Potential careers

There is diversity in the roles within health promotion such as working in community organizations, schools, health institutions, all levels of government, international organizations or private companies. Health promotion specialists are highly skilled, dedicated individuals who develop, implement, and evaluate health programs as well as strategies for health promotion initiatives such as nutrition. physical activity, and mental health. These specialists often possess communication, teamwork, and time management skills and are knowledgeable in health education and the development of programs and strategies. 

Possible job titles:

• Health research coordinator
• Regional health educator
• School health worker
• Nutritionist
• Wellness coordinator
• Social marketing coordinator
• Health promoter - prevention of chronic disease

Below is a typical list of responsibilities for a health promotion specialist: 

• Applying a population health approach to addressing the social determinants of health, particularly in relation to youth substance use prevention and mental health promotion
• Analyzing and interpreting the impact of policy decisions on population health and health care; advocating and participating in the development of healthy public policy
• Planning, facilitating, and evaluating community development and community mobilization of community activities with a particular focus on substance use prevention and mental health promotion
• Applying and maintaining standards and best practices for health promotion/population health, youth health, substance use prevention and mental health promotion
• Developing, implementing, and evaluating programs as well as strategies for health promotion initiatives
• Running workshops and training sessions on good health, diet, and other changes that people can make to improve health 
• Exploring new ways to deliver health information and keeping up to date with current health promotion trends  

Careers in health promotion and technology are interconnected. Digital platforms, social media, and the development of new technologies are used to promote and encourage population adherence to health initiatives and policies while increasing engagement. There are many opportunities for individuals working in the field of health promotion to collaborate with other health specialists, professionals, educators, and policymakers. Health promotion requires interdisciplinary partnerships to address the health concerns prevalent in the region.

Students interested in becoming a health promotion specialist will learn about the field in various courses, including HLTH 102 (Introduction to Health 2), HLTH 202 (Principles of Public and Population Health), HLTH 301 (Applied Health Promotion: Theory and Community Engagement), and HLTH 304 (Health Communication).

In addition, it is helpful for students to research and obtain the required transferable skills and responsibilities needed for careers in health promotion during their undergraduate experience. Some transferable skills that are essential in jobs within health promotion include communication, empathy, problem-solving skills, and teamwork. The University of Waterloo offers many volunteer opportunities that can provide you with these skills, like Peer Health Education. Outside of the University of Waterloo, the Public Health Youth Association of Canada also takes applications to join their team. 

To become a health promotion specialist, some students go straight into obtaining a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree after completing their undergraduate degree. Others secure employment by acquiring their undergraduate degree and pursuing graduate studies later in life. Depending on the position, employers may require relevant work experience or a graduate degree to move up in the organization. The choice is up to you, and every student’s path is unique to them. 

Read about two of our alumni: Jessica Delaney and Astha Ramiya, and their experience in health promotion. 

Consider getting involved in the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) to get experience with government jobs. 

For those interested in health promotion, be sure to check out UW MEDLIFE and UW Global Medical Brigades for more information.

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It can be rewarding for individuals working in a public health department. While it is a broad field that encompasses various disciplines and specialties, those interested in working in a collaborative environment and making meaningful contributions population health and health disparities will find it very fulfilling. Public health departments continuously work with the government, stakeholders, health care institutions, and the community to shape policies and practices for overall health improvement.

Possible job titles:

• Logistics clerk
• Laboratory attendant
• Medical laboratory technologist
• Laboratory manager

Some responsibilities for those working in a public health department:

• Engage with diverse communities to understand their health needs and concerns
• Develop strong relationships with community organizations, healthcare workers, and other stakeholders to effectively address the public health issues
• Keep track and analyze health data to find patterns and trends in diseases occurrence and prevalence
• Develop and coordinate responses to public health emergencies during disease outbreaks or natural disasters and creating emergency preparedness plans
• Identify and reduce health disparities by addressing social determinants of health while advocating to improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations
• Conduct epidemiological studies to explore the causes and prevalence of diseases to better inform public health initiatives and policies
• Plan and execute immunizations programs to ensure populations are protected against vaccine-preventable diseases

In alignment with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care policy, public health programs and services are focused primarily on four domains in which professionals should be knowledgeable:

• Social determinants of health  
• Healthy behaviours 
• Healthy communities 
• Population health assessment 

The standards will vary depending on the location and level (i.e. local, provincial, or federal) of the public health department. However, all public health units within Ontario should follow the Ontario Public Health Standards: Requirements for Programs, Services, and Accountability. 

