Health Education Jobs

The rapid expansion of the health care industry is causing a parallel increase in the demand for health educators. The two entities are closely dependent on each other because the American Association for Health Education helps prepare a workforce that then feeds into the overall health care industry. The world of health education contains elements of biology, physics, medicine, environmental science and psychology--all of which develop a system that can teach individuals how to sustain healthy lives and healthy behavior.

History

The American Association for Health Education was created over 50 years ago. Its mission is to train educators so they can raise the standards of health education in the U.S. school system. Their role has increased over the decades as new health problems have emerged--HIV and AIDS, drug abuse, skin cancers, lung cancer and teenage pregnancies.

Functions

The function of all health education jobs is to teach students, parents, institutions and communities about health. Maintaining your health requires not only knowledge but also an attitude geared toward healthy behavior. The job of health educators is to spread health knowledge and influence society to raise its health standards.

Types

Health educators have many different jobs open to them. Many health education jobs are located in U.S. schools. A single school district might have health teachers, health coordinators, health counselors, health advocates and health researchers. Many health educators specialize in implementing health programs in school districts, while others write grants for health projects. Some health educators write scholarly articles while others specialize in assembling communities under health plans.

Benefits

Being involved in the health education industry has many benefits. A solid health education program can improve the health conditions of entire communities, even nations. Educating parents helps reduce the number of premature deaths. Strong health education committees can save communities, corporations and nations millions of dollars because they focus on preventing health crises before they occur.

Potential

Once trained and properly qualified, a health educator has almost limitless potential in making an impact in the world. The health care industry is in demand for health care educators and the world is in need of their help. Health educators can take part in potentially raising the quality of life for the entire world.

Resources

• American Association for Health Education