Health Educator

Health educators are often responsible for providing the public with educational information that promotes healthy lifestyles. The information usually covers a broad spectrum of information about various health issues related to wellness and nutrition. Additionally, a health educator may teach classes in various topics such as childcare, parenting, preventing sexually transmitted diseases, food safety, prenatal care and nutrition. Often, the health educator is responsible for the development, implementation and evaluation of programs.

Some health educators are active in the community, conducting periodic assessments to identify specific health issues. Additionally, health educators organize groups and volunteers to address the issues and health disparities that may exist within the community. In addition to community work, some health educators may also develop educational materials and curricula for community health centers.

Generally, the duties of health educators may vary based on the company. Those who work corporations are typically responsible for creating employee wellness programs. Nonprofit organizations may hire a health educator to write grants in order to receive funding for special projects and health education programs. An advanced degree can open the opportunity for health educators to teach college level courses or conduct research at universities.

In some cases, health educators are self-employed consultants, trainers or grant writers for various agencies. Supervisory, directors and executive director positions at human service agencies are more opportunities for those with training and experience as health educators.

The education and training requirements for an entry-level health educator include a bachelor’s degree in public health or a related degree. It is not uncommon, however, for some health educators to have education and experience in other disciplines such as biology, nursing, sports science or nutrition. Common courses include sociology, epidemiology, leadership in public health, grant writing, program management and physiology.

Assessing needs and developing programs and strategies based on those needs is an important goal for health educators. Community events, classroom instruction and producing videos and brochures helps individuals participate in their well-being. Knowledge is power, and health educators work to ensure the targeted audience is equipped with the right information for making informed decisions.

Health educators serve a valuable purpose by encouraging healthy lifestyles for children and adults. Through individual sessions or for entire communities, health educators provide information to the public that can reduce health problems. Encouraging exercise, ways to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and avoiding illnesses through prevention can improve the quality of life for people.