Public Health Program Assistant

Career Guide

A Public Health Program Assistant supports the day-to-day work of public health programs. The role focuses on coordination, community-facing communication, tracking program activities, and keeping teams organized so services reach the people who need them.

Browse All Roles

Key Responsibilities

Coordinate program schedules, meetings, and event logistics
Maintain participant records and program files with accuracy and confidentiality
Support outreach activities by preparing materials and responding to public inquiries
Assist with intake and referral processes for clients and community partners
Track program activity data and prepare basic reports for staff and funders
Order supplies and manage inventory for program operations
Support training sessions by setting up materials and attendance tracking
Help ensure program tasks follow required policies and timelines
Communicate updates to team members and external partners
Assist with budget tracking by organizing receipts and purchase requests

Top Skills for Success

Communication

Organization

Time Management

Attention to Detail

Customer Service

Problem Solving

Teamwork

Microsoft Excel

Data Entry

Report Writing

Event Coordination

Recordkeeping

Health Education Support

Community Outreach

Privacy Compliance

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Public Health Program Coordinator

Community Health Worker

Public Health Administrative Assistant

Health Education Assistant

Program Data Assistant

Transition Opportunities

Public Health Program Manager

Grants Coordinator

Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist

Public Health Analyst

Nonprofit Operations Manager

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Data ReportingGrant DocumentationStakeholder ManagementBasic Budget TrackingQuality ImprovementPresentation Skills

Development SuggestionsBuild confidence by owning a simple tracking sheet, writing a one page program update, and supporting one end-to-end outreach event. Ask to shadow a coordinator during partner meetings and reporting deadlines to learn expectations.

Market Intelligence Report

Public Health Program Assistant is part of the Clinical Administration category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

See the market intelligence report

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry Level$38,000 to $47,000

Mid Level$47,000 to $58,000

Senior Level$58,000 to $72,000

Growth Trend

Steady demand, driven by ongoing community health initiatives, grant-funded programs, and expanded health education and prevention efforts. Hiring can vary by local funding cycles and public sector budgets.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

City and County Health DepartmentsState Health AgenciesCommunity Health CentersHospitals and Health SystemsNonprofit Public Health OrganizationsUniversities and Research CentersFederally Qualified Health CentersInternational Aid and Relief Organizations

Industry Sectors

Government Public HealthHealthcare ProvidersNonprofit and Community ServicesEducation and ResearchPublic PolicyHuman Services

Recommended Next Steps

Create a resume section that highlights coordination, tracking, and community communication outcomes

Learn advanced spreadsheet basics such as tables, filters, and charts

Practice writing clear emails and short status updates for busy stakeholders

Volunteer or intern with a local health department or nonprofit program to gain exposure

Request feedback on accuracy and timeliness for reports and recordkeeping

Collect examples of materials you supported such as flyers, schedules, and reports for a work portfolio

Explore certifications in project coordination or community health support if relevant in your region