For students seeking a flexible and professional career in the healthcare industry, a job as a health educator may be a great one to consider. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that this in-demand field is growing at a much higher than average rate of 38% through 2020. In fact, the BLS indicates that there over 20,000 more people will be needed by the end of the decade to fill projected openings.
This essential supportive healthcare profession is growing for a number of reasons. With an aging population comes the need for health educators to work with families and patients to address emerging and long-term health challenges. In addition to this, health educators are working in 55 and older communities educating residents on healthy living topics like nutrition, heart health and diabetes prevention. Other health educators work with children in schools to promote early health-wise behaviors.
For students interested in healthcare fields and other interested career changers, there are many points of entry and numerous degree programs that can provide training applicable to a job as a health educator. Generally, a bachelor’s degree is needed for the most competitive positions while leadership positions will usually require a master’s degree. Some states also require the Certified Health Specialist credential. Many of the pre-requisite courses are similar among healthcare fields, so students in one area may have already completed a variety of courses also required for a health educator.
Health educator jobs are typically flexible and enjoyable. Health educators work in a variety of settings from residential living facilities to public health departments. Others are also private consultants. The BLS reports that the salary range for health educators ranges from the mid $30,000’s to over $55,000 per year. One of the best parts about the job is providing clients with the educational tools to make better health choices and feel more empowered when dealing with ongoing health challenges.
With the new healthcare laws focusing on patient responsibility for sustaining good health habits, a variety of public and private settings are hiring health educators to develop new programs, deliver seminars and lead on-going workshops. Currently, some of the most popular topics in the field include: healthy eating, cardiovascular disease prevention, skin cancer prevention, HIV prevention and lung cancer prevention.
Although the work environment will vary from assignment to assignment, the most common duties for health educators include:
- Developing a wide-range of materials to give to patients and families
- Assessing the needs of a community and targeting workshops to meet those needs
- Meeting with other health professionals to develop new programs
- Creating and distributing pamphlets and other important teaching materials
- Assisting groups with special health-related topics
- Collecting and reviewing feedback materials
- Maintaining online newsletters, correspondence and managing other social media tools
- Advocating for stronger health care policies, resources and options
Many healthcare professionals begin in an area such as nursing, health informatics or dietetics, then over time they seek new challenges. These other healthcare fields provide a great foundation for the soft skills, as well as the working knowledge needed to be successful as a health educator. For professionals seeking growth and versatility, transitioning into the role of a health educator is a great option with sustained growth and many new opportunities unfolding daily.