Individuals working for a health department must be prepared to work towards the tailored needs of their community. 

Key courses in the School of Public Health Sciences that cover knowledge and skills needed to work in a Public Health department include: HLTH101 (Introduction to Health 1), HLTH102 (Introduction to Health 2), HLTH202 (Principles of Population and Public Health), HLTH245 (Canadian Health Systems), HLTH301 (Applied Health Promotion: Theory and Community Engagement), HLTH303 (Program Planning and Evaluation), HLTH304 (Health Communication), HLTH435 (Knowledge Translation for Public Health and Health Care), HLTH442 (Epidemiology of Non-Communicable Diseases), HLTH443 (Epidemiology of Communicable Diseases), and HLTH481 (Community Learning Project).

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The current trends in health are increasingly leading towards the need for individuals with knowledge and skills in the application of health technology.   

Possible job titles:

• Health informatics specialist
• Health data analyst
• Health IT project manager
• Healthcare systems architect
• Telehealth coordinator
• Digital app developer

Potential employers and organizations in Canada:

• Telehealth platforms
• Health IT companies
• Hospitals and healthcare networks
• Provincial and government health departments

With the recent efforts to combat COVID-19, public health has made great strides in improving its systems. Students interested in learning how computer technologies can be used to generate, analyze, manage, store, and apply health data in a healthcare setting can pursue the Health Informatics Option offered by the School of Public Health Sciences (SPHS).

To be well prepared for a career in health informatics, many students may pursue a Master's program in Health Informatics, which the School of Public Health Sciences offers.

During the SPHS Virtual Career Panel on March 11, 2021, alumnus Kelly Lane described her experience as a Project Director at TECHNA Institute.

Some key takeaways from Kelly’s experience were:

• Project management is a great way to go
• Less is more when working on projects or ideas
• Understand the problem to solve it and learn from it
• There is no ideal path, all unique experiences enhance your learning and make you stronger
• Be open to trying new things
• Make mistakes and learn from them to do better

Many faculty members within SPHS delve into health technology and health informatics research. If you are interested in health data quality and analytics, designing and implementing health informatics systems, surveillance using IoT data, mHealth and wearable technology design, analysis of big data, and more, make sure to check out professors Helen Chen, James Wallace, Plinio Morita, Abel Torres Espin, and Zahid Butt's research and profiles for more information.

Interested students can enrol in HLTH230 (Introduction to Health Informatics), HLTH451 (Analysis and Management of Health Information in Aging Populations), HLTH452 (Decision Making and Decision Support in Health Informatics, HLTH453 (Computing in Health Informatics), HLTH454 (Information Visualization), and HLTH455 (Disease Mapping and Geographic Information Systems).

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If you are proficient in leadership, adaptability, and discipline and want to apply your creativity into a start-up project, consider looking into entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs participate in creating, developing, and implementing a new business. Although requiring time and perseverance, becoming an entrepreneur can be highly rewarding, providing flexibility, personal fulfillment, and autonomy.  

Start-ups also provide various opportunities, including research projects and initiatives. Reach out to start-ups and see if you can contribute your skills somewhere that interests you.

Here are some other resources you can read through for further information:

• Velocity – Helps prepare the University of Waterloo community for entrepreneurship
• United College's Greenhouse Social Impact Incubator - Offers opportunities for students to form innovative ideas and make new forms of sustainable impact around social or environmental change

Here are a few School of Public Health Sciences alumni entrepreneur profiles:

• Rachel Thompson – Marelena Books
• Tina Chan – PASS kit for panic, anxiety, and stress
• Christina Marchand Hassan – FullSoul Canada (to provide needed supplies to hospitals Uganda)
• Madison McBay - TAMVOES Health Inc. See also Madison's Co-op Student of the Year profile

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Students should have a strong knowledge of statistics and data analysis when looking into statistical data analysis. Analyzing data involves sorting through all the noise in the data to find the relevant information. You do not necessarily have to be highly skilled in using technology in this field, but you must be able to draw educated conclusions from the information available. Statistical data analysts  have a very applicable job. The government often uses the trends and conclusions statistical analysts draw from the data to create policies, laws, and inform recommendations to public health agencies.

