3.11 Health Educators

Health educators draw on various sciences (physical, medical, psychological, environmental, and biological) to promote health and prevent disease and disability. They often focus on health program planning and education-driven activities that encourage behavior change and disease prevention.

Health educators work in a variety of settings and assist in the development and management of health education programs. They may work in schools, colleges, university campuses, organizations, community groups, and healthcare settings.

The roles of health educators within the community are diverse. For example, in schools, a health educator may focus on implementing health programs, which includes writing funding proposals, developing educational materials, and coordinating, promoting, and evaluating the programs. In college or university settings, health educators may address issues related to disease prevention, sexual health, and substance use prevention. Health educators also work in healthcare settings, educating patients on self-care and behavior change (e.g., smoking cessation and diabetes management). Behavior change can be challenging for patients, and health educators help implement and maintain changes such as quitting smoking or losing weight.

In various settings, health educators often conduct community health assessments (CHAs) to identify the health needs of specific communities. A CHA involves collecting and analyzing data to assess the health needs of a particular population. Based on the findings of a CHA, health educators can plan, implement, and evaluate health programs tailored to the community.

It is important to note that health educators often work with statistical data when conducting CHAs, writing proposals, or working in college settings. In such cases, a four-year degree can be particularly beneficial.

A similar role to that of a health educator is the community health worker (CHW). Community health workers are trusted members of the communities they serve or have a deep understanding of those communities. They act as liaisons between the community and health and social services, facilitating access to services with the goal of improving service quality and cultural competence.

Health Educator Academic Requirements and Qualifications

Health educators can enter the field with an associate degree, typically in a health-related field such as health science, healthcare administration, healthcare management, or health and human services.

However, many health educators pursue bachelor’s or master’s degrees. These advanced degrees in health sciences ensure that individuals acquire the necessary knowledge and expertise for a successful career in health education.

While licensure is not mandatory, employers may seek candidates with national board certification, such as the certified health education specialist (CHES), offered by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing. This certification requires graduation from a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral program, and candidates must earn continuing education credits to maintain the credential.

Although some positions may require a higher-level degree, an associate degree can be sufficient for entry-level roles, particularly in rural areas. Coursework in health sciences is often a key component of these programs.

Bachelor’s degree programs that are excellent for a career as a health educator include public health, health sciences, healthcare administration, or healthcare management. These programs are available at community colleges as well as four-year colleges and universities across the country.

Health Educator Career Pathway

The pathway into health education can vary depending on an individual’s background and experience. Some health educators begin their careers as practitioners. For example, a registered nurse may start by performing clinical duties in a hospital setting and later transition into a health educator role. This transition may require additional education depending on the individual’s qualifications.

Health educators generally have an associate degree in health sciences, and some may pursue a bachelor’s degree to make themselves more marketable. While health educators primarily focus on promoting healthy lifestyles, prior experience in health or human services or the healthcare field is not always a requirement. It is possible to earn a degree in a related field, such as public or community health, and later pursue a career in health education, even without a specific degree in health education.