job after graduation. Local medical centers and other healthcare organizations offer internships, fellowships, and other professional development opportunities. Below are the three largest public health employers in Vermont.
| Employers | Number of Employees |
|---|---|
| University of Vermont Medical Center | 6,405 |
| Rutland Regional Medical Center | 1,700 |
| Southwestern Vermont Medical Center | 1,100 |
Public Health Research Centers in Vermont
If you are interested in a career in public health research, look into the primary research centers in the state. These organizations may offer professional opportunities or help you connect with other professionals with similar research interests. Below are three major public health research centers in Vermont.
- University of Vermont College of Medicine: UVM partners with several organizations to conduct research and carry out projects related to public health. The university’s college of medicine also offers a graduate program in public health.
- Vermont Department of Health: As a branch of the state government, this department tracks and reports on residents’ health. The department also researches and works to prevent and eliminate issues in mental health, physical health, and environmental health.
- Vermont Public Health Institute: VtPHI is a partnership between several organizations, including the University of Vermont and the Department of Health. This institute researches policies, reforms, and other projects to improve statewide health.
Public Health Professional Organizations in Vermont
Professional organizations offer opportunities for public health researchers, educators, and workers to connect with other professionals and state residents. For example, the Vermont Public Health Association offers regular conferences and policy information that help public health professionals succeed in this field. Below is a list of three professional organizations in this state.
- American Nurses Association Vermont: Not only does ANA-Vermont work to improve healthcare for all state residents, it also advocates for nurses across the state. This association supports better workplace standards and provides professional development opportunities for nurses.
- Vermont Medical Society: VMS supports physicians across the state through encouraging and funding research projects, promoting ethical standards of conduct, and providing continuing education in the form of webinars and other programs to its members.
- Vermont Public Health Association: This association is open to healthcare professionals and state residents who would like to help improve the state’s public health. The VPHA organizes educational programs for its members and facilitates conversations between health organizations and communities in the state.
Public Health Certifications and Licenses in Vermont
Health inspectors in Vermont are typically known as town health officers. Individuals interested in pursuing a health inspector license should contact the Vermont Department of Health.
Vermont does not require any general public health certifications or licenses, but it does require specific licenses for certain positions in the field. Health inspectors in Vermont are typically known as town health officers. Individuals interested in pursuing a health inspector license should contact the Vermont Department of Health. Additionally, the University of Vermont offers several online certificates in global and environmental public health, epidemiology, and healthcare management and policy. Vermont Tech College offers several continuing education and workplace development programs in healthcare management and nursing. Earning a certificate ensures that you can take classes in the specific areas of public that most interest you. Certificates also prepare public health professionals to work in more specialized positions.
Accreditation for Online Public Health Master’s Programs in Vermont
Attending an accredited school lets your future employers and universities know that your degree program and coursework met certain educational standards. While researching online public health programs in Vermont, you may come across schools with regional and national accreditation. National accreditation is typically granted to religious, for-profit, and trade or vocational schools and is less widely accepted. Many universities and employers do not accept credits from nationally accredited universities. Regional accreditation is more prestigious and is granted to nonprofit, degree-focused schools. The regional accreditation body in Vermont is the New England Association of Schools and Colleges Accreditation (NEASC).
While looking for an online public health master’s program in Vermont, look for schools that have received accreditation from NEASC. Additionally, look for programs that are accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), which is the nationally recognized accrediting agency for public health schools and programs.
Scholarships for Public Health Master’s Degrees in Vermont
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation
This organization works to improve global health through nutrition. Each year, the academy awards around 75 scholarships to students pursuing work in public health and dietetics.
Amount Offered: $500 to $10,000
Scholarship Deadline: April 17
Eligibility Requirements: Awarded to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students who are pursuing a dietetics-related field. Priority is given to underrepresented groups.
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Indian Health Service Scholarship Program
The IHS is a federal health program for American Indians and Alaskan Natives. This scholarship is awarded to students studying a health-related field and requires a minimum two-year commitment to an Indian health program in the student’s chosen area of specialty.
Amount Offered: Amount varies
Scholarship Deadline: March 28
Eligibility Requirements: Awarded to American Indian and Alaskan Native students enrolled in a healthcare program.
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National Hispanic Health Foundation
The NHHF is a nonprofit organization focused on health in the Hispanic community. This is the only national scholarship designed for Hispanic students enrolled in public health, health policy, dental, medical, nursing, and pharmacy programs.
Amount Offered: Amount varies
Scholarship Deadline: October 6
Eligibility Requirements: Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, be enrolled in a health-related program, and demonstrate engagement with the Hispanic community.
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NEHA/AAS Scholarship
Offered through the National Environmental Health Association and the American Academy of Sanitarians, this scholarship is awarded to students pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in environmental health.
Amount Offered: $1,000 to $2,000
Scholarship Deadline: February 1
Eligibility Requirements: Must be an undergraduate or graduate student studying environmental health at university that is either accredited by the Environmental Health Accreditation Council (EHAC) or is a NEHA Educational or Educational Member School.
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CANFIT Scholarship
CANFIT is a national organization focused on improving the health of low-income and minority communities This scholarship is available to qualified students who are studying public health, nutrition, or physical education.
Amount Offered: Amount varies
Scholarship Deadline: March 31
Eligibility Requirements: Must be an undergraduate or graduate student of African-American, American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian-American, Pacific Islander, or Latino/Hispanic descent. Undergraduate students need a minimum GPA of 2.5; graduate students should have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
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HOSA Scholarships
Recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and Health Science Education, HOSA is an international student organization. Each year, the organization offers scholarships to members who are studying a variety of health-related fields, including public health.
Amount Offered: Amount varies
Scholarship Deadline: March 15
Eligibility Requirements: Must be a HOSA member. Specific criteria vary for each scholarship.
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ACMPE Scholarship Fund
Offered through the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA), this scholarship supports students in the fields of public health, medical practice management, business administration, healthcare administration, and other health-related areas.
Amount Offered: $2,500-$5,000
Scholarship Deadline: May 1
Eligibility Requirements: Must be an undergraduate or a graduate student enrolled in a health-related degree program.
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CSHEMA Scholarship
Offered through the Campus Safety, Health, and Environmental Management Association, this award is designed to encourage creative problem solving for challenges in the healthcare field. This organization offers individual awards, institutional awards, and scholarships.
Amount Offered: $3,000
Scholarship Deadline: March 31
Eligibility Requirements: Awarded to undergraduate students pursuing an environmental health-related major and career.
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American Food and Drug Organization Scholarships
AFDO is a nonprofit organization that advocates for regulation of global food and drug safety. The organization offers three different scholarships that support students interested in consumer safety or food regulation.
Amount Offered: $1,500
Scholarship Deadline: February 1
Eligibility Requirements: Must have at least a 3.0 GPA and must demonstrate a commitment to a career in research, quality control, or regulatory work related to food, drug, and product safety.
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NIH Scholarship Program
One of the largest health-related scholarships, the National Human Genome Research Institute offers funding to students from underrepresented groups who are interested in behavioral, biomedical, and social science health-related research. This scholarship includes summer service obligations with the NIH.
Amount Offered: $20,000 per year, up to four years
Scholarship Deadline: March 15
Eligibility Requirements: Awarded to undergraduate students who are from a disadvantaged background and who have a minimum GPA of 3.3.
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