Activism and healthcare have a long history together. In just the last few decades, campaigns for affordable medicines, the rights of patients, workplace protections for healthcare workers, and universal healthcare have spread across the world. If you’re passionate about better, more equitable healthcare, you can combine activism with a career. This article explores 10 healthcare careers for activists, along with information on what responsibilities each career type includes, required education and what kinds of organizations are hiring.
Table of Contents
| Career | |
|---|---|
| 1 | Patient advocacy |
| 2 | Reproductive health education |
| 3 | Public health nursing |
| 4 | Migrant and refugee health outreach |
| 5 | Palliative care |
| 6 | Vaccine advocacy |
| 7 | Addiction counseling |
| 8 | Bioethics |
| 9 | Healthcare policy |
| 10 | Environmental health |
#1. Patient advocacy
Patient advocacy provides support services to patients, families and legal guardians as they navigate the healthcare system. Advocates speak on their client’s behalf to ensure they get the best care and resources possible. Some advocates focus on certain populations (like people with disabilities or people with cancer) or specific areas of care such as insurance claims or provider coordination. Responsibilities could include:
- Communicating with a client’s healthcare providers, like doctors and nurses
- Setting up appointments and medical tests
- Finding financial, legal or social support
- Working with insurance companies, employers, case managers and others who impact a client’s healthcare access
Where do patient advocates work?
Patient advocates work in healthcare institutions, like hospitals, clinics and nursing homes, as well as nonprofits, some of which provide advocacy services for free. There are also private patient advocates who work with only one client at a time.
What education do patient advocates need?
Most organizations require at least a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field, but some positions only ask for an associate’s degree. While the United States does not require certification, becoming a Board Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA) can impress potential employers.
Why is patient advocacy a good career for activists?
Many people experience trauma, stigma and financial stress within the healthcare system. With the help of a compassionate patient advocate, people can feel more empowered and less alone during a fearful, painful time. Thanks to their experience and knowledge of the healthcare system, activist-minded advocates can also help make healthcare better and safer for everyone.
#2. Reproductive health education
Reproductive health education equips and empowers people to make safe reproductive health decisions. Sex ed teachers, nurses, community health practitioners, program managers and youth program staff are some of the professionals who might work in reproductive health. Job responsibilities could include:
- Developing age-appropriate curriculum on reproductive anatomy
- Sharing information on puberty, birth control, pregnancy, STIs (sexually transmitted infections) and other health concerns in a clinical setting
- Leading group discussions on reproductive health, emotional health, consent and related topics
- Providing resources on reproductive health services
Where do reproductive health educators work?
Many reproductive health educators work in schools, but hospitals, community clinics, nonprofits, advocacy groups, youth charities and intergovernmental organizations also hire people.
What education do reproductive health educators need?
It depends on the position! If you’re working as a teacher, you’ll need specific teaching licenses and certifications, while if you’re a licensed nurse, you’ll need to get a nursing degree, complete training and pass an exam. Some positions, like community health worker or program manager, likely won’t require intensive education beyond a bachelor’s degree in a healthcare-related field.
Why is reproductive health education a good career for activists?
Reproductive health educators and activists share many goals, including improved gender equality, healthier communities and economic equity. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, comprehensive sex education programs also reduce unplanned pregnancies and STIs while improving emotional intelligence and healthy relationships!
#3. Public health nursing
Public health nursing focuses on population health, especially the health of groups vulnerable to poverty, discrimination and other social factors. The Healthcare Management Degree Guide defines public health nurses as providers who care for whole populations, and not one patient at a time, like most nurses. Responsibilities could include:
- Monitoring and analyzing health trends for specific communities
- Managing budgets for local healthcare systems
- Providing direct care to communities
- Designing and executing health campaigns for specific issues
Where do public health nurses work?
Public health nurses work at schools, government agencies, community clinics and nonprofits.
What education do public health nurses need?
To work as a public health nurse in the USA, you’ll need to earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) before you can take the national licensure exam. Most employers prefer a BSN. If you want to become a Certified Public Health Nurse, you’ll need to attend an accredited school or training program, and then pass the National Board of Public Health Examiners exam.
Why is public health nursing a good career for activists?
Activists want to improve equity and equality, just like public health nurses. Public health nurses typically work with vulnerable populations who may not have access to insurance or expensive hospital systems. These nurses may be the only health professionals who can help.
