Health educators play a crucial role in society, delivering potentially lifesaving information to children and adults alike. These healthcare professionals can be found across numerous industries, as well as in government agencies and nonprofit organizations. They are in great demand.
Health educators must be proficient in science and teaching, with strong analytical skills, creativity and proficiency in interpersonal relationships. Individuals seeking a rewarding job that incorporates multiple skill sets in order to improve human health might consider a career as a health educator, also known as a health education specialist.
Health Educator Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment prospects for health educators are booming: specifically, more than 23,000 new positions are projected to be created nationwide from 2010 to 2020, a growth rate of 37%. That compares with an average rate of 14% for all occupations.
The BLS attributes this robust expansion to the rising cost of healthcare, as employers and public officials increasingly turn to health education as a preventative measure, particularly for conditions that can be treated with lifestyle changes, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
As of 2010, more than one-third of health educators were employed in the healthcare industry and about 21% worked for government agencies, the BLS reported. However, the rate of projected growth for health educator positions is expected to be higher among social assistance organizations (60%) and nonprofit agencies (60%).
Health Educator Job Duties
Given the range of potential work environments, there’s no uniform description of a health educator’s professional responsibilities. On any given day, a health educator may:
- Evaluate the risk factors and educational needs of a particular demographic or population
- Design an educational program, lecture series, class or event
- Advise local, state or federal governments on issues related to healthcare and disease prevention
- Create and oversee the distribution of educational materials, including pamphlets, web content and videos
- Meet one-on-one with patients or the public in order to explain diagnoses, answer health-related questions and encourage healthy behaviors
- Organize and administer health screenings, such as blood pressure checks
Health educators who work in hospitals or other healthcare facilities may also help physicians and medical practitioners communicate more effectively with patients. Those employed by government entities may create and run public health campaigns and offer policy advice. Health educators working for private businesses concentrate on reducing insurance costs by promoting a healthy lifestyle for employees.
Health Educator Salary Potential
As of May 2012, the more than 55,000 health educators employed nationwide earned a median annual salary of $48,790, the BLS reported. The top 10% earned at least $86,810. For the largest portion of health educators – those working in hospital settings – the median was more than $60,000.
Salary ranges, like employment opportunities, generally vary based on local market conditions, as well as an applicant’s work experience and educational qualifications.
Education and Training for Health Educators
A bachelor’s degree in health education or health promotion is necessary to qualify for most entry-level health educator positions, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Coursework in human development and psychology typically is part of a degree program, and foreign language proficiency may also be appealing to employers.
Public health agencies may require applicants to have a master’s degree in the field, and some employers call only for candidates who are Certified Health Education Specialists. The certification includes continuing education requirements.
