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Online Education Guide

Guide to College Majors in Health Promotion & Education

What is Health Promotion?

The discipline of Health Promotion and Education, also called Wellness Studies, aspires to educate communities in the skills needed to maintain personal health. Personal health of individuals within a society makes for a healthy society. This is the motivation behind the professional Health Educator.

Health Promotion professionals emphasize improvements in:

• diet,
• exercise,
• vitamins,
• positive attitudes and behavior.

This process may seem simplistic, but students who take on Health Promotion as a career become intimately familiar with the intricacies of physical health and the challenges of motivating a society toward awareness of health issues.

What does a Health Promoter and Educator do?

Professionals in the Health Promotion and Education field create many health education programs. Such programs educate the public on health issues as diverse as:

• Obstetrics
• Tobacco prevention
• HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention
• Dental disease prevention
• Bone disease prevention
• Heart disease prevention
• Teenage pregnancy prevention
• Maternal and child health
• Emergency medical practices
• Immunizations

Health promoters and educators apply their knowledge and skill directly with the community. In most cases, they work directly with people. Health Education and Promotion programs focus on the health and well being of people in society, as opposed to academic institutes concerned with research and theory.

Fields of study that serve as the foundation for Health Promotion and Education include:

• biological studies,
• health communication,
• human development,
• public health,
• health services, and
• health psychology.

Inspiring Healthy Decisions

• Organizing and motivating the community to work toward the common goal of overcoming health issues.
• Utilizing modern technology and up-to-date information to help entire communities promote the health of each individual.
• Organizing and implementing programs that promote healthy living.
• Studying, maintaining and evaluating public programs that promote healthy living.
• Organizing groups and coalitions that advocate health awareness in government and enact or change policies to this end.

Do you have what it takes?

Health Education is a rigorous profession. Before embarking upon any challenging course of study you will want to make sure that this field is right for you. This field requires intensive study. It is something of a combination of science and social work.

You will facilitate and organize groups of people to achieve a common goal. You will work with issues of biological, psychological, social, physical, and medical natures. As a health promoter and educator you will develop and implement strategies for improving our collective habits, attitudes, and behaviors. Such strategies demand spending extended energy on the understanding of a society's approach to diet, exercise, and other habits.

What are the benefits of a career in Health Education?

Key Skills of Certified Health Education Specialists

• Assess individual and community needs. Health educators must be careful not to impose their own agenda on a community without first understanding the real wishes of its residents. Otherwise, programs will meet with significant resistance on the way to failure. Skilled educators can integrate surveys and polls into the first phase of a long-term program to test the waters for future outreach.
  
  
• Plan and develop health education programs. Based on professional assessments, health educators work in teams to strategize long-term rollouts of their programs. By prioritizing program elements based on budgets and public demand, effective educators build awareness of their program long before providing key services in target areas.
  
  
• Implement health education programs. After developing core strategies and building public demand, health educators must hit the streets to deliver their messages. Depending on the kind of program, educators may use a variety of mass media and direct client contact to execute their plans.
  
  
• Manage programs and personnel. Skilled health education professionals oversee teams of specialists that work together to deliver program services directly to target communities. Team leaders often recruit publicists, community organizers, social workers, teachers, clergy, and other key people to execute successful programs. Juggling the schedules of these team members and providing them with resources becomes the central focus of the project manager.
  
  
• Evaluate health education programs. To justify continued funding and to gauge the effectiveness of programs, health educators develop a set of metrics they can use to quantify program results. Much like the process of evaluating customer service in a private business, program leaders must know quickly if programs fail to meet the objectives from the original plan.
  
  
• Act to change governmental policy. Health education and promotion does not just take place in neighborhoods and in hospitals. Many health educators participate in grassroots lobbying efforts to help enlighten lawmakers about the needs of individuals and the effects of health care legislation. Professional health educators meet with politicians, organize rallies, and inform voters about changes to health care policies.
  
  
• Build coalitions. Even experienced health educators can have little impact without the support of community leaders and influential tastemakers. By involving community organizations, hospitals, politicians, research foundations, and other supporters, health educators can leverage the power of networks to accelerate the growth of their programs.
  
  
• Identify resources and make referrals. Health education and promotion professionals view themselves as part of a tight network of people committed to wellness in their community. During the course of developing or administering programs, team leaders and staff members often encounter individuals who require more direct medical attention. Educators prepare their teams to refer such people to qualified doctors or treatment centers, especially when dealing with cases of abuse, alcoholism, or chronic illness.
  
