HEALTH EDUCATOR


Health educators work with individuals and communities promoting preventative health care by developing and presenting health education programs. They help to assess the health needs of communities to improve health practices. Topics a health educator may address are: smoking, nutrition, exercise, high blood pressure, infant mortality, teenage pregnancy, drug and alcohol abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV and AIDS. Other activities include research, writing educational materials, writing grant proposals, developing newsletters and organizing community groups to address health concerns and issues.

Education

Bachelors and masters degrees are available in health education but a masters degree is usually preferred.

Registration/Certification/Licensure

Kentucky does not require licensure but health educators may become certified health education specialists (CHES) through the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc.

Salary

$20,000-35,000

Employment Opportunities

Health educators may work in health departments, hospitals, government agencies, community/volunteer organizations, schools or businesses. They may also work as an independent consultant.

Programs

Eastern Kentucky University, Dept. of Health Promotion & Administration (859) 622-1142
Morehead State University, Dept. of Health, Physical Education and Recreation (606) 783-2180
Murray State University, Dept. of Health, Physical Education and Recreation (270) 762-4423
Northern Kentucky University, School of Education (859) 572-5194 
University of Kentucky, Dept. of Kinesiology and Health Promotion (859) 257-5826
University of Louisville, Dept. of Health Promotions, Physical Education and Sports Studies  (502) 852-6645
Western Kentucky University, Dept. of Public Health (270) 745-4797

Professional Associations

American Association of Health Education
1900 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1599
(800) 213-7193		 American Public Health Association
800 I St. NW
Washington, DC 20001-3710
(202) 777-2742		 Kentucky Public Health Association
P.O. Box 1091
Frankfort, KY 40602-1091
(502) 875-2255

Last updated:  June 26, 2001