Health Educator
Health educators inform people, groups and communities about the causes and prevention of health problems, especially those that relate to lifestyle, work and cultural factors. Health educators help others improve their health by providing counseling, planning programs and organizing community efforts. They may con-duct a community diagnosis to assess the health risks and local expertise in an area, and then plan a way to work with the community to reduce the risks and build on the strengths.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Health educators are employed by public health departments, schools, corporations and community, government or voluntary agencies.

HIGH SCHOOL PREPARATION
General college preparation is recommended: Three courses in math including algebra I, algebra II and geometry, or a higher level math course for which algebra II is a prerequisite; three science courses including one biological science, one physical science and one lab course; four English units and two social studies units, including one in U.S. History; and two years of foreign language.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
Health educators must earn a baccalaureate or master’s degree in health education. Studies cover public health research, theory and practice, social policy, health issues in different populations, community diagnosis, planning, management and evaluation techniques. To be recognized as a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), health educators must successfully complete a certification examination.

AVERAGE STARTING SALARY
$20,000 - $40,000.