Health Education Specialist
Medical Assistant & Health Sciences
A program that focuses on the biological, behavioral, and socio-cultural determinants of health and health behavior, and the interventions and policies aimed at improving community and population health.
What Health Education Specialists Do
A program that focuses on the biological, behavioral, and socio-cultural determinants of health and health behavior, and the interventions and policies aimed at improving community and population health.
Common Tasks
Health Education Specialists
- 1Prepare and distribute health education materials, such as reports, bulletins, and visual aids, to address smoking, vaccines, and other public health concerns.
- 2Develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with agencies and organizations interested in public health care.
- 3Maintain databases, mailing lists, telephone networks, and other information to facilitate the functioning of health education programs.
- 4Document activities and record information, such as the numbers of applications completed, presentations conducted, and persons assisted.
- 5Develop and present health education and promotion programs, such as training workshops, conferences, and school or community presentations.
What You'll Learn
Types of Health Education Specialists
Work Environment
Locations
- • Public health departments
- • Hospitals and health systems
- • Community health clinics
- • Nonprofit community organizations
- • Schools and universities
Schedule
Most roles follow a regular weekday schedule, with occasional evenings or weekends for community events, workshops, or outreach.
Physical Demands
Work is mostly sedentary with significant computer and desk time, plus periodic standing and walking during presentations or community visits. Repetitive motions (typing and documentation) are common, but heavy lifting is rare.
Salary & Job Outlook
National Employment: 426,499 jobs
Top Paying States
Why Demand May Grow
Demand may rise as chronic disease prevention, vaccination outreach, and health equity initiatives expand in communities and healthcare systems. Employers are also using more data-driven programs to improve outcomes and reduce costs, increasing need for staff who can plan and evaluate interventions.
Skills You'll Need
Pros & Cons
Pros
- • Meaningful work improving community health
- • Generally predictable hours compared with many clinical roles
- • Strong need for communication and people skills
- • Opportunities across nonprofits, government, and healthcare
- • Work can include both office and community-based activities
Cons
- • Funding can be grant-dependent and uncertain
- • Emotional strain when working with high-need populations
- • Significant documentation and reporting requirements
- • Program outcomes can be slow to show measurable change
- • May require travel within the community for outreach
Common Questions About the Health Education Specialist Trade
Ready to Get Started?
Not Sure This Trade is Right?
Take our free career quiz to discover trades that match your interests and skills.
Take the Career Quiz