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Health education specialists promote wellness in communities, as well as develop and teach strategies practicing healthy behaviors.

Duties:

assess the health needs of individuals and communities

develop programs, materials, and events to teach people about health topics and how to manage existing conditions

constantly evaluate if the program and educational materials are effective or not

help people find health services or information

provide training for community health workers and other healthcare providers

supervise staff who are implementing health education programs

collect and analyze data to learn about a specific community and tailor programs and services

advocate for improved health resources and policies focused on promoting health

(Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook

Added by: Janelle Mae Silvania on 3/13/25

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Health education specialists work in various places in the healthcare system:

Healthcare facilities

Hospitals

Clinics

Schools and universities

Businesses

All of these places have a common denominator, and that is to promote wellness and educate people on how to improve their health and live longer, happier lives.

(Source: SOPHE

Added by: Tiffany Lee 3/14/25

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Society for Public Health Education - SOPHE

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What is a Health Education Specialist? - Society for Public Health Education - SOPHE

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Health education specialists develop & implement strategies to help individuals, families, and communities maintain healthy lifestyles.

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LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/

Indeed

https://www.indeed.com/

Public Health Careers

https://www.publichealthcareers.org/jobs/health-education-specialist/

Government Jobs

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/tehama/jobs/4866201/health-educator-i-or-health-educator-ii-bilingual-preferred?utm_campaign=google_jobs_apply&utm_source=google_jobs_apply&utm_medium=organic

(Source: Indeed, LinkedIn, Public Health Careers.org, Government jobs.com

Added by: Joanna Nambo 3/14/25

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Pros:

Job outlook: 7% growth from 2023 to 2033, faster than average for all occupations

About 6,700 openings for health education specialists are projected each year

Can work at many places (community organizations, public agencies, schools, healthcare)

Not doing the same thing every day, there's a variety

Rewarding experience working with people

Cons:

May require to work on weekends or evenings

A graduate degree may be needed for government or leadership positions

Some positions may require certification and continuing education

Could be challenging to work with people who are not ready to make healthy changes in their lifestyle

(Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, O*Net Online)

Added by: Janelle Mae Silvania 3/13/25

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https://www.nchec.org/news/posts/what-does-a-health-education-specialist-do

https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2018/18_0045.htm

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fg7JvqrOL8U

(Source: NCHEC, CDC

Added by: Joanna Nambo 3/14/25

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Health Education Workforce: Opportunities and Challenges

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Preventing Chronic Disease (PCD) is a peer-reviewed electronic journal established by the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. PCD provides an open exchange of information and knowledge among researchers, practitioners, policy makers, and others who strive to improve the health of the public through chronic disease prevention.

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1. Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE): Nonprofit association that focuses on the health promotion and health education of students and professionals in the United States and other international countries.

2. National Education Specialist Certification (NCHEC): Focuses on maintaining the highest level of competence in the health education workforce.

3. American Public Health Association (APHA): Advocates for health education and health promotion for individuals, groups and communities and systems.

4. American Academy of Health Behavior (AAHB): Focuses on research for health behavior scholars committed to excellence and diversity in research to improve the public's health.

Sources: https://www.sophe.org/about/

https://www.nchec.org/

https://www.apha.org/apha-communities/member-sections/public-health-education-and-health-promotion https://aahb.org/Mission

Added by: Rosa Calderon 3/13/25

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Qualities/skills sought after:

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Instructional Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Problem Solving Skills

Similar Occupations:

Community Health Workers

Dietitians and Nutritionist

Social Workers

Health Counselors

Sources: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/health-educators.htm#tab-4

Added by: Rosa Calderon 3/13/25

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The education for primary health education specialists is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) degree, as well as the Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES), with both of these certifications are offered by the NCHEC. For more concentrated specialties, depending on where they are working, they may need further training.

(Source: NCHEC)

Added by: Tiffany Lee 3/14/25