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Health educators inform people, groups, and communities about the causes and prevention of health problems, especially those that relate to lifestyle, work, and cultural factors. Health educators help others to improve their health by providing counseling, education, and community organization.
Depending on the area of concentration, health educators implement programs on such topics as pollution, drug abuse, nutrition, diabetes, and pregnancy.
$66,400
Overall employment of health educators and community health workers is projected to grow 16 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the BLS. Growth will be driven by efforts to improve health outcomes and to reduce healthcare costs by teaching people healthy behaviors and explaining how to use available healthcare services.
Health educators receive their education through programs at colleges and universities. A 4-year bachelor’s degree can be obtained. A master’s degree or doctoral degree (PhD) may also be pursued. Many positions require Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) certification.
Licensure is not required in the state of Connecticut. Certification can be received as a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) through the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc.
American Public Health Association
800 I Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
202-777-APHA
www.apha.org
Society for Public Health Education
10 G Street, NE, Suite 605
Washington, DC 20002
202-408-9804
www.sophe.org