EMPLOYMENT: Health educators held about 66,200 jobs in 2008. They work primarily in two industries,
with 51 percent working in healthcare and social assistance and 23 percent working
in government. In addition, a small percent of health educators work in grant-making
services and social advocacy organizations.
Health educators attempt to prevent illnesses by informing and educating individuals
and communities about health-related topics, such as proper nutrition, the importance
of exercise, how to avoid sexually transmitted diseases, and the habits and behaviors
necessary to avoid illness. They begin by assessing the needs of their audience, which
includes determining the appropriate topics to cover. For example, they may hold programs
on self-examination for breast cancer to women or may teach classes on the effects
of binge drinking to college students. Health educators must take the cultural norms
of their audience into account. For example, programs targeted at the elderly need
to be different from those aimed at a college-aged population.
After assessing their audiences' needs, health educators must decide how to meet those
needs. Health educators have a lot of options in putting together programs. They may
organize an event, such as a lecture, class, demonstration or health screening, or
they may develop educational material, such as a video, pamphlet or brochure. Often,
these tasks require working with other people in a team or on a committee. Health
educators must plan programs that are consistent with the goals and objectives of
their employers. For example, many nonprofit organizations educate the public about
one disease or health topic, and, therefore, limit the programs they issue.
Next, health educators need to implement their proposed plan. This may require locating
funding by applying for grants, writing curriculums for classes, or creating materials
that would be made available to the public. Also, programs may require dealing with
logistical tasks, such as finding speakers or locations for the event.
Generally, after a program is presented, health educators evaluate its success. Methods
of evaluation vary based on the program in question. For example, they may ask participants
to provide feedback using a survey about the program. Through evaluation, health educators
can improve plans for the future by learning from mistakes and capitalizing on strengths.
Although programming is a large part of their job, health educators also serve as
a resource on health topics. This may include locating services, reference material,
and other resources and referring individuals or groups to organizations or medical
professionals.
Even though all health educators share the same overarching goal, their duties can
vary depending on where they work. Most health educators work in medical care settings,
colleges and universities, schools, public health departments, nonprofit organizations,
and private business.
JOB OUTLOOK:
Employment of health educators is expected to grow faster than the average for all
occupations, and job prospects are expected to be favorable.
Employment change. Employment of health educators is expected to grow by 18 percent, which is faster
than the average for all occupations through 2018. Growth will result from the rising
cost of healthcare.
The rising cost of healthcare has increased the need for health educators. As healthcare
costs continue to rise, insurance companies, employers, and governments are attempting
to find ways to curb costs. One of the more cost-effective ways is to employ health
educators to teach people how to live healthy lives and avoid costly treatments for
illnesses. There are a number of illnesses, such as lung cancer, HIV, heart disease
and skin cancer, that may be avoided with lifestyle changes. Health educators are
necessary to help the public better understand the effects of their behavior on their
health. Other illnesses, such as breast and testicular cancer, are best treated with
early detection, so it is important for people to understand how to detect possible
problems on their own. The need to provide the public with this kind of information
will result in State and local governments, hospitals, and businesses employing a
growing number of health educators.
Job prospects. Job prospects for health educators are expected to be favorable, but those who have
acquired experience through internships or volunteer jobs will have better prospects.
A graduate degree is preferred by employers in public health and for non-entry-level
positions.
Reference: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos063.htm
