A health educator, just as the job title defines, is someone who is educating on health. A health educator is someone who is working in the medical health fraternity which includes facilities like hospitals, public health facilities and any medical care facility. As a health educator, one is supposed to smooth the progress of educating patients about their health. The main things that health educators teach about are diabetes, general nutrition, how to stop smoking, childbirth education and sometimes sex education.
In the United States, entry level jobs like the health educator job's description may vary with different facilities but there are those duties and roles that are defined in the health educator jobs market. The health worker's main importance is to promote healthy wellness and living styles, and this they do by enlightening the community, patients and generally all individuals about the different activities that promotes healthy living e.g. by educating on how to avoid sexually transmitted diseases, proper nutrition, the importance of exercising, how to quit smoking, and how to practice the habits that will help one avoid illnesses.
However, the type of education is determined by the audience. This is so because a health educator cannot go lecturing non smokers on how to stop smoking. The cultural standards and beliefs of the audience also determine how the health educator is going to conduct the education. After this evaluation, the health educator then decides on the mode of education which is done by either organizing lectures, classes, demonstrations, through pamphlets, demonstrations, health screening, audios and visuals. Like any other job in the health educator jobs market or any field, team work is very important. The health educator is expected to be a team worker because they have to work with other people in planning these programs. After planning the program, the health educators are now expected to put into practice the program. It is imperative to note that the program has to go in line with the employers requirements. It is also very important to note that such programs require a lot of money that employers don't have. It is therefore the role of a health educator to draw the budget and to solicit funds by applying for grants.
Making curriculum for the modules and availing written materials for the audience is also under the jurisdiction of a health educator. After accomplishing all this, the employer expects the health educator to be able to find speakers who are familiar with the classes, and also to identify suitable locations where the classes are going to take place. Most employers in the health educator job industry require reports of successes of the project, and it is the role of the educator to carry out an evaluation of the success of the event. They mostly do this by conducting interviews with the participants on what their point of view is regarding the program, and what should be improved. It is also the work of a health educator to refer people to specialized medical professionals. This they do by researching and making materials for references.
Employment Opportunities
As an entry level job, there are a lot of opportunities presenting themselves for health educators. Most of them work in medical care facilities, universities and colleges, private businesses, non profit organizations, public health departments and sometimes even schools. Due to the nature of the work of health educators, their job may require them to work with the patients and their families in order to be able to diagnose their problems correctly and fully and to be able to offer a lasting and effective solution. In universities, colleges and schools, among other things, a health educator may be required to develop curriculum for the health departments, and teach subjects that are related to health physical education and science subjects.
In the public sector, the health worker jobs biggest employer is the government. However, the educator may not be fully in control of the entire program, because he may be required to give programs that are doctored by the state or the local departments. Their main job in the public sector is to inform members of the public on the changing health policies. NGOs work hand in hand with the public sector departments.
Due to the rise in the cost of living, thanks to the daily changing economy and global warming, the cost of health care has been on the rise. Insurance companies, together with the many employers and the government, are all out and looking for health educators who will be able to educate people on how to live healthy and cut the cost of health care. Similarly, entry level jobs like the health educator jobs are projected to grow very fast, because many people have started to appreciate the importance and the role of health educators who are qualified.
In entry level jobs especially as health educators, the market is inflated with qualified health educators and the fact that many employers are looking for qualified educators. It is obvious that the demand is not going down hill, at least not in the near future.
Qualifications
To be considered for this entry level job, a bachelor's degree is basically required. However, some employers may require experience which is mostly gained through volunteer work or internship. If a health educator needs to advance, a master's degree comes in handy. In the United States, some employers may require the educators to be Certified Health Educator Specialists by the relevant authorities. Public relation skills may also be required because of dealing with people.
Earnings
Expected earnings for the health educator industry vary with different facilities. For the general medical fraternity, the earnings for entry level jobs starts from $40,890, while the state government and local government offers $33,100 and 32, 420 respectively. Individual and family services offer $25,760. Other outpatient care centers offer $27,530.
Conclusion
For one who is qualified, entry level jobs as health educators will favor you, especially considering the fact that the health educator jobs market is in need of so many educators.
