Health Education Specialist

Your Fit

Income

$87K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

7.2%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Health Education Specialist?

Health Education Specialists are professionals who develop programs and materials to promote wellness and healthy behaviors. They work to educate communities and individuals about health practices and to prevent illness and improve overall well-being.

Sample job titles:

Clinical Instructor, Health Education Specialist, Health Educator, Public Health Educator

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Health Education Specialist.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Health Education Specialist earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Health Education Specialist.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$50K per year	$75K per year	$87K per year	$97K per year	$104K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $22K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Health Education Specialist do?

Work environment

Health Education Specialists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, public health departments, non-profits, schools, and businesses. They may also work for government agencies or as consultants. Their roles often involve direct interaction with the public, as well as planning and administrative tasks.

Quick task list

Assesses health education needs of communities or target groups.
Develops and implements health education programs and campaigns.
Creates educational materials and resources.
Evaluates the effectiveness of health education programs.
Conducts training workshops and presentations.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Community Health Education: Focusing on improving health within specific communities.
Workplace Health Promotion: Developing health programs in corporate or organizational settings.
School Health Education: Educating children and adolescents in school settings.
Public Health Campaigns: Leading public health initiatives on topics like disease prevention and healthy lifestyles.
Health Policy Education: Educating the public and policymakers about health policies and advocacy.

Description

Health Education Specialists play a crucial role in promoting health and preventing disease. They analyze the health needs of the communities or groups they serve and develop programs and interventions tailored to these needs. Their work involves not only educating the public about health issues but also advocating for healthier lifestyles and changes in policies that can improve community health.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as Health Education Specialists must effectively convey health information and motivate diverse audiences. They often collaborate with other healthcare professionals and community leaders to develop and implement effective health education strategies.

This career offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on public health. Health Education Specialists must be creative and adaptable, able to design programs that engage various populations and address a wide range of health issues.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Positively impacting community health and well-being.
The opportunity to educate and empower individuals about their health.
Variety in daily tasks and the creative aspect of program development.

You might make a good Health Education Specialist if you are...

Passionate about promoting health and wellness.
A strong communicator, able to present information clearly and persuasively.
Creative in developing engaging educational programs and materials.
Interested in public health and community service.
Organized and able to manage projects effectively.

Pros:

Rewarding work in improving the health and quality of life for others.
Opportunities to work in diverse settings and with various populations.
Dynamic field with the potential for creativity in program design.

Cons:

Challenges in measuring the direct impact of educational programs.
May require flexibility in schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends.
Balancing administrative duties with direct community interaction.

How to become a Health Education Specialist

Typical education

A bachelor's degree in health education, public health, or a related field is typically required, equating to about 4 years of post-secondary education. Some positions, especially those in higher education or leadership, may require a master's degree.

High school preparation

Courses:

Health and biology to understand basic health principles and human physiology.
Psychology and sociology for insight into human behavior and social dynamics.
Communications or public speaking to develop presentation skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering in health-related organizations or community wellness programs.
Participating in clubs focused on health and wellness or public service.
Engaging in leadership roles in school or community projects.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in health education, public health, or a related field.
Gain experience through internships or volunteer positions in health education settings.
Consider certification as a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) or a master's degree for advanced opportunities.
Stay informed about current public health issues and education strategies.

More resources

Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) - Offers resources and professional development for health education professionals.
National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC) - Provides certification information for Health Education Specialists.
American Public Health Association (APHA) - A hub for public health professionals with resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Health Education - Offers guidance and resources on health education and promoting healthy schools.

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Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.