Statistical data analysis is a broad field, resulting in various possible job titles that depend on one’s area of specialization and specific job.

Some job titles may include:

• Healthcare analytics specialist
• Biostatistician
• Clinical research analyst
• Epidemiologist

Analysts may work in a variety of academic, government, healthcare institutions, private insurance companies, non-profit or research organizations. In Canada, some may include:

• Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI)
• Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)
• Canadian Cancer Society
• Health Canada

Some other common responsibilities of statistical data analysts include:

• Acquiring data from primary and secondary data sources
• Managing and maintaining databases 
• Developing and implementing data collection systems 
• Implementing strategies to optimize statistical efficiency and quality 
• Finding trends in data analysis
• Interpret data and analyze results using statistical techniques  
• Sharing findings to stakeholders through reports and presentations

During the SPHS Virtual Career Panel on March 11, 2021, alumna Palvasha Thayani described her experience as a Senior Statistics Data Analyst for the York Region of Public Health. 

Some key takeaways from Palvasha’s experience were:

• Technology is driving health care
• New data systems – the pandemic has allowed/forced us to make vast improvements in public health systems
• Separate good information from the noise in the data
• Evidence-based decision making is the most important

SPHS students interested in statistical topics can enrol in HLTH204 (Quantitative Approaches to Health Science), HLTH 335 (Introduction to Statistical Analytics in Health), HLTH 451 (Analysis and Management of Health Information in Aging Populations), HLTH 453 (Computing in Health Informatics) and HLTH455 (Disease Mapping and Geographic Information Systems).

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As a policy analyst, you will have the opportunity to analyze and integrate information to inform key policies that affect the health and well-being of the community. Policy analysts must be able to take in data and information from different sources and translate that knowledge to educate and convince government agencies and politicians to enact or revise policies. Some deliverables you would be developing include policy briefs, infographics, charts, brochures, databases, fact sheets, narrative reports, data collection methods, and more. You could also be responsible for analyzing statistical and policy research, providing suggestions on policy to senior analysts, or monitoring health-related policy issues.

Some responsibilities of a policy analyst in public health and/or health sciences include:

• Analyzing existing health tends, concerns, and practices
• Creating new health policies or making changes to current ones by collaborating with policymakers, stakeholders, and government agencies to propose solutions
• In some cases, policy analysts propose policy recommendations and legislation related to public health and assess its impact on health outcomes
• Maintaining engagement with stakeholders and the public is crucial for effective communication and building trust around the policy changes

Are you looking to get into policy analysis as an alumnus? Check out the Canadian government’s Policy Analyst Recruitment and Development Program.

During the SPHS Virtual Career Panel on October 26, 2020, alumni Katelyn Godin, Policy Analyst – Public Health Agency of Canada, and Eden Amare, Policy Development Officer both discussed their experiences in health policy.

Some key takeaways from Katelyn and Eden’s experiences were:

• Critical thinking skills are important to examine tasks and goals
• Be curious and always ask questions
• Having a mentor can be helpful in overcoming challenges
• Believe in your skills and be confident in your knowledge and expertise
• Trust the process: network, volunteer, and explore possible careers early

SPHS students interested in policy topics can enrol in HLTH202 (Principle of Public and Population Health), HLTH370 (Ecological Determinants of Health), HLTH 392 (Mental Health Systems and Policy), HLTH 410 (Health Policy) and HLTH 435 (Knowledge Translation for Public Health or Health Care), or enrol in the Addictions, Mental Health, and Policy Minor.

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Although becoming a physician can be extremely rewarding, it is also a challenging career pathway. It is only for students with a strong passion and willingness to dedicate themselves to the long journey. Physicians diagnose and treat patients with diseases, illnesses, and injuries in various specializations, including oncology, surgery, neurology, endocrinology, and more.

