Health education is one of the most crucial needs of the society and its people. The recent changes in environment, lifestyles and work patterns have made a tremendous effect on the healthy life of an individual. People are more disease prone nowadays. In such a situation, knowledge and awareness of health issues and diseases are a must. Health educators facilitate such need and educate us about different ways of living healthier and more balanced life using proper nutrition, medications and lifestyle choice. Health educator responsibilities are carried out by experienced professionals in this field in an effective way. These professionals teach people and community about behaviors that promote wellness. They develop programs and materials to encourage people in making healthy decisions.
The duties of health educators vary based on their place of work. Most of these professionals work in health care facilities, colleges, federal government, state public health departments, non-profit organizations, and private businesses. To get an overview of the details of responsibilities and other requirements of a health educator, one may refer to the article with the sections below. The details mentioned will surely help you to understand the overall work profile of such a person.
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An entry level health educator must hold a bachelor's degree. Additional courses in psychology, human development, and a foreign language will definitely impress an employer more. A master's degree in health education is required for some positions in a specific work setting or who are pursuing advanced positions in this field. Some employers hire only health educators who have certifications from accredited institutes like Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES).
Health educators generally work full time within standard working hours of 40-50 hours per week. This profile also demands extra working hours in the evening, night or on weekends. Apart from the office job, they need to travel outside for meetings, programs or events.
The salary is based on the area/place of work. According to Payscale's July 2012 reports, a regular or entry level employee's salary may fall within the range of $ 29850 to $51435, while a certified health educator's salary ranges between $30201 - $63571.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of health educators is expected to grow by 37 percent by 2020. This growth is projected to be much higher than that of any other occupations in the related field. To fulfill the job market requirements, a prospective candidate must possess a combination of creative and interpersonal skills, educational qualifications, and professional credentials.
One of the main health educator responsibilities is to prevent diseases and promote healthy lifestyles through knowledge and behavior change. The job prospect for this post is extremely good. They are destined to be in greater demand because of the growing importance of preventative health care. If this occupation interests you, learn about it more and be prepared to move on a higher growth ladder.