A health educator educates the public about the importance and development of healthy behaviors. Additionally, they help to implement programs and/or strategies to improve overall health in a community or an individual. They also collect information to target the health concerns of individuals, communities, or a specific population.

How to Become a Health Educator

To become a health educator, you would normally be required to have a bachelor’s degree in health care or health care promotion. Many jobs want a (CHES) certified health education specialist credential. Since they manage and promote health programs to families, communities, or individuals you should also be comfortable in public speaking. Additionally, they would be knowledgable of sociology and anthropology, to include group behavior and dynamics. They would have the ability to speak clearly and listen attentively to others.

Job Description of a Health Educator

A health educator designs and offers training workshops, community or school presentations, or conferences in health education. They organize and distribute educational information or developed materials for wellness initiatives across a state, community, or agencies. They address various health concerns such as vaccines or smoking with educational materials.

These professionals also interact with other health specialists and civic groups to target a communities’ health needs and provide services to meet health care goals. They develop and conduct diagnostic studies and evaluations to determine the quality and performance of those health education programs.

Article Citations

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Health Educators.

National Center for O*NET Development. 21-1091.00. O*NET OnLine.