#4. Migrant and refugee health outreach
Migrant and refugee health outreach prioritizes people moving from one country to another, often due to crisis. According to the CDC, migrants and refugees in the United States face health disparities for a few reasons. They often have limited education and no health insurance, while they also work in dangerous jobs for very low pay. People in migrant and refugee health outreach careers may perform tasks like:
- Serving as the first point-of-contact for healthcare services and support
- Providing translation services and culturally sensitive health education
- Setting up transportation services and mobile medical equipment
- Working with other agencies serving migrant and refugee populations
Where do migrant and refugee outreach professionals work?
Outreach professionals can work for nonprofits, labor unions, government agencies, intergovernmental migrant and refugee organizations, and religious organizations.
What education do migrant and refugee outreach professionals need?
Employers vary in their education requirements. An associate’s degree may be enough, but many positions ask for bachelor’s degrees in social work or a health-related field, depending on the job’s specific tasks. You’ll also likely need to speak at least two languages; which ones depend on the population you’re working with. Being closely connected to the community is often more important than a degree.
Why is migrant and refugee health outreach a good career for activists?
Many activists work on issues affecting migrant and refugee communities, which face significant discrimination. According to the World Health Organization, social, political and economic exclusion often pushes migrants and refugees into poverty, which raises their risk for serious illness and injuries. Health outreach professionals play a vital role in protecting their rights and dignity.
#5. Palliative care
Palliative care provides symptom relief from pain, chronic illness and the side effects of other medications. Palliative care is part of end-of-life care, but anyone with a serious or life-altering condition can receive palliative care, no matter their age or whether their condition is curable. Direct healthcare providers, social workers and other specialists can work on a palliative care team. Job responsibilities may include:
- Communicating what the palliative care is for and what patients and family members can expect
- Recommending care plans based on patient’s symptoms, priorities and personal values
- Connecting patients and family to social services and resources
- Providing comfort to patients and their loved ones
Where do palliative care specialists work?
Palliative care specialists work for hospitals, nursing homes, home care agencies and clinics. There are also dedicated palliative care providers.
What education do palliative care specialists need?
If you’re providing palliative care as a doctor or nurse, you’ll need the same medical education and training as any other doctor or nurse. You can also get specific palliative care certifications, which demonstrate your skills and experience in the field. If you’re providing the social, spiritual or emotional care, you won’t need a medical degree, but you should check to see which education requirements you’ll need.
Why is palliative care a good career for activists?
Good palliative care protects a person’s dignity and ensures they’re getting healthcare that empowers them. Activists for a “good death” care deeply about palliative care, but it’s a good career for anyone who wants to help patients and their families.
#6. Vaccine advocacy
Vaccine advocacy includes researching vaccination, discussing the benefits of vaccines and encouraging people to get vaccinated. Vaccine advocates work in many areas, like vaccine research and development, clinical work, public health communications and more. Because the field is diverse, responsibilities include but aren’t limited to:
- Researching, developing and improving vaccines
- Managing communication between scientists, healthcare systems, the media and patients
- Educating hesitant patients on the benefits and risks of vaccines
- Ensuring that safety protocols are met and that records are accurate
Where do vaccine advocates work?
Vaccine advocates work with hospitals, labs, community clinics, universities, nonprofits, public health agencies and international health organizations.
What education do vaccine advocates need?
Education qualifications vary depending on the role. If you’re in research and development, you’ll need a master’s or doctorate degree in microbiology, biochemistry or a related field. If you’re a clinician, like a doctor or nurse, you’ll need a medical degree. Jobs in public health communication or advocacy usually require at least a bachelor’s degree, but if you have years of relevant experience in health activism, an employer may not care too much about a degree.
Why is vaccine advocacy a good career for activists?
Vaccine equity is a serious problem. During the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine, pharmaceutical companies formed a monopoly, which hurt lower-income countries through high prices and exclusive vaccine rights. Even in the USA, one of the world’s richest countries, racial minorities have lower vaccination rates due to limited access and more hesitancy. Successful vaccine advocacy, which targets access and hesitancy, is a great fit for activists who care about equitable health outcomes.
#7. Addiction counseling
Addiction counseling supports people with substance use disorders, like opioid addictions or harmful alcohol use. Many places require counselors to be certified before providing care. Counselors may be social workers, psychologists, therapists, nurses or similar professions. Job responsibilities can include:
- Assessing a client’s mental and physical health, as well as the severity of their addiction
- Developing treatment plans that can include medical care, rehab programs and group therapy
- Working with other healthcare providers and connecting clients with resources
- Educating family and loved ones on substance use and treatment plans
Where do addiction counselors work?
