The job of health education specialists is to design, create, and deliver information and education to people about health problems, prevention measures, treatment options, and medical facts. They are health information consultants and provide training in the information technology field. This field involves information communication and management. Health education specialists are involved in the design, preparation, implementation, evaluation, and communication of health education programs for health care professionals and other individuals who contribute to patient care.
These health education specialists are responsible for the management and development of health education programs and educational campaigns. They organize and conduct periodic re-educational programs for professionals and students in all health care professions, including nurses, doctors, pharmacists, physicians, and other health care workers. They also train students in the latest technology and computer applications. They evaluate the effectiveness of clinical guidelines and perform quality assurance tests. These specialists work with the public and establish and implement educational programs in schools, colleges, health care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and other institutions. They also train teachers in health education.
In United States, there are approximately 11.5 percent of the total number of health education specialists. These specialists work in colleges, hospitals, health care facilities, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, government agencies, schools, and other institutions. Some work in health information management services to promote and improve health care, develop and maintain health education databases, and develop or manage health education programs. Some work in the research, development and implementation of health care education programs.
Health education specialists prepare and distribute health education materials and offer advice to patients, health care professionals, educators, and organizations on health issues. They write and produce pamphlets, brochures, books, technical papers, videos, and audio materials on health care issues. They conduct seminars and workshops and train individuals on the latest developments in health care. In the field of public health, they may be associated with environmental or animal protection, occupational or community health, epidemiology and nutrition, public health administration, or food safety.
There are many health education specialists who have advanced training in various allied health disciplines such as nursing, medical, dentistry, optometry, physical therapy, pharmacy, physician assistants, nurses-in-training, and psychologists. Some specialize in specific areas of health like allergy treatments, cancer control, general health management, nutritional counseling, and weight loss. Others are employed in state and federal health departments. A few work in universities and teaching hospitals.
The health care education specialists usually have a bachelor’s degree in health education or health care administration. The vast number of individuals in the United States who are employed in this field is a testament of the growing demand for health care specialists. The job outlook for this profession is positive as long as the health care system increases its preventive measures and maintains a sound balance in the use of pharmaceuticals and biological medicines. As more people become aware of their health and become more concerned about preventing chronic diseases, the number of health care specialists will rise and the quality of health care will improve.
