Health Educator/Promoter

Health educators/promoters provide information and knowledge on health issues and concerns to the public. They address lifestyle and health issues such as nutrition, diabetes, HIV/STDs, substance abuse, and pregnancy. Professionals in this field work with a variety of topics including both lifestyle issues and general health concerns. Health educators/promoters may also participate in research projects throughout the health care industry. The goal of health educators/promoters is to prevent disease and promote health through knowledge and behavior change.

Work Environment
Health educators/promoters work in a variety of areas. Many work for local health departments, schools and colleges, community and volunteer organizations, and corporations.

Job Outlook
The job outlook is good. The need for health educators/promoters will increase with the shifting focus on preventative health care by the medical and corporate community.

Length of Training/
Requirements

A four-year bachelor's degree in health studies and/or community health is required. Graduate and doctoral degrees are also available within the field.

Salary
Salary depends on education, geography, job setting, and experience. Current salaries range from $37,000 - $68,000+.

Educational Programs Bachelor's/Master's Degrees
Baylor University
Lamar University
Prairie View A&M University
Sam Houston State University
Southwest Texas State University
Stephen F. Austin State University
Texas A&M University - College Station
Texas A&M University - Commerce


Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi
Texas A&M University - Kingsville
Texas Southern University
Texas Tech University
Texas Woman's University

The University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at El Paso
The University of Texas at San Antonio
The University of Texas at Tyler
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
The University of Texas Houston Health Science Center
The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
The University of Texas Pan American at Edinburg
The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas
University of Houston
University of North Texas
University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth

Professional Associations
American Public Health Association
1015 15th St. NW
Washington, DC 20005
202/789-5600

American Association for Health Education
1900 Association Dr.
Reston, VA 20191
703/476-6638
Toll free: 800/213-7193

National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc.
475 Riverside Dr., Ste. 740
New York, NY 10115
212/870-2047

Society for Public Health Education
2001 Addison St., Ste. 220
Berkeley, CA 94704
202/408-9804

Texas Department of Public Health
1100 West 49th Street
Austin, TX 78756-3199
512/458-7111
Toll free: 888/963-7111


Health Career Pages information is one of many health careers resources available from AHEC centers. Please contact your regional center for further information and career counseling services.