Question

Professional Association Memberships

1. What are the potential benefits for pubic health students ?

2. How do benefits differ for those who are currently working as public health professionals?

3. Which professional associations would you consider joining and why ?

Answer 1

1.Student Membership in professional organizations

The level of Student Membership in professional organizations is reserved for college students and sometimes high school students. This tends to be less expensive than that for a professional already working in the field the potential savings for students can be significant.

In order to qualify for a student membership, the potential members usually must be enrolled in a degree program related to the association's career field. Some associations limit the student membership to a specific time duration.

Benefits:

a. Financial Benefits

Students may obtain scholarships and loan opportunities by the membership in the organization. Other financial benefits are supplemental training, news updates or free access to field-related resources ( webinars ), insurance benefits like liability insurance.

b. Networking

Membership a professional organization is a great way to learn more about the future industry. Many of the associations offer mentoring and internships which provide the chance to interact with industry members who already have a lot of experience. Attending events, conferences or workshops, also will provide with ample opportunity to meet many people in the same field. The networking also makes the job search and expert guidance easier.

c. Industry standards.

Information about the continuing education opportunities and new certifications mainly via e-newsletter that keeps students informed about new statistics and best practices in the field.

4. Codes of ethics.

Better understanding of the code of ethics and its importance in professional practice, makes the improvement in career standards.

5. Updates on policies

The new policy and updates are regularly informed among the associations.

2. Benefits to the public health professional in joining the professional association:

1. Networking:

Allowing to connect to many people in the same field like peers, mentors, and other industry leaders. The members can attend conventions, seminars, award dinners and other related events with like-minded professionals in the field. The events are a hotbed of ideas and collaborative efforts as the members were the brightest minds. An annual meeting of the associations is the largest gathering of peers during the year and which provides with an incredible opportunity in professional growth. This can give a broader perspective on the market and healthcare in general. The peer gathering can supply the feeling of energy and refreshment and the unity provides strength.

2. Education:

The professional knowledge of the public health profession is dynamic. The seminars, journals, CME courses and other educational opportunities provided by the associations help the members to improve their body of knowledge and be updated. In addition to this, the certification courses offered can also help in educating the members. The access to mentors and mentoring others also made easy by the membership in the professional organization. The wide array of educational materials are also accessible to its members.

3. Intrinsic Value:

As a member of the professional organization, the professional can participate in administrative and management activities. This will be the very rewarding opportunity. Involvement in organizational activities as often as possible and the member can reap the benefits offered as a member.

4. Jobs:

The professional Healthcare associations are great places to find the latest career opportunities.

3.

The main public health-related organizations in Us are :

• American Public Health Association
• American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
• American Public Health Association
• American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation

•         American Association for Health Education

•         American Association of Public Health Dentistry

•         American Association on Health and Disability

•         American College of Epidemiology

•         American College of Healthcare Executives

•         American College of Nutrition

•         American College Health Association

•         American School Health Association

•         American Society for Healthcare Engineering

•         American Society for Nutrition

•         American Society of Addiction Medicine

•         American Sociological Association

•         American Statistical Association

•         Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology

•         Association of Public Health Laboratories

•         Association of Schools of Public Health

The benefits of joining public health organizations are immense for the students and professional. The specific functions of the organization under consideration other than the general benefits are presented below.

·        American Nurses Association (ANA)

The only professional organization that fully represents all of the interests of the three million registered nurses in the US is The American Nurses Association.

The activities of ANA include the struggle to advance the nursing profession, including public health nursing, by promoting nursing rights in the workplace, and by projecting a realistic and positive view of the field. It influences the Congress and key regulatory agencies regarding health care matters that affect nurses and the public.

·        American Public Health Association

The main focus of The American Public Health Association is the improvement in the health of all people and communities around the US.

The other activities include the provision of most up to date public health research and information to its members for developing the profession.

The promotion best practices in public health and to advocacy for critical public health issues are also the functions of the American Public Health Association.