What is a Public Health Educator Job?
A public health educator job involves working to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent illness in a community. Public health educators develop and implement educational programs to teach people about health risks and how to avoid them. They work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
What Usually Happens in This Position?
Public health educators typically identify the health needs of a community, design and implement programs to address those needs, and evaluate the effectiveness of their programs. They may also work with other healthcare professionals to develop policies that promote health and prevent disease.
Top 5 Skills for the Position
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to develop and implement effective educational programs
- Knowledge of public health principles and practices
- Ability to work well with diverse groups of people
- Strong organizational and time-management skills
How to Become a Public Health Educator
To become a public health educator, one typically needs a bachelor's degree in public health, health education, or a related field. Some employers may require a master's degree. Certification as a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) is also available and can enhance job prospects.
Average Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for health educators and community health workers was $46,910 as of May 2020. The highest 10 percent earned more than $74,660, while the lowest 10 percent earned less than $32,030.
Roles and Types
Public health educators can work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Some may specialize in certain areas of public health education, such as nutrition, sexual health, or substance abuse prevention.
Locations with the Most Popular Jobs in the USA
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, California, New York, and Texas have the highest levels of employment for health educators and community health workers. Other states with high levels of employment include Florida, Pennsylvania, and Illinois.
What are the Typical Tools Used?
Public health educators may use a variety of tools in their work, including educational materials such as brochures and videos, social media platforms, and community events. They may also use software programs to manage data and evaluate the effectiveness of their programs.
In Conclusion
Public health educators play an important role in promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing illness in communities. With the right education and skills, one can pursue a career in this field and make a positive impact on the health and well-being of others.