Careers

As the health care industry continues to grow, there are a variety of career opportunities available for specialized health communicators. Well-rounded professionals with knowledge and experience in health care marketing, public relations, education, promotions, and advocacy are in high demand. Many career options, too numerous to list, align with the key competencies gained in the Master of Science in Health Communication program. Here is a small sampling of job opportunities from a few areas of the health care industry.

Health care marketing/advertising/public relations positions:

Vice President of Healthcare Accounts
The Vice President of Healthcare Accounts is responsible for senior-level planning and oversight for health care clientele within an ad agency, public relations firm, or marketing firm. Experience with health care campaigns, social media, interactive marketing, writing and editing, and client services are needed.

Senior Communications Specialist
The Communications Specialist develops public relations and communication strategies for stakeholders. This position can be found within a variety of organizations – marketing/PR firms, corporate health care systems, hospitals, non-profits, etc. The specialist focuses on internal/external communications and media relations, communication planning, and project management.

Medical Communications Account Manager
The Medical Communications Account Manager manages projects and serves as the primary contact for health care clients, typically within an advertising/marketing agency or PR firm. This position is responsible for ensuring the effectiveness of communication efforts for a wide range of organizations, including hospitals, non-profits, pharmaceutical companies, and more.

Hospital/rehabilitation center positions:

Physician Relations Representative
The Physician Relations Representative cultivates lasting partnerships with the physician community on behalf of a hospital or medical center. The overall goal of the Physician Relations Rep is to increase the hospital/medical center customer base by educating physicians about the services offered.  Knowledge of hospital operations and the health care system are critical in this role.

Health Program Planning Manager
The Health Program Planning Manager manages all planning and coordination of health education programs for a hospital or other health care provider. Experience with creating and planning wellness campaigns is necessary and individuals seeking this type of position should have excellent public speaking abilities, relationship-building skills, and be able to work with a wide range of audiences.

Director of Marketing and Communications
The Director of Marketing and Communications is responsible for leading internal and external communication strategies for a health care organization. This role would oversee marketing, media relations, and community relations, as well as legislative advocacy initiatives. Additionally, this position would serve as an internal consultant on the organization’s brand identity and strategic planning and development.

Pharmaceutical/biotechnology/health insurance positions:

Corporate Communications Manager
The Corporate Communications Manager designs and implements internal and external communication plans for a health care or pharmaceutical company. This role is also responsible for managing the production of all print and electronic materials, overseeing a team of communication professionals, and acting as an advisor to company stakeholders. Other duties include writing and editing, crisis communications, and social media management.

Health & Wellness Consultant
The Health & Wellness Consultant works with clientele to develop wellness strategies for their employees. The consultant provides wellness solutions and products, making an immediate impact in the lives of others. Clinical experience and/or knowledge of epidemiology and disease management are strongly preferred.

Internal Communications Specialist
The Internal Communications Specialist develops and maintains a communication strategy for employees of a pharmaceutical/biotech company or health care system. This position is responsible for ensuring that employees stay informed about all aspects of the organization. Managing corporate collateral, including employee newsletters, announcements, and town hall presentations, is also an important part of the role.

Government/non-profit positions:

Public Health Advisor
The Public Health Advisor is responsible for developing public health programs and activities, working within government agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Department of Health and Human Services. Duties of this role include advising on procedures to achieve program outcomes, conducting short- and long-term planning, project management, and budgeting.

Development Director
The Development Director identifies and executes fundraising activities for health care non-profit organizations, public policy programs, or foundations. Job responsibilities include strategic planning, event coordination, research, and relationship management.

Director of International Public Affairs
The Director of International Public Affairs implements health communication initiatives for government and community audiences. Responsibilities include developing government relations strategies, leading advocacy initiatives that target key opinion makers, media, and policymakers, and executing public presentations that promote viewpoints on key health care topics.