Some essential characteristics and skills needed to become a physician include clear communication, leadership, empathy, humility, attention to detail, a strong work ethic, resiliency skills and a growth mindset.

For a more extensive list and description of skills, check out the CanMEDs Framework.

Students interested in becoming a physician first must take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). This standardized test assesses knowledge in various areas, including natural and social sciences, critical thinking, and scientific problem-solving. Many students complete the MCAT after finishing several years of study in an undergraduate program. Students will then apply for medical school, where they will complete a Doctor of Medicine (MD) program and choose a specialization. Students will subsequently receive residency training and, after completion, will receive licencing and certification to become a physician. Students interested in further specialization can pursue a fellowship upon completing their residency.

Various Canadian medical schools are available for students interested in completing an MD degree. Review your desired institutions’ websites for information about admissions requirements, including specific prerequisite courses and additional information. 

Students may also consider pursuing a Pre-Clinical Specialization and use the electives to take courses that are prerequisites for some Canadian medical schools.

Learn more about Planning for medical school.

During the SPHS Virtual Career Panel on March 11, 2021, former Health Studies student Rachel McDonald described her experience as a first-year internal medicine resident doctor at McMaster University. 

Some key takeaways from Rachel’s experience were:

• Co-op gave her experiences that prepared her for residency and medical school, and it gave her a glimpse into what being a doctor would be like
  • See Rachel’s publication on the value of work-integrated learning as an undergraduate student for admission and transition to medical school (in collaboration with several other students, including former Health Studies students Leah Drost and Leigha Rowbottom): McDonald, R., Bobrowski, A., Drost, L., Rowbottom, L., Pretti, J., Soliman, H., ... & Chow, E. (2019). Student perspectives on the impact of an undergraduate work-integrated learning program on admission and transition to medical school. Journal of Cancer Education, 34(4), 768-774. DOI: 10.1007/s13187-018-1370-4
• It is very important to make relationships and network
• As soon as you get the hang of something, you have to switch to something new and learn more. You might not be ready for the next step or struggle, but that’s okay 
• Must be dedicated to the career if you want it
• Waterloo’s Health Sciences program helped her apply the social determinants of health to medicine
• Soft skills are essential to meet patients' emotional needs
• Everybody’s path to becoming a physician is different
• Develop your transferable skills
• It is not all about grades but about who you are as a person

You can also read about alumna Stephanie Austin's experience as a medical school student, as well as Candi Flynn's and Doris Winfield’s experiences as physicians.

During the SPHS Virtual Career Panel on October 26, 2020, alumnus Brendan Lew talked about his experience as a resident doctor in public health and preventive medicine/family medicine at McMaster University. 

Medical experience opportunities:

• University of Waterloo Pre-Med Society
• UWaterloo Medlife
• Sunnybrook Health Sciences Hospital
• The Grand River Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP)
• University of Waterloo Black medical Leaders of Tomorrow
• University of Waterloo Women in Healthcare
• HOSA UWaterloo

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The pursuit of new health information is an important and valuable endeavour, and it can only be done with the help of academic health researchers. 

An Academic Health Researcher is a professor in an academic institution who does research and specializes in the field of Health Sciences or Public Health. Academic Health Researchers help conduct investigations, develop solutions, and advance knowledge of health-related issues through research, teaching, and services.

Some academic health research job titles include:

• Clinical research director
• Mental health researcher
• Disaster preparedness researcher

Common activities of Academic Health Researchers might include: 

• Writing grants to fund research
• Conducting research to identify and understand complex challenges in public health, health sciences, and health systems and developing solutions to address challenges
• Forming collaborations with other researchers, community organizations, private industry, and government organizations (e.g., Public Health Agency of Canada)
• Supervising graduate students and their research projects
• Teaching students (tutoring or TAing are great opportunities to build teaching skills) 
• Disseminating research findings by preparing manuscripts, giving presentations at conferences and to community organizations, and translating knowledge for public health policy and practice
• Designing course content for undergraduate and graduate students
• Serving on committees in the department, university, or in the community

Students interested in becoming an academic health researcher typically obtain a Master’s degree and, subsequently, a Ph.D. in a specified field. Along their career path, students often engage in postdoctoral training, research fellowships, conferences, and article publications.