Addiction counselors work at community clinics, hospitals, rehab centers, schools, social service agencies and residential treatment centers.
What education do addiction counselors need?
Addiction counselors (the ones who aren’t medical professionals) need at least a bachelor’s degree, but many employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree in mental health counseling, psychology, social work or a related field. If you want to work in private practice in the US, you’ll need a license, which usually means passing a state-issued exam.
Why is addiction counseling a good career for activists?
The stigma around substance use can fuel discrimination, which contributes to poverty, unemployment and homelessness. On the flip side, discrimination can also spark and worsen substance use disorders. Activists with empathy and a deep understanding of what causes addiction can shift the conversation around addiction while also counseling people.
#8. Healthcare policy
Healthcare policy refers to the actions, plans and decisions impacting healthcare, including investments in healthcare systems, research into specific diseases and healthcare accessibility. Political scientists, health analysts and health insurance specialists are just three examples of professionals who work in health policy. Job responsibilities include:
- Anticipating and tracking policy trends and challenges
- Sharing policy information with legislators, NGOs and the public
- Consulting organizations, NGOs and other stakeholders on policy development
- Developing internal healthcare policies for hospitals, clinics and other health systems
Where do healthcare policy specialists work?
Healthcare policy specialists work for government agencies, research centers, nonprofits, intergovernmental organizations, consulting firms and healthcare systems.
What education do healthcare policy specialists need?
Most health policy analysts have at least a bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, public health or a related field. If you want to focus on the data analysis side of policy, a degree in statistics, computer science or mathematics is a better fit.
Why is healthcare policy a good career for activists?
Policy leads to actions like lowering drug costs, improving access to services and funding research on disease and treatments. It’s one of the best ways for activists to contribute directly to the changes they want to see in the world.
#9. Bioethics
Bioethics is a multidisciplinary field focused on the ethics of health sciences, including questions about human subjects, how drugs might be used, the balance between healthcare access and costs, and much more. Because it’s multidisciplinary, professionals from life sciences, public health, policy, law, philosophy and so on can find jobs in bioethics. Responsibilities can include:
- Conducting research in settings like colleges, labs and healthcare companies
- Analyzing the ethical implications of research methods, healthcare policy and other science-related actions
- Creating and teaching courses on bioethics
- Providing expertise to healthcare institutions, governments and other institutions working through ethical questions
Where do bioethicists work?
Bioethicists work at universities, think tanks, hospitals, labs, nonprofits, biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical companies and government agencies.
What education do bioethicists need?
While employers accept degrees in law, medicine, public health, philosophy and more, most want candiates with at least a master’s degree. If you want to focus on research or teaching, you’ll likely need a doctorate.
Why is bioethics a good career for activists?
Because it deals with the ethical aspects of healthcare, bioethics is a good fit for activists who care about equity, justice and human dignity. Bioethics is also a diverse field, so activists from various backgrounds can find a place to research, teach, consult and more.
#10. Environmental health
The environmental health field focuses on programs and policies that make living environments healthier. Professionals in environmental health (like environmental scientists, hazard specialists and compliance officers) work to reduce air pollution, water pollution and other environmental problems that impact health. Job responsibilities include:
- Monitoring and analyzing the quality of air, water, soil and food
- Identifying hazardous materials that contribute to injury and disease
- Investigating complaints about toxic materials
- Developing and enforcing environmental regulations
Where do environmental health professionals work?
Environmental health professionals work at government agencies, corporations, nonprofits, intergovernmental organizations, universities, labs and think thanks.
What education do environmental health professionals need?
The environmental health field is diverse, but most jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree in some scientific field, like biology, chemistry, environmental science, geology and so on. Professionals can get certifications, too, like the CPWM (Certified Professional in Waste Management), which is an entry-level credential based on training and years of experience.
Why is environmental health a good career for activists?
Unhealthy environments harm everyone, but they impact marginalized groups at a higher rate. For example, more Black Americans die from air pollution. Activists have long fought for environmental health. The protests at Standing Rock targeted an oil pipeline, while Puerto Rican activists continue to raise the alarm about the spread of coal ash. A career in environmental health is a good fit for activists who want a healthier, safer environment.