Health educators/promoters assist individuals in making informed decisions on matters affecting individual, family, and community health. They encourage individuals to take more responsibility for learning about behaviors that keep them healthy or that help them acquire an improved health status. Health educators facilitate voluntary adaptations of behavior by working with individuals and communities to assess needs for health education programs, plan effective health education programs, implement health education programs, evaluate the effectiveness of health education programs, coordinate the provision of health education services, act as a resource person for health education programs, and communicate health education needs, concerns, and resources.

Areas of Specialization

Opportunities for a health educator/promoter vary depending on the type of employment. Some work in a specific area of health care and focus on a limited number of health concerns, such as diabetes prevention, HIV/STDs, and cancer. Others work in general health care and deal with a spectrum of health issues.

Work Environment

Health educators/promoters work in a variety of areas. Many work for local health departments, hospitals, schools and colleges, community and volunteer organizations, and corporations.

Length of Training

A four-year Bachelor's degree in health studies and/or community health is required. Master's and doctoral degrees are also available within the field.

Licensure/Certification

Health educators/promoters may be certified as a health education specialist through the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. To receive this certification, applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree and pass a comprehensive written exam.

Education Programs

C=Certificate, A=Associate's, B=Bachelor's, M=Master's, D=Doctorate

Professional Associations

National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc.
www.nchec.org

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