Job Description - Health Educator:
A health educator teaches individuals and communities how to live healthy lifestyles in order to prevent health problems including injuries and diseases.
Employment Facts - Health Educator:
There were 66,000 health educators employed in 2008.
Educational Requirements - Health Educator:
To get an entry-level job as a health educator one should have a bachelor's degree from a health education program. Those with degrees in related fields usually get a master's degree in health education as do those who are pursuing advanced positions.
Other Requirements - Health Educator:
One may become a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) which requires earning a bachelor's degree and passing an examination. Continuing education classes are required to maintain this certification.
Advancement Opportunities - Health Educator:
With experience and a master's degree, a health educator can advance past an entry-level position to become an executive director, supervisor or senior health educator.
Job Outlook - Health Educator:
Health educators should see faster than the average employment growth through 2018.
Earnings - Health Educator:
Health educators earned a median annual salary of $44,340 in 2009 (U.S.).
Use the Salary Wizard at Salary.com to find out how much a Health Educator currently earns in your city.
A Day in a Health Educator's Life:
On a typical day a health educator's tasks might include:
- informing and educating communities about health related topics in order to try to prevent illnesses
- assessing the needs of the communities in which he or she works
- developing educational materials such as videos and brochures
- organizing events such as lectures, classes and health screenings
- evaluating the success of these programs
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Health Educator, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos063.htm (visited January 24, 2011).
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Health Educator, on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/link/details/21-1091.00 (visited January 24, 2011).
