More Information About Health Education

What should I know when considering a degree in Health Education ?

Health Education Degrees, sometimes referred to as Heath Promotion Degrees, are for those who are committed to making a difference in the health of their community. Health educators promote wellness and healthy living to members of the community with a goal of increased awareness of the importance of health. In doing so, health educators hope to improve living standards and encourage people to make healthy changes to their lifestyle.

Health education comprises several different aspects related to wellness. These include emotional health and self image, care for the human body and physical fitness, weight control and dietary nutrition, sexual relationships and awareness of sexually transmitted diseases, drug and alcohol abuse and an understanding of health-related diseases.

Earning a health education degree will open many opportunities for entering the health and wellness community. This includes working in schools from primary to post secondary levels, in healthcare facilities such as hospitals and clinics, and for public health both at the local and the state department level. As explained by Colleen Teixeira from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, no matter what level of education you have obtained, or where you work, health educators all maintain the same mantra: if you've got your health, you've got everything.

Need for Health Educators

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a vital part of overall happiness and wellness. Unfortunately, the United States is in desperate need of a health makeover. According to BBC News, the United States is not even in the top 20 Healthiest Countries of the World. This comes as a huge shock to everyone. As the BBC suggests, America's low rates are partly due to the very poor standard of health and the high rates of coronary heart disease.

In addition to these concerning facts, the World Health Organization and Forbes report that the US weighs in with over 74 per cent of those 15 years and older considered overweight. The National Center for Health Statistics adds that 34 per cent of Americans 20 years and older are considered obese. These are shocking numbers. And, unfortunately, these numbers are on the rise.

Earning Potential

In light of these statistics, health education has become more important than ever and obtaining a degree in health education will not only provide you with a fulfilling career, but it can also help heighten awareness of this nation-wide problem. According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, health educators will see an increase of 26 per cent in jobs between 2006 and 2016. In 2006, those with a Health Education Degree made an average of $31,000 to $56,580 per year. However, those with a Masters Degree in Health Education and the appropriate experience make upward of $72,000 per year.

Earning a Health Education Degree

An online degree in Health Education is more valuable than ever before. According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, many employers in the future will prefer to hire those with a Masters Degree in Education. A Distance Education Masters Degree allows you to attain a degree to further enhance your career no matter where you are. Some programs offer classes exclusively over the Internet while others combine Internet use with in-person collaboration. So, no matter what your career and life demands of you, there are ways to enhance your job prospects, increase your salary earnings and strengthen your understanding in the field of Health Education.

Career Opportunities

There are several different career opportunities for those with a Health Education Degree. According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5 out of 10 health educators work in health care and social assistance and an additional 2 out of 10 work in state and local government. Public health educators and non-profit health educators work closely with the state and local health centers to heighten the level of health awareness in the community they serve.

Some health educators work in hospital and clinics providing one on one attention and care to their patients. This includes taking various health tests and providing valuable health counseling to patients. For example, a health educator working in a clinic may administer blood tests and then explain how lowering your intake of fatty foods will help lower blood pressure and prevent heart related complications.

Other job prospects for health educators include working in schools with students of all levels. In the United States, almost all states require health education as part of their curriculum. Educating students about sexual activities, healthy living, drug and alcohol abuse and personal hygiene are all vital to their upbringing and understanding of wellness. Other health educators work for their community and private businesses, raising awareness on the different elements of health and providing informative seminars on health-related programs such as first aid and CPR training.

Helping to educate your community on the importance of healthy living is a rewarding, challenging and fulfilling vocation that will not only benefit you, but also our entire nation.

Article Resources

BBC News
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/774434.stm

Forbes.com
http://www.forbes.com/2007/02/07/worlds-fattest-countries-forbeslife-cx_ls_0208worldfat.html

National Center for Health Statistics
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/07newsreleases/obesity.htm

The Bureau of Labor Statistics
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos063.htm

Teixeira, Colleen
http://www.bls.gov/opub/ooq/2007/summer/art03.pdf

The World Health Organization
http://www.who.int/infobase/compare.aspx

What are the leading schools offering programs in Health Education ?

• Walden University Walden University, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, offers Ph.D., master's and bachelor's degrees in management and doctoral and master's degrees in psychology, education and health and human services to meet the specific needs of adult learners. Walden University has over 30 years of experience delivering programs from a distance while maintaining its student-centered focus on quality and integrity. ( More Info )
• Grand Canyon University Graduate Programs Grand Canyon University is an accredited, private, Christian university located in Phoenix, AZ. The institution offers online and on-site graduate programs through the Ken Blanchard College of Business, College of Education, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, and College of Liberal Arts. GCU emphasizes individual attention for both traditional undergraduate students as well as the working professional. ( More Info )
• AT Still University Established in 1892, A.T. Still University has combined a history as a leader in health education with a strong reputation as an innovator in the field. Each program offers an interdisciplinary education for those students seeking intellectual and professional advancement. ( More Info )