National
| Median wages (2008) |
$21.16 hourly, $44,000 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
62,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Much faster than average (21% or higher)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
23,000 additional employees |
21-1091.00 - Health Educators
Promote, maintain, and improve individual and community health by assisting individuals and communities to adopt healthy behaviors. Collect and analyze data to identify community needs prior to planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programs designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, policies and environments. May also serve as a resource to assist individuals, other professionals, or the community, and may administer fiscal resources for health education programs.
Sample of reported job titles:
Health Educator, Public Health Educator, Clinical Instructor, Community Health Consultant, Health Promotion Specialist, Certified Diabetes Educator, Child Development Specialist, Clinical Nurse Educator, Community Health Education Coordinator, Education Coordinator
Tasks
- Document activities and record information, such as the numbers of applications completed, presentations conducted, and persons assisted.
- Develop and present health education and promotion programs, such as training workshops, conferences, and school or community presentations.
- Develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with agencies and organizations interested in public health care.
- Prepare and distribute health education materials, including reports, bulletins, and visual aids such as films, videotapes, photographs, and posters.
- Develop operational plans and policies necessary to achieve health education objectives and services.
- Collaborate with health specialists and civic groups to determine community health needs and the availability of services and to develop goals for meeting needs.
- Maintain databases, mailing lists, telephone networks, and other information to facilitate the functioning of health education programs.
- Supervise professional and technical staff in implementing health programs, objectives, and goals.
- Design and conduct evaluations and diagnostic studies to assess the quality and performance of health education programs.
- Provide program information to the public by preparing and presenting press releases, conducting media campaigns, or maintaining program-related web sites.
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Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
| Desktop computers |
| Notebook computers — Laptop computers |
| Overhead projectors — Overhead display projectors |
| Personal digital assistant PDAs or organizers — Personal digital assistants PDA |
| Photocopiers — Photocopying equipment |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Data base user interface and query software — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC WONDER; Microsoft Access |
| Graphics or photo imaging software — Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop software |
| Office suite software — Microsoft Office software |
| Presentation software — Microsoft PowerPoint |
| Word processing software — Microsoft Word |
