There are few careers in which you can expect to make a greater impact on your community than social work and public health. Not only are the two fields crucial for broad social welfare, but they also share important similarities. Both include a deep concern for health and equity, according to an article in the Journal of Public Health Research. “For this reason, the transdisciplinary profession of public health social work is well placed to develop and build the inter-professional and cross-sectoral collaboration that is needed to address the many health challenges of the 21st century,” the article states.
If you are drawn to the ideals of public health and social work, consider the Arkansas State University (A-State) online Master of Social Work (MSW) – Advanced Standing program, which equips future social workers to thrive in advanced roles, including those that positively impact public health. Social workers play a vital role in supporting improved public health outcomes for various populations, and they can make a significant impact through initiatives such as mental health services and the distribution of education and resources. They are pivotal in the effective implementation of community health initiatives, engaging needs like healthcare access and food shortages alongside public health leaders. A-State’s affordable MSW program is the perfect opportunity for you to learn how to enhance the quality of life for individuals, families, groups and even communities.
What Is Public Health and Why Does It Matter?
Before embarking on a career in social work and public health, it is important to understand what these fields entail, how they operate and the intersections between them. According to Indeed, public health is the use of medical science to prevent and treat diseases and other threats to human health. Social workers play a vital role in providing essential support and guidance to enhance the effectiveness of public health programs.
“This sector of the medical field works to promote human health and longevity by analyzing the overall health of a population, working to prevent health-related threats and educating communities on the prevention and treatment of disease,” Indeed states. This prevention and treatment can include promoting vaccination against infectious diseases, as well as campaigns to encourage hand-washing and other similar initiatives.
What Is a Social Worker and What Does a Social Worker Do?
Social work is less explicitly focused on human health and is concerned instead with a broader set of needs experienced by individuals and communities. According to Indeed, social workers “help people find solutions to various challenges in everyday living, such as poverty and child care.”
Some of their most important responsibilities include identifying people and communities in need of support, assessing the level of need, and the making connections between those in need and social services that can assist them, as per Indeed. Through these connections, social workers are necessary for establishing an infrastructure for community health. This means social workers often serve as advocates for the people they help.
The Time Is Now to Pursue a Master of Social Work Online
If a career at the intersection of public health and social work is your goal, then an online MSW like the one offered by A-State might be your ideal next step. The commonalities between social work and public health are plentiful. Both are fields that focus on improving people’s lives. Still, there are some key distinctions. Indeed notes that public health workers often focus on addressing large-scale problems, while social workers commonly approach important issues on a case-by-case basis. For these efforts to achieve their goals, public health leaders and social workers must collaborate to bridge the gaps in the system.
Yet there are career opportunities for those individuals who are passionate about both public health and social work. The Public Health Social Work Section, a division of the American Public Health Association, is responsible for establishing professional standards for social work within healthcare settings. Its membership includes both public health workers and social workers, all of whom play a vital part in the promotion and protection of well-being for individuals, families and communities.
Learn more about A-State’s online MSW – Advanced Standing program.