  
• Develop audio, visual, and print materials. Though many health education programs focus on building strong presences in a community, health educators develop support materials to draw more people to live events and to support their overall learning objective. Some health educators rely on experienced production companies and ad agencies to develop multimedia campaigns. Other agencies and education specialists develop these materials in-house, using new technologies to save money and time.
  
  
• Mobilize communities for action. The most successful health education programs empower community residents to take charge of their own lives long after the end of the campaign. Most professionals develop timelines for programs with a fixed end date to appeal to funding sources that might be reluctant to support open-ended efforts. Therefore, educators rely on community leaders to help take charge and keep the energy of the program building in local areas even after the professionals have moved on to new projects.
  
  
• Train volunteers. Many health education programs, especially those that involve large, live events, rely on the "sweat equity" of community volunteers. These supporters come from all walks of life. Some are skilled professionals that lend targeted expertise to areas like construction or event production. Most volunteers simply want to help in any way possible. Program coordinators must anticipate training volunteers to learn essential skills to make the education program a success. Without effective training and supervision, volunteers can eat into time and resources meant to help community members.
  
  
• Conduct research. Though many health education programs move forward an existing agenda, they also present an opportunity to conduct important research into medical conditions in targeted communities. Health educators can often find additional funding for their programs by piggybacking their education efforts with research programs that can measure the current state of community health. As a result, researchers can return to the communities and more effectively measure the impact of the educational programs. Positive results often encourage educators and funders to replicate the programs in other target areas.
  
  
• Write grant applications. Health educators rely on corporate backers, on government agencies, and on private foundations to provide the funding for their programs. Because competition for funding can be fierce, many heath education professionals learn how to write effective grant applications. The strongest applications project clear results that connect directly to the missions of the companies and organizations funding the projects. Program directors with strong track records of meeting goals and providing opportunities for positive publicity often earn the largest funding awards.
  
  
• Write and present scholarly papers. Though health educators spend much of their time working with members of their target populations, experienced professionals understand the importance of reporting results back to the medical community. Therefore, usually as part of the final phase of their programs, team leaders coordinate the research and composition of journal articles and other scholarly papers. These reports serve an important role to remind doctors and other medical professionals of the importance of community outreach and education. They also provide blueprints for other educators to replicate programs to achieve even better results in their own neighborhoods.

Personal Qualities of Successful Health Education and Promotion Professionals

• Do I like working with people?
• Do I work well with others in a collaborative manner for a single purpose?
• Am I interested in how we use and care for our bodies?
• Am I interested in working as an educator?
• Do I enjoy distributing knowledge and understanding?
• Am I willing and able to embark on a specialized field of study?
• Would I consider myself a people-person?
• Do I care if people are healthy?
• Am I concerned by the eating habits in my society?
• Am I aware of my own diet and exercise habits?

If you answered yes to the above questions, your personality may be suitable for a career in Health Promotion and Education.

Career Education in Health Promotion

Undergraduate and Graduate degree and certificate programs

Associate of Applied Science Degree

Graduates often begin their first full-time jobs after graduation in clinical, corporate, or community settings.

Below is a list of skills and subjects students may be expected to learn in an Associate in Applied Science degree program:

• how to develop a fitness program
• how to assess fitness
• program administration
• sexuality education
• drug education
• human health and wellness
• nutrition

Associate degree programs generally require applicants to hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent, and to have earned a 2.0 GPA in lower level math and science courses.

Bachelor of Arts Degree

Coursework in a four-year Bachelor of Arts program will be more in-depth and rigorous than that of an Associate's degree program. It will prepare students for a wider variety of occupations upon graduation.

The coursework develops skills beyond the foundational courses. The elements of biology, psychology, and social studies will be absorbed early in the program. More specialized courses may include such subjects as:

• skills in writing and oral presentations
• health and social theory courses
• computer technology
• developing leadership skills

Bachelor of Arts programs produce skilled and competent professionals. Therefore, the curriculum includes a well-rounded education as well as specialist knowledge. Students understand current trends in diet and health as well as traditional best practices. Students will learn about the most urgent health concerns, the factors that cause those current issues, and effective solutions that may be implemented.

Generally, a B.A. in Health Promotion will not require practical assessments and fieldwork. Institutions that offer a degree in Health Promotion and Education also offer closely related degrees such as Health Studies, Health Care Law and Ethics, or Health Service Management.

Master of Science in Health Promotion Management

The Master of Science degree track takes the study of Health Promotion and Education to the next level. Generally, Masters of Science are two-year programs. Undergraduate degrees in health sciences may not be required for admission into a M.S. program although the successful completion of certain health science related courses might be required.

