You have a wide range of employment opportunities after earning a health education degree. Numerous positions in the fields of public and community health could fit your interests and your level of education. Choosing a job can be influenced by understanding what you can accomplish with a health education degree. This article defines a health education degree, explains what you may do with one, and provides a list of 28 careers you can pursue with one.
What is a health education degree?
A health education degree is a type of academic certification that teaches you various methods for enhancing the health and well-being of people or communities. You will frequently learn how to organize and carry out different health promotion programs as part of your study for this degree. With this qualification, you can be eligible for positions in teaching, consulting, and counseling.
How useful is a degree in health education?
You can choose to concentrate on several areas of health education degree when obtaining this degree, including:
- Community health: Examining, preparing for, and preventing widespread health issues are part of this branch of health education degree.
- Public health: This refers to public health-related federal, state, and local policies. Researchers and data reviewers work in this field.
- Health science: This branch of health education degree deals with a variety of aspects of physical, behavioral, biological, and social health for all people and communities.
- Health and physical education: this area of expertise is for people who desire to teach middle or high school health.
- Health bioinformatics: Data collection and analysis in the context of the healthcare industry are part of health informatics. Many healthcare problems in the medical community may be resolved with the aid of this data.
11 positions in health education
If you want to work in health education, think about your preferred specialty when looking for a position. By doing this, you can focus your search and receive job offers that you might find more intriguing. The different careers that you might consider with a health education degree are listed below.
1. Education manager
National average yearly salary: $54,275
Primary responsibilities: Education managers are responsible for overseeing a curriculum at different organizations, like a school or training facilities. They oversee the creation and execution of a school’s curriculum.
2. Case manager
National average yearly salary: $39,319
Primary responsibilities: A case manager’s main responsibilities include managing a range of patient situations, developing service plans, and monitoring case progress. They interact with patients and other members of the care team, organize patient care through careful evaluation and planning, and produce discharge paperwork once a patient has finished their treatment.
3. Mental health counselor
National average yearly salary: $30,062
Primary responsibilities: A mental health counselor handles different areas of a person’s psychological well-being. They engage in open dialogue with their patients about their feelings and experiences, offer outpatient mental health services, and aid their patients in identifying methods for modeling and altering their behavior.
4. Youth outreach coordinator
National average yearly salary: $43,394
Primary responsibilities: A youth outreach coordinator assists young people going through difficult moments in their lives. They collaborate with organizations to guarantee that these people have access to the proper services. A youth outreach coordinator often helps various young people obtain jobs, housing, and food.
5. Health advisor
National average yearly salary: $37,694
Primary responsibilities: A health coach encourages customers to adopt a healthier lifestyle. They offer support and direction that enables their clients to adopt healthy lifestyle choices and enhance their physical well-being. A health coach also helps clients develop treatment plans and health goals.
6. Epidemiologist
National average yearly salary: $75,736
Primary responsibilities: An epidemiologist determines the origin of the disease and develops methods to prevent and cure it. They do data analysis, develop crisis response plans, compile reports on potential health risks, and then deliver their findings to decision-makers.
7. Patient advocate
National average yearly salary: $28,507
Primary responsibilities: Working with the care team, a patient advocate organizes a patient’s care. They conduct patient interviews, identify care issues, recommend patients to medical services, and assist them in selecting doctors. Additionally, they examine insurance claims, assist consumers in understanding their medical insurance, and work with medical facilities to develop payment schedules.
8. Community organizer
National average yearly salary: $41,500
Primary responsibilities: A community organizer brings people together so they can work together to tackle different social issues. They enlist and inspire individuals to make a good social effect in their neighborhood.
9. A wellness coordinator
National average yearly salary: $36,365
Primary responsibilities: A wellness coordinator directs, arranges, and administers fitness and health programs for employees. They support a healthy way of life and work environment, arrange for classes and training, and aid in enhancing the well-being of every staff member through good nutrition and health.
10. A health educator
National average yearly salary: $28,211
Primary responsibilities: A health educator disseminates health-related information to groups and individuals. They identify the health needs of a community and provide educational services and resources to promote good health and wellness. As a health educator, you promote healthy behaviors and provide information to individuals and communities.