Check out the researcher profiles of faculty in SPHS to learn more about the focus areas of research and ongoing research opportunities right here on our campus! 

SPHS students interested in academic health research can enrol in courses that focus on research methods, such as: HLTH 442 (Epidemiology of Non-Communicable Disease), HLTH435 (Knowledge Translation for Public Health and Health Care), or HLTH 443 (Epidemiology of Communicable Diseases). Students may also complete HLTH 472, an independent study project, or the HLTH 432A/B honours thesis courses under the supervision of a faculty member during their final academic year. Specializing in Health Research may also be of interest.

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Environmental Health Officers are responsible for promoting and protecting public well-being by reducing health and safety issues found in water, food, air, and land facilities. They help keep the environment safe from health hazards, whether that be biological, chemical, or physical, and help keep organizations in compliance with regulations and standards related to pollution and waste management. 

Some typical responsibilities of Environmental Health Officers include: 

• Regular inspection, enforcement, and consultations of various environmental factors
• Evaluate and monitor public health and environmental safety hazards
• Develop strategies to prevent, control and eliminate disease and reduce the environmental impact of biological and chemical factors  
• Ensure restaurants, industries, water systems, facilities, and institutions comply with government regulations regarding sanitation, pollution control, and the handling and storing of hazardous substances 
• Monitoring and enforcing the health and hygiene legislation

There is no special education required to become an Environmental Health Officer, but most individuals obtain a bachelor's degree in a health and safety-related discipline, such as public health or environmental engineering. Although not required, students can also obtain a master's degree in a related discipline, such as biology, chemistry, mathematics, and statistics, or a doctorate in a relevant subject. Additionally, depending on the location, some areas may require a certification with the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI) or the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (BCRSP) to become a certified health officer.

Individuals should have extensive knowledge of the law, concern for the environment and human health, attention to detail, and excellent written communication skills to become successful Environmental Health Officers. Some other common traits of Environmental Health Officers include:

• Active listener
• Critical thinker
• Good with time management
• Obtain proficient teamwork skills
• Interest in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and English

Students interested in becoming an Environmental Health Officer can check out the following courses: HLTH 340 (Environmental Toxicology and Public Health), HLTH 350 (Principles of Occupational Health and Safety), HLTH 370 (Ecological Determinants of Health), HLTH 420 (Health, Environment, and Planning), HLTH 465 (Epigenetics and Health), and HLTH 475 (Measuring Food and Nutrition Exposures and Outcomes).

Make sure to check out professors Shannon Majowicz, Warren Dodd, Kelly Skinner, and Brian Laird and their experiences working in the field of environmental health.

For those interested in pursuing careers in environment and public health, be sure to check out the UW Environment, Resources & Sustainability Student Association, and UW Environment Students' Society for more information.

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Students interested in pursuing pharmacy will become highly skilled experts in storing, preserving, and administrating pharmaceuticals to patients and ensuring their proper, safe usage. Pharmacists work alongside other healthcare workers in drugstores, pharmaceutical firms, retail, and healthcare centres. Some pharmacists even become self-employed in their independent pharmacies or assist in research on developing new medicine or evaluating existing medicine.

Some other general responsibilities of pharmacists include:

• Distribute pharmaceuticals to customers or other healthcare professionals 
• Check prescriptions for the proper dosage 
• Order and maintain stock of pharmaceutical supplies 
• Ensure preparation, packaging, distribution and storage of various pharmaceuticals 
• Opportunity to participate in research for the development of new drugs 
• Opportunity to test new drug products

Good pharmacists have a solid moral character and are highly patient-orientated. Being approachable, responsible, and honest are some of their critical traits. For resources to develop the necessary pharmacy-related soft skills and to connect with other individuals interested in pursuing pharmacy, be sure to check out the UW Pre-Pharmacy Club and the Society of Pharmacy Students.

Students may also consider pursuing a Pre-Clinical Specialization and use the electives to take courses that are prerequisites for pharmacy schools.

