How to Be Public Health Educator - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 3, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Lack of physical activity has a direct effect on public health. Inactivity has been linked to a variety of chronic diseases and conditions including obesity, heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and depression. As a result, public health educators are working to encourage individuals to adopt healthy lifestyles that include regular physical activity. By educating the public on the importance of physical activity and creating access to facilities and programs that promote it, public health educators are helping to reduce the risks associated with inactivity and improve overall public health.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. The first step to becoming a public health educator is to earn a bachelor's degree in public health, health education, or a related field. Coursework may include anatomy and physiology, health communication, biostatistics, and community health.
Earn a Master's Degree. Most public health educator positions require candidates to have a master's degree. Graduate programs often offer a focus on public health education or health promotion. Relevant courses may cover topics such as program development, epidemiology, and health policy.
Obtain Certification. Some employers may prefer candidates who have received professional certification. The National Board of Public Health Examiners offers the Certified in Public Health (CPH) credential. Those who wish to become certified must have a master's degree in public health and take an exam.
Gather Work Experience. Many public health educators gain experience through volunteer work or internships. Students may be able to find opportunities at local hospitals, health departments, or nonprofit organizations.
Find a Job. Once the educational and professional requirements are met, individuals may begin applying for public health educator jobs. These professionals typically work in government agencies, hospitals, schools, or community organizations.

The lack of skilled and competent public health educators can have a detrimental effect on a communitys health. Without proper education and guidance, individuals are less likely to understand the importance of preventive health care, such as regular physicals, immunizations, and screenings. This can lead to an increase in preventable illnesses and diseases, a decrease in overall health and wellness, and an increase in healthcare costs.

without public health educators to provide guidance, individuals may be more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking, which can have long-term negative consequences for their health. Investing in skilled and competent public health educators is key to ensuring that communities have access to the information and resources they need to make informed decisions about their health.

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Job Description

Design and develop health education and promotion programs to improve public health.
Evaluate health needs of communities and develop strategies to address those needs.
Develop and implement health education campaigns and materials.
Provide educational presentations to community organizations, schools and businesses.
Create and administer surveys to assess health education needs in the community.
Collaborate with health care providers, government agencies and community organizations to increase access to health services.
Monitor the implementation of health programs and adjust as needed.
Collect and analyze data from health education programs to assess their effectiveness.
Disseminate health education information through social media and other methods.
Advocate for public health policies and initiatives.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of public health principles, practices, and procedures.
Understanding of the sources, causes, and effects of public health issues.
Ability to evaluate and interpret data related to public health.
Knowledge of relevant laws and regulations.
Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate health education plans and programs.
Knowledge of instructional methods and materials used in health education programs.
Skill in communicating effectively both orally and in writing.
Skill in working collaboratively with diverse groups and individuals.
Ability to identify and respond to emerging health issues and trends.
Skill in using technology to create and disseminate health education materials.

Good public health educators need to possess a variety of skills in order to be successful. One of the most important skills is the ability to communicate effectively. This includes being able to express concepts and ideas clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.

The ability to present complex information in an easy-to-understand format is also essential. public health educators must have well-developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills in order to analyze data, create and evaluate plans, and develop strategies that can help individuals make informed decisions about their health. Finally, public health educators must be able to build strong relationships with those around them in order to foster trust and encourage behavior change.

These skills are essential for providing effective public health education that can help improve the health of individuals and communities.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What motivated you to pursue a career as a public health educator?
What challenges have you faced in public health education and how did you address them?
How do you use data to inform public health education initiatives?
What strategies do you use to engage different audiences in public health education and outreach?
How do you develop effective educational materials and programs?
How have you worked with other stakeholders (e. g. community organizations, government agencies) to support public health initiatives?
What strategies do you use to evaluate the effectiveness of public health education programs?
What experience do you have with grant writing and fundraising for public health initiatives?
How do you ensure that your public health education programs are culturally competent and sensitive to diverse populations?
Describe a successful public health initiative that you have been involved in.

Common Tools in Industry

Community Outreach. A tool used to spread awareness and inform communities of health-related topics and resources. (eg: hosting health seminars in local neighborhoods)
Public Presentations. A tool used to share information and educate large groups of people about health-related topics. (eg: giving lectures in schools about the importance of handwashing)
Social Media. A tool used to create online conversations and engage with people about health-related topics. (eg: creating posts on Facebook about a new health initiative)
Webinars. A tool used to provide virtual information sessions about health-related topics. (eg: hosting a webinar about nutritional guidelines)
Surveys. A tool used to collect data and feedback from people about health-related topics. (eg: sending out a survey to gauge public opinion on a proposed healthcare policy)
Educational Materials. A tool used to provide people with educational resources about health-related topics. (eg: creating brochures about the importance of physical activity)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Public Health Association (APHA)
National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO)
Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE)
National Initiative for Children's Healthcare Quality (NICHQ)
Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO)
Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH)
American Association of Health Education (AAHE)
American School Health Association (ASHA)
National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC)
Council on Linkages Between Academia and Public Health Practice (CLASP)

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Common Important Terms

Epidemiology. The scientific study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states and events in specified populations, and the application of this study to control health problems.
Public Health. The science and practice of protecting and improving the health of a community, as by preventing or controlling diseases and injuries.
Health Promotion. The process of enabling people to increase control over, and to improve, their health.
Disease Prevention. Actions taken to reduce the likelihood of people becoming ill or developing a particular disease.
Health Education. The process of providing information and skills to individuals, organizations, and communities in order to foster a healthier lifestyle.
Behavioral Change. The process of changing an individual's behaviors in order to achieve a desired outcome.
Risk Reduction. Actions taken to reduce the likelihood of harm or injury occurring to individuals or populations.
Nutrition Education. The process of providing information about food and nutrition to individuals, organizations, and communities in order to foster healthier eating habits.
Health Communication. The use of communication strategies and tactics to increase knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to health topics.
Health Literacy. The degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Public Health Educator?

A Public Health Educator is a professional who works to promote health and wellness within a community by providing education and information about health-related topics.

What are the main duties of a Public Health Educator?

The primary duties of a Public Health Educator include creating educational materials, conducting health screenings and assessments, organizing public health events, and providing health advice and referrals.

What qualifications are necessary for a person to become a Public Health Educator?

Generally, the qualifications for a Public Health Educator include a degree in public health, health education, or a related field, as well as certification from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC).

How much does a Public Health Educator typically earn?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for Public Health Educators in 2019 was $45,360 per year.

What areas can a Public Health Educator specialize in?

Public Health Educators may specialize in areas such as maternal and child health, nutrition, infectious diseases, environmental health, sexual health, or disease prevention.

Web Resources

Public Health Educator: Salary, Job Description and Outlook mphdegree.usc.edu
How to Become a Public Health Educator | Tulane University publichealth.tulane.edu
Public Health Educator Overview about Career and Education www.humanservicesedu.org