What You Should Know About This Degree
Health education encompasses a range of responsibilities related to promoting healthy living habits among individuals and communities.
Employees in this field are commonly separated into two distinct categories. Health educators work in healthcare facilities, government agencies, nonprofits, and schools to educate individuals about general or specific wellness topics and practices, and they help craft programs and policies to promote health and wellness education.
Community health workers seek to advance health education and wellness among specific communities and populations through community health centers and social service agencies and programs.
Before selecting a master’s in health education program, consider your personal and professional interests, and decide which of these specializations most interests you.
If you are interested in teaching health in a public school setting, you may be required to obtain a teaching license or certification, depending on the state in which you wish to teach. Be sure to review the state’s requirement for public school teachers before selecting a master’s in health education program, and confirm that you are completing the necessary educational requirements for your intended career path.
Although there is no mandatory credentialing for health educators, some employers may require you to have the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) credential, which is awarded by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). This certification demonstrates your expertise in health education.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching Online Master’s in Health Education programs:
- Am I eligible for this program? Some health education master’s programs require students to have prior education or professional experience in health education or a related field. Prior to applying, review the program’s eligibility requirements to confirm that you meet the minimum qualifications for admission.
- Are there any in-person requirements? Even if all of the coursework in a program can be completed through distance learning, some programs may have experiential learning components, such as internships. Review the program’s curriculum carefully to find out if there are any on-site elements of the program so that you can plan on accommodating them in your schedule and budget.
As part of your research process, get information about the programs’ application procedures and deadlines, and start collecting your application materials.
Funding your graduate education is another important consideration. Ask the schools you are applying to about scholarship and financial aid opportunities and deadlines. For individuals already employed in the healthcare field, your employer might offer tuition reimbursement or other financial support options for earning your master’s degree.