The Master's level curriculum integrates the foundations of science that students acquired in the undergraduate program with a deeper scientific understanding. In addition, students gain business skills and experience in the art of health promotion.

Master of Science in Health Promotion Management programs qualify students for jobs in corporate and private settings. Professionals work in leadership and management positions in health care clinics, hospitals, schools, or nonprofit organizations.

Depending on the institution, a variety of focuses may be available to suit the interest of the individual. These may include Health Communication, Exercise Physiology, or a more corporate track of study.

Master of Science in Health Education

A Master of Science in Health Education differs from the Master programs that specialize in Health Promotion by gearing the curriculum toward teaching. Graduates will be qualified as instructors of health-related issues.

Online Master of Science Programs

With the prevalence of distance learning programs today, many institutions offer on-line versions of their Master of Science Programs. The credibility of an on-line program will match that of the institution that offers the program. The prerequisites and admission guidelines will also be similar to on-campus educational models. Students need not be concerned with the accreditation of distance learning programs provided the college that offers the program is sufficiently accredited for its campus-based programs.

Online degree programs serve the needs of students that cannot enroll in an on-campus program because of geographic or time constraints. The coursework will be done on-line under the instruction of a properly qualified educator.

As the number one resource for distance-learning degree programs, World Wide Learn offers a comprehensive list of accredited on-line programs available in Health Promotion and Education. The distance learning Master of Science program is designed for professionals who want to enhance their skills in designing, implementing, and evaluating public strategies for improving disease prevention.

Most coursework and communication with instructors happen on the Internet. Students may be required to view videotapes and participate in on-line discussions.

Ph.D. in Health Services / Health Promotion and Education

Ph.D. programs are considered "terminal degrees". The Ph.D. student tackles the challenge of developing solutions to significant public health issues and applying research findings directly to these challenges.

The doctorate program prepares students for the most advanced professional positions in the field. These opportunities demand that the individual be fluent in the medical, social, political, ethical, economic, and psychological factors that contribute to promoting public health.

Skills developed specifically in this program include an emphasis on research skills. Such skills will be vital to any career in either governmental or non-governmental environments.

Many online Ph.D. programs are organized in much the same way as on-campus programs. Distance learning doctorate programs in Health Promotion and Management will qualify students for the same opportunities as any other Ph.D. program.

Universities offering online health promotion degree programs:

Walden University - Ph.D. in Health Promotion and Education Online
A.T. Still University - Online Health Education Degree
Touro University International - Online MS in Health Education

What can you do with a College Degree in Health Promotion?

Career options for aspiring health educators

The working atmosphere and demands expected in this career depend on a student's chosen specialty. Many positions require professionals to perform some or all of the following tasks:

• planning health education activities
• conducting workshops on health concerns
• identifying target populations
• developing public media campaigns
• conducting pre-program and post-program surveys
• providing screening services for individuals
• performing follow-up evaluations

• Non-Profits
  Large organizations, such as the American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association, rely on Health Promotion and Education graduates to pursue organizational missions. Non-profits generally employ educators to help design programs and strategies, give presentations on health awareness to communities, train volunteers, raise funds, and organize special events.
  
  
• Clinical Settings
  Within the clinical setting, many of the same skills will be utilized, with the addition of other more clinical skills. For this reason, a clinical background is useful as a complement to education is a career in a clinical setting is pursued.
  
  
• Corporate
  Health educators enjoy a variety of opportunities in the corporate realm. Many corporations want to improve the health awareness of their employees. This is in response to a recent trend in research signifying that health promotion programs enhance employee attitudes, reduce absenteeism, and lower stress. All these factors make for a better and healthier working environment while lowering health care costs.
  
  Large, in-house programs employ health educators while smaller companies will hire consultants for temporary workshops. Aside from providing general practice guidelines that assist the corporate community in improving its diet and exercise behavior, these programs often include individual needs assessments. This process determines what each worker can change to improve their stress management, weight management, recreation, or nutrition.
  
  
• Emergency Medical Field
  Those holding an education in Health Education and Management can also receive EMS training to work in the field. Some of the jobs available in this realm include work in hospitals, ambulance, fire service, law enforcement and clinical health care.
  
  Health education develops skills in public speaking, program planning, evaluation and implementation of strategies. The prevention of illnesses and promotion of health greatly affects emergency care professionals. Health Education professionals are having a stronger impact in this neighboring field.
  
  
• Public Schools
  Professionals wanting to work directly as educators may look to the public school system. The real work of health promotion begins with the altering the perceptions and behavior of the youth.

Explore Related Degree Programs

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