Health Care Public Relations Career & Jobs: Training, Salary & Certification Requirements

Although many people think of hospitals and medical centers as places where the members of the community can come to seek help if they are injured or sick, it is important to remember that the hospital is first and foremost a business. Just like any other type of company, it is important that the hospital or clinic has a professional on its staff that knows how to deal with members of the media, as well as knowledge of how to put together materials that will effectively communicate the services and programs that they have available for the community. These professionals are known as health care public relations specialists, and they are responsible for promoting the business of the hospital, as well as coordinating internal and external forms of communication.

Salary Outlook

Average Annual Salary
$36,400
Salary Range
$26,600 - $47,900

Work Environment

Because they can be employed anywhere that health services are offered, the health care public relations professional can work in a wide variety of employment settings. Most commonly, these professionals will be employed by hospitals or large medical centers that are highly visible in the community. However, nursing homes, psychiatric hospitals and research facilities are increasingly in need of their services as well.

High School Preparation

Those who think that they might enjoy a career promoting and communicating with other media professionals about health care and health related services should focus on communications and science while they are in high school. Other valuable courses include data processing, psychology, English, anatomy, and sociology.

Requirements

After obtaining the high school diploma, or an approved equivalent, those interested in obtaining a position as a health care public relations specialist should enroll in an accredited college or university as a public relations or health communications major. Those with degrees in advertising, English or journalism are also considered for these positions. Joining a professional organization, such as the Public Relations Society of America or the International Association of Business Communications is also considered valuable.

Career Outlook

Do to the increased attention on health care and access to health related services in this country; it has become increasingly important for hospitals and medical centers to have public relations specialists on their staff. It is expected that the demand for health care public relations professionals will increase by at least twenty percent over the next decade. As more people pursue the versatile degrees of journalism, communications and English, it is expected that the stiffest competition will be over entry level positions.

Professional Organizations

Society for Healthcare Strategy and Market Development
American Hospital Association
One North Franklin
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (312) 422-3888
www.shsmd.org