11. Health reporter
National average yearly salary: $37,929
Primary responsibilities: A health journalist disseminates health-related knowledge through various types of media. While they perform similar tasks to a regular journalist, they are focused on the healthcare industry. Medical journalists write on medical topics, health advice, or research findings.
12. Community Health Worker
National average yearly salary: $42,000
Primary responsibilities: Community health workers provide education and support to individuals and communities to improve their overall health.
13. Public Health Educator
National average yearly salary: $52,000
Primary responsibilities: Public health educators develop and implement health education programs and campaigns at a broader population level.
14. Health Promotion Specialist
National average yearly salary: $52,000
Primary responsibilities: Health promotion specialists design and implement strategies to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent diseases.
15. Wellness Coordinator
National average yearly salary: $54,000
Primary responsibilities: Wellness coordinators develop and manage workplace wellness programs, encouraging employees to adopt healthy habits.
16. Patient Educator
National average yearly salary: $50,000
Primary responsibilities: Patient educators provide health-related information and teach patients about managing their conditions and treatment plans.
17. School Health Educator
National average yearly salary: $49,000
Primary responsibilities: School health educators focus on promoting healthy behaviors and providing health education in educational settings.
18. Health Coach
National average yearly salary: $47,000
Primary responsibilities: Health coaches work with individuals to set health goals, provide guidance, and support behavior change for improved well-being.
19. Research Assistant
National average yearly salary: $42,000
Primary responsibilities: Research assistants in the health education field help design, conduct, and analyze research studies related to public health and health education.
20. Health Program Coordinator
National average yearly salary: $55,000
Primary responsibilities: Health program coordinators oversee and manage health education initiatives and programs within healthcare organizations or community settings.
21. Occupational Health Specialist
National average yearly salary: $71,000
Primary responsibilities: Occupational health specialists promote health and safety in the workplace, conducting training and implementing policies.
22. Health Communications Specialist
National average yearly salary: $59,000
Primary responsibilities: Health communications specialists develop and implement effective communication strategies to disseminate health information to the public.
23. Non-profit Health Organization Administrator
National average yearly salary: $67,000
Primary responsibilities: Administrators in non-profit health organizations oversee program development, funding, and day-to-day operations.
24. Health Policy Analyst
National average yearly salary: $65,000
Primary responsibilities: Health policy analysts evaluate health policies and make recommendations to improve public health outcomes.
25. Health Researcher
National average yearly salary: $71,000
Primary responsibilities: Health researchers conduct studies and analyze data to contribute to the understanding of public health issues and interventions.
26. Health Advocate
National average yearly salary: $47,000
Primary responsibilities: Health advocates work to improve healthcare access, promote health equity, and empower individuals to navigate the healthcare system. Average salary: per year.
27. Health and Wellness Consultant
National average yearly salary: $64,000
Primary responsibilities: Health and wellness consultants provide expertise and guidance to organizations and individuals seeking to enhance their overall health and well-being. Average salary: per year.
28. Health Policy Analyst
National average yearly salary: $65,000 to $80,000
Primary responsibilities: Health policy analysts work to evaluate and develop policies that impact public health. They assess existing policies, conduct research, and make recommendations for improvements in health-related policies. They may work in government agencies, non-profit organizations, research institutions, or advocacy groups.
Health policy analysts play a crucial role in shaping public health initiatives, ensuring that policies are evidence-based, effective, and equitable. They analyze data, monitor health trends, and assess the impact of policies on population health outcomes. They may also collaborate with stakeholders, such as policymakers, healthcare providers, and community organizations, to gather input and develop comprehensive policy recommendations.
Average Salary: The average salary for health policy analysts varies based on factors such as experience, education, and location. On average, health policy analysts earn around $65,000 to $80,000 per year. However, salaries can range higher for individuals with advanced degrees or significant experience in the field.
Note: Salaries for health policy analysts may vary depending on the specific job requirements, level of responsibility, and the organization or sector in which they work.
These salary figures are approximate averages and can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, industry, and job responsibilities. It’s also important to note that salaries may increase with experience and advanced degrees.
How to get into a health education degree
To pursue a health education degree, you typically need to follow these steps:
Research Health Education Programs
Begin by researching universities, colleges, and institutions that offer health education programs. Look for accredited programs that align with your interests and career goals. Consider factors such as program curriculum, faculty expertise, resources, and opportunities for practical experience.
