Health Education Specialists
Overview
Health Education Specialists work to improve community wellness by teaching people about healthy behaviors and creating programs that address specific health needs. They use data analysis tools and digital platforms to assess what health issues affect different communities, then design educational materials, workshops, and campaigns to help people make better health choices. These professionals often collaborate with healthcare providers, schools, and community organizations, and many work in hybrid environments splitting time between fieldwork and office-based program development. A career in this field typically requires a bachelor's degree in health education, public health, or a related field, with strong communication and analytical skills being essential.
Did you know?
Most employers prefer or require Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) or Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) credentials, which involve passing a national examination.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$65,409.02 Avg/yr
Growth
Fast Growing
Top Skill
Troubleshooting
Key Responsibilities
- Develop operational plans and policies necessary to achieve health education objectives and services.
- Supervise professional and technical staff in implementing health programs, objectives, and goals.
- Document activities and record information, such as the numbers of applications completed, presentations conducted, and persons assisted.
- Design and conduct evaluations and diagnostic studies to assess the quality and performance of health education programs.
- Develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with agencies and organizations interested in public health care.
- Develop educational materials and programs for community agencies, local government, and state government.
- Design and administer training programs for new employees and continuing education for existing employees.
- Collaborate with health specialists and civic groups to determine community health needs and the availability of services and to develop goals for meeting needs.
- Develop and present health education and promotion programs, such as training workshops, conferences, and school or community presentations.
- Prepare and distribute health education materials, such as reports, bulletins, and visual aids, to address smoking, vaccines, and other public health concerns.
- Develop and maintain health education libraries to provide resources for staff and community agencies.
- Develop, conduct, or coordinate health needs assessments and other public health surveys.
- Provide program information to the public by preparing and presenting press releases, conducting media campaigns, or maintaining program-related Web sites.
- Provide guidance to agencies and organizations on assessment of health education needs and on development and delivery of health education programs.
- Maintain databases, mailing lists, telephone networks, and other information to facilitate the functioning of health education programs.
- Develop, prepare, and coordinate grant applications and grant-related activities to obtain funding for health education programs and related work.
Career Considerations
Certification Requirements
Most employers prefer or require Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) or Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) credentials, which involve passing a national examination.
Diverse Employment Settings
Health Educators can work in various settings including hospitals, community health centers, schools, government agencies, and non-profit organizations, offering flexibility in career paths.
Growing Job Market
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects faster-than-average job growth for Health Educators due to increased emphasis on preventive care and population health management in the U.S. healthcare system.