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Individuals that specialize in health
care public relations are in charge of handling the internal and external
communications for a health care facility. They interact with physicians,
nurses, managers, administrators, and patients, and therefore must have
excellent communication skills. Some of their responsibilities include
writing for internal publications such as newsletters, handling calls from
the media, as well as writing and creating various material that promote
the services offered at that facility. Public relations specialists may
also be called upon to prepare marketing plans that highlight various
aspects of an organization. The most important function of this position
is handling all communications with the public. They may organize events
between the organization and the public, or they might prefer to
correspond by publishing press releases. Public relations specialists must
be highly organized and be prepared to deal with a variety of situations.
They usually work 40-hours a week, but this can vary due to deadlines or
an unforeseen crisis involving the health care organization. Individuals
interested in health care public relations should be detailed oriented, be
able to cope with high levels of stress, and be able to handle a heavy
workload.
Work Environment:
These public
relations specialists work in a variety of settings such as hospitals,
nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, health maintenance organizations
(HMOs), psychiatric facilities, and community health centers. They may
supervise several public relations assistants that help with daily
operations.
High School Preparation:
Students
interested in a career as a health care public relations specialist should
take high school courses in algebra, biology, computer skills, data
processing, psychology, English, health, government, history, literature,
foreign language, anatomy, sociology, and health occupations/medical
professions education.
College Requirements:
Individuals interested in public relations
must have a high school diploma or the equivalent. The majority of health
care public relations positions require a bachelors degree combined with
experience in public relations as an intern. Employers usually prefer a
degree in communications, journalism, English, public relations,
advertising, or a related field. Individuals can become accredited through
the Public Relations Society of America or the International Association
of Business Communications.
Students interested in public relations
should contact schools for information on admission and course of study.
For educational institutions in
Mississippi
offering this course of study click here.
Career Outlook:
Employment opportunities for health
care public relations specialists should grow faster than the average for
all occupations though 2012. There is an expected increase of 21%-35% in
the number of jobs that will become available over this period of time.
The demand for good public relations personnel will increase because of
the need to keep the public informed about a variety of issues that could
affect their daily lives. Competition will be the greatest for entry-level
public relations jobs because the number of qualified applicants is
expected to exceed the number of job openings.
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Salary:
Average Annual
Salary
$36,400
Salary Range
$26,600-$47,900
Professional Organizations:
Public Relations Society of America
33 Maiden Lane,
11th Fl.
New York, NY
10038-5150
Phone: (212) 460-1400
Fax: (212) 995-0757
www.prsa.org
Society for
Healthcare Strategy and Market Development
American Hospital Association
One North Franklin
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (312) 422-3888
Fax (312) 422-4579
www.shsmd.org
International Association of Business Communicators
1 Hallidie Plaza,
Suite 600
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (800) 776-4222
www.iabc.com |