Meet Admission Requirements
Review the admission requirements for the health education programs you’re interested in. These requirements may include a high school diploma or equivalent, prerequisite coursework (such as biology or psychology), letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and standardized test scores (such as the SAT or ACT).
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
Pursue a bachelor’s degree in health education or a related field such as public health or health promotion. Focus on courses that provide a strong foundation in health education principles, behavioral sciences, epidemiology, community health, and program planning and evaluation.
Gain Practical Experience
Seek out opportunities to gain practical experience in the field of health education. Look for internships, volunteer positions, or part-time jobs in community organizations, healthcare settings, or public health agencies. This hands-on experience will strengthen your skills and understanding of health education practices.
Consider Certification
Although not always required, obtaining a professional certification can enhance your credentials and job prospects. Organizations such as the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC) offer certifications, such as the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) or Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES), which demonstrate your competence in the field.
Pursue Advanced Degrees
While a bachelor’s degree can open doors to entry-level positions, consider pursuing advanced degrees such as a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) or a Master’s in Health Education (M.Ed.) for more specialized knowledge and advanced career opportunities. Some roles, particularly in research or academia, may require a higher level of education.
Networking and Professional Development
Connect with professionals in the health education field through networking events, conferences, and online platforms. Join professional organizations like the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) or the American Public Health Association (APHA). Engaging in professional development activities can help you stay current with emerging trends and expand your career network.
Remember, the specific steps and requirements may vary between institutions and countries. It’s important to check the admission criteria and guidelines of the specific programs you are interested in to ensure you meet all the requirements.
What Do Degree Programs in Health Education Look Like?
Health education degree programs typically provide students with a comprehensive understanding of health promotion, disease prevention, and community health. The specific structure and curriculum of these programs can vary between institutions, but here are some common components you can expect to find in health education degree programs:
- General Education Courses: Like most bachelor’s degree programs, health education programs often include a set of general education courses. These courses cover a range of subjects such as mathematics, English composition, social sciences, and natural sciences. General education courses provide a broad knowledge base and develop critical thinking and communication skills.
- Core Health Education Courses: Health education programs have a core set of courses that focus specifically on health education principles and practices. These courses cover topics such as health behavior theories, program planning and evaluation, health communication, health disparities, community health, and ethics in health education. These courses provide the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for a career in health education.
- Specialized Coursework: Health education degree programs may offer specialized coursework or elective options to allow students to focus on specific areas of interest within the field. Examples of specialized topics may include sexual health education, nutrition education, substance abuse prevention, global health, or health education in specific populations (e.g., children, older adults).
- Fieldwork or Practicum Experience: Many health education degrees require students to complete a certain number of hours of fieldwork or practicum experience. This allows students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings under the supervision of experienced professionals. Fieldwork experiences may take place in community organizations, healthcare settings, schools, or public health agencies.
- Research and Capstone Projects: Some health education degrees may include research components or capstone projects. These experiences provide students with the opportunity to conduct research on a health education topic of interest or design and implement a health education intervention. Research and capstone projects allow students to delve deeper into a specific area and contribute to the knowledge and practice of health education.
- Professional Development: Health education degrees often emphasize the importance of professional development. This may include opportunities to attend conferences, participate in workshops, join professional organizations, and engage with guest speakers from the field. These activities help students stay up-to-date with current practices, connect with professionals, and prepare for their future careers.
It’s important to note that the specific structure and content of health education degree programs can vary between institutions. When considering a program, review the curriculum, course descriptions, and experiential learning opportunities to ensure they align with your interests and career goals.
What skills can you get with a health education degree?
Earning a health education degree equips you with a diverse set of skills that are valuable in various professional settings. Here are some skills you can develop through a health education degree program:
- Health Education and Promotion: You gain expertise in designing, implementing, and evaluating health education programs and interventions aimed at promoting healthy behaviors and preventing diseases.
- Health Communication: You learn effective communication strategies to convey health information to diverse populations, including written, oral, and visual communication skills. This includes creating educational materials, delivering presentations, and engaging with individuals and communities.
- Needs Assessment and Program Planning: You acquire skills in conducting needs assessments to identify health education priorities and develop evidence-based programs to address those needs. This involves gathering and analyzing data, setting goals, and developing implementation plans.
