Whether you’re interested in a career in healthcare education and promotion, or just want to learn more about how this field fits into the healthcare industry, we’re here to fill you in on everything you should know about Health Education Specialists.
What are Health Education Specialists?
Health Education Specialists work with individuals, families, communities, and organizations to create and oversee programs that promote health and well-being. They also facilitate the development of policies, procedures, and systems that benefit their patients. Health Education Specialists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, government offices, businesses, and nonprofits. Each of these specialists have met baccalaureate-level (or above) health education qualifications.
Career Options for Health Education Specialists
Health Education Specialists have many different career options and work environments to choose from. They can hold a wide variety of job titles related to program coordination and management, health education, community health services, advocacy, curriculum building, and more. Health Education Specialists can work in offices, on the road, and even remotely. Offering everything from entry-level to senior roles in full-time and freelance capacities, the career options are almost endless. Here are a few specific industries that offer excellent careers for Certified Health Education Specialists:
Community Health
If you like working with a large group of people and fostering a sense of community, the community management field may be for you. A few jobs that are offered in this area are:
Education
Health education is an extremely important field, and there are plenty of opportunities for Certified Health Education Specialists. Some titles that are offered in this area are:
Family Life
Certified Health Education Specialists can be a great help to struggling families. If you’re interested in working in family life, these jobs may be for you:
- Family Life Educator
- Family Planning Counselor
- Family Services Specialist
- Teen Parent Educator
- Youth Outreach Coordinator
Government and Health Departments
Looking to work in government? There are many government and health department jobs for Health Education Specialists. A few career options include:
To view a full list of career settings for health education specialists, check out this blog, “Guide to Health Education Careers.” Or, browse our job board to find open job listings that interest you.
Why are Health Education Certifications Important?
Health Education Certifications ensure specialists meet the highest quality standards in the healthcare industry. By obtaining an accredited national certification, Health Education Specialists are proving to future employers that they are up-to-date on professional practices, and therefore become more hireable. Certifications are also important to the continued professional development of these individuals. Certification is a form of quality control and gives the public the assurance that they are receiving the highest quality of health services that can be provided by the specialist.
NCHEC offers two certification programs, the CHES® (Certified Health Education Specialist), and MCHES® (Master Certified Education Specialist). The Certified Health Education Specialist examination is a competency-based tool used to measure the possession, application, and interpretation of knowledge in the Eight Areas of Responsibility for Health Education Specialists delineated by the most current U.S.-based practice analysis study. The Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES®) examination assesses the extent to which a candidate can possess, apply, and interpret knowledge relative to the Eight Areas of Responsibility of Health Education Specialists. The MCHES® exam is designed for more experienced specialists and reflects both the entry and advanced-level Competencies and Sub-Competencies of the Eight Areas of Responsibility.
Let NCHEC Help You Become Certified Today
The mission of NCHEC is to enhance the professional practice of Health Education by promoting and sustaining a credentialed body of Health Education Specialists. To meet this mission, NCHEC certifies health education specialists, promotes professional development, and strengthens professional preparation and practice. Interested in learning more about obtaining your credentials or opportunities for continuing education? View our detailed presentation about certification or contact us today!
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