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Degrees and Schools
Many schools offer bachelor's degrees in health education. Graduate programs in health education are often provided with titles such as community health education, public health education, school health education and health promotion.
The Certified Health Education Specialist credential is provided by the National Commission of Health Education Credentialing, Inc. To obtain the certification, individuals need to pass an examination on the basic areas of responsibility of a health educator. Some employers prefer applicants who are certified and some states may require health educators to be certified to work in a public health department. However, many employers don't require health educators to have certification.
Classes
Useful subjects to study include:
- Health and social theory
- Leadership
- Developing health education programs
- Computer technology
- Sex and drug education
- Human health
- Fitness
- Nutrition
Becoming proficient in a foreign language can be helpful.
Online Classes and Programs
Online health education associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees are available from accredited schools. The programs provide convenience and flexibility.
Employment Requirements
Typically, a bachelor's degree from a health education program is required for entry-level health educator jobs. Some employers prefer a bachelor's degree and some related experience obtained through volunteer work or an internship.
Some health educator jobs may require a master's degree. A master's degree is typically required for advancement. A master's degree is required for most health educator jobs in public health.
About half of health educators work in healthcare and social assistance. A lot of them work for the government.
How to Evaluate Schools and Programs
While evaluating schools, prospective students should consider getting answers to the following questions:
- Training - Does the program include externships? How long are the externships? Do students have to find their own externship?
- School's Reputation - What is the school's reputation with local employers?
- Job Placement - Does the school offer job placement services? How does the school's job placement rate for graduates of health education programs compare to other schools? Does the school provide job fairs?
- Curriculum - Does the program allow students to specialize in their area of interest?
- Financial Aid - What types of financial aid are available? Is the school qualified to provide federal financial aid?
- Accreditation - Is the school accredited by an agency which has been approved by the the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education?
Health Educators Job Description
Health educators are an important part of community health education programs. Their objectives are to help people make efficient use of health services, adopt healthier lifestyles and practice self-care. Health educators try to prevent illnesses by educating people about health-related subjects such as proper nutrition, the importance of exercise, how to avoid illnesses and how to avoid sexually transmitted diseases.
Health educators plan, organize and oversee health education programs for communities and groups such as labor unions and civic organizations. A health educator provides information to communities and individuals to promote, improve and maintain healthy lifestyles. They get involved in a variety of health issues. Some of their responsibilities are show below:
- Prepare and distribute informational and educational materials on public health issues
- Work with health specialists and civic groups to determine community health needs
- Create and present health education and promotion programs
- Provide program information to the public
- Create and perform diagnostic studies to evaluate the performance and quality of health education programs
- Develop operational policies and plans to achieve health education goals
- Supervise professional and technical staff in implementing health programs
- Develop cooperative working relationships with organizations and agencies involved in public health care
Resources
- Society for Public Health Education
- American Association for Health Education
- National Commission of Health Education Credentialing, Inc
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