- Health Behavior Theories: You gain an understanding of health behavior theories and models that help explain why individuals and communities engage in certain health behaviors. This knowledge allows you to design interventions that are grounded in theory and more likely to produce positive outcomes.
- Cultural Competence: You develop cultural sensitivity and competence to work effectively with diverse populations, understanding and respecting cultural beliefs, practices, and values that influence health behaviors and health disparities.
- Group Facilitation and Education: You learn techniques for facilitating group discussions, leading workshops, and delivering educational sessions to individuals or communities. These skills are crucial for engaging participants and fostering interactive learning environments.
- Data Analysis and Evaluation: You acquire skills in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to evaluate the effectiveness of health education programs. This includes using statistical software, conducting surveys or interviews, and applying qualitative and quantitative research methods.
- Health Advocacy: You learn how to advocate for policies and practices that promote health and improve access to healthcare services. This includes understanding health policy processes, mobilizing stakeholders, and communicating health-related needs and priorities to decision-makers.
- Research Skills: You develop skills in conducting literature reviews, critically evaluating research studies, and applying research findings to inform health education practice. This allows you to stay updated with the latest evidence-based approaches.
- Ethical Considerations: You gain an understanding of ethical principles and considerations in health education, ensuring that your work respects confidentiality, informed consent, and cultural sensitivities while upholding professional standards.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Health education degrees often involve collaboration with professionals from various disciplines, such as public health, healthcare, and social services. You learn to effectively work in interdisciplinary teams, fostering cooperation and shared goals.
- Leadership and Management: Health education degrees often provide opportunities to develop leadership and management skills. This includes skills in project management, team coordination, budgeting, and program administration.
These skills make health education graduates well-equipped to work in a range of settings, including healthcare organizations, government agencies, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and community-based programs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a health education degree offers valuable knowledge, skills, and opportunities for individuals seeking to make a positive impact on public health and promote healthy behaviors. The multidisciplinary nature of health education equips graduates with a versatile skill set that can be applied in various professional settings.
Whether working as health educators, community health workers, program coordinators, or policy analysts, individuals with a health education degree can design and implement effective health promotion strategies, communicate health information, and engage with diverse populations. With a growing emphasis on preventive healthcare and health promotion, a health education degree is increasingly relevant and provides graduates with the tools to contribute to improved health outcomes and empower individuals and communities to make informed decisions about their well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions about health education degrees
Here are five frequently asked questions about the usefulness of a health education degree, along with their answers:
- What career opportunities are available with a health education degree?
A degree in health education opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities. Graduates can work as health educators, community health workers, public health program coordinators, health policy analysts, patient educators, and wellness coordinators. They can find employment in healthcare organizations, government agencies, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and community-based programs.
- How does a degree in health education contribute to public health?
A degree in health education equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to promote healthy behaviors, prevent diseases, and address health disparities. Health educators play a vital role in developing and implementing evidence-based health education degrees, conducting community assessments, advocating for health policies, and communicating health information effectively. By empowering individuals and communities to make informed decisions about their health, health education professionals contribute to improving public health outcomes.
- Can a health education degree lead to a fulfilling and rewarding career?
Yes, a health education degree can lead to a fulfilling and rewarding career. Health education professionals have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of individuals and communities by promoting health and well-being. They play a crucial role in educating and empowering others to adopt healthy behaviors, make informed choices, and navigate the healthcare system. Seeing the positive changes and improvements in the health and well-being of individuals and communities can be highly rewarding for health education professionals.
- How does a health education degree align with current healthcare trends?
A health education degree aligns well with current healthcare trends that focus on preventive care and health promotion. With the rising burden of chronic diseases and the importance of lifestyle factors in overall health, the need for health education professionals is increasing. The emphasis on community-based interventions, health equity, and patient education also highlights the relevance and usefulness of a health education degree in addressing these contemporary healthcare challenges.
- Can a degree education degree lead to opportunities for professional growth?
Absolutely! A health education degree provides a solid foundation for professional growth and advancement. Graduates can pursue advanced degrees, such as a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) or a Doctorate in Health Education, to gain further expertise in specialized areas of public health. They can also obtain certifications, such as the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), to enhance their professional credentials.
Additionally, health education professionals can engage in continuing education, attend conferences, join professional organizations, and network with colleagues to stay updated with the latest research, trends, and best practices in the field, fostering ongoing professional growth.