Group 5- Health Education Specialists by Janelle Mae Silvania

Job Descriptions

janellemaesilvania — 2025-03-13 19:38:48 UTC

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

Where we work?

janellemaesilvania — 2025-03-13 19:43:37 UTC

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

Pros/Cons

janellemaesilvania — 2025-03-13 19:44:46 UTC

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

Additional Credentials

janellemaesilvania — 2025-03-13 19:45:54 UTC

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

Professional Societies

rosacalderon5 — 2025-03-14 02:16:52 UTC

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.
National Education Specialist Certification (NCHEC): Focuses on maintaining the highest level of competence in the health education workforce.
American Public Health Association (APHA): Advocates for health education and health promotion for individuals, groups and communities and systems.
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