The journey of becoming a licensed pharmacist in Canada consists of obtaining a bachelor's degree in pharmacy from one of the Canadian Schools of Pharmacy. To become certified pharmacists, individuals must then complete a national board examination through the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada.

More information on pharmacy and further education can be found on UW's How to become a pharmacist and the pharmacy section on CareerHub.

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As the global population of individuals aged 60 years and older continues to increase, the need for individuals who can address the aging population is increasing in demand. Gerontologists study the biological, psychological, and social aspects of aging, helping society understand how it influences different aspects of society.

Some careers in gerontology include:

• Gerontology nurse
• Geriatrician
• Occupational therapy
• Social work

Some typical responsibilities of gerontologists include:

• Conducting research on the process of aging and its effects 
• Providing care through the assessment of health and functional abilities of older adults, administering treatment, assisting with daily living, nutrition, and hygiene 
• Providing practical advice to people and their families  
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals in treating elderly patients  
• Contributing to the development of policies and programs that address the needs of aging populations
• Advocating for elderly rights and raising awareness about discrimination or abuse

Gerontologists are usually caring, compassionate, devoted, patient, consistent, creative, and attentive to details. Additionally, due to the close interaction with older adults, people who are patient-oriented and understand the importance of comfort tend to thrive. 

Students who want to become a gerontologist must obtain a bachelor's degree, ideally in a related field, which includes psychology, social work, public health, or health sciences. A gerontology undergraduate degree is not always required, but having a solid foundation in gerontology is helpful. Consider pursuing a gerontology minor, aging studies option, or diploma in gerontology. Students can then decide to pursue a master's or doctorate in gerontology, which can provide additional knowledge, research opportunities, or job opportunities.

Students interested in working in gerontology should check out the courses HLTH 201 (Aging and Health), HLTH 352 (Sociology of Aging), HLTH 400 (Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Aging), HLTH 427 (Dementia Care), HLTH 430 (Geriatric Medicine and Health Care), HLTH 451 (Analysis and Management of Health Information in Aging Populations), or the GERON courses.  

For those interested in pursuing Gerontology, be sure to check out the UW Canadian Association on Gerontology Club for more information.

Check out SPHS faculty members focusing on gerontology, such as Suzanne Tyas, George Heckman, John Hirdes, Martin Cooke, and Carrie McAiney.

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A health law practitioner specializes in the legal aspects of healthcare. This involves understanding and navigating the laws and policies that govern the healthcare industry. Health law practitioners may collaborate with healthcare professionals, patients, institutions, government departments, insurers, and stakeholders to discuss legal issues in relation to patient rights, healthcare policy. They may give legal advice, represent clients during disputes, arrange contracts, develop policies, and ensure the compliance to laws and regulations such as Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Possible job titles:

• Public health attorney
• Medical paralegal
• Global health lawyer
• Legal nurse consultant
• Health attorney

Potential employers and organizations:

• Law firms that specialize in health care law, public health law, and policy compliance
• Public health agencies at the local, provincial/state, national departments
• Healthcare institutions such as hospitals, clinics, and healthcare systems

Students interested in becoming a medical lawyer must first take the Law College Admission Test (LSAT). Many students complete the LSAT after finishing several years of study in an undergraduate program. Students then apply for law school, where they complete a law degree (usually takes three years). After, you will decide where you’d like to start practicing law by applying to organizations. The licensing process in Ontario requires you to possess hands-on experiential training, to pass two licensing examinations, and submit the necessary fees and forms. Lastly, you are required to write the bar exam. Depending on the region, the bar exam is completed in the form of a course or self-study exam during your experiential placement. Once you’ve passed the bar, applicants attend a ceremony and are officially granted the ability to practice law.

There are twenty-four law schools across Canada, nine of which are in Ontario. Review your desired institutions’ websites for further information about admission requirements, the application process, process of articling, and writing the bar exam.

Students may consider pursuing a minor in Legal Studies or Sociology while completing an undergraduate degree in the School of Public Health Sciences in preparation for a career as a health law practitioner. Students should meet with an advisor in Further Education in the Center for Career Development for more information.

For those interested in pursuing law, be sure to check out the UW Legal Studies Society and UW Mock Trial Club for further information.