The United States spends more on health care per person than any other nation — yet ranks 37th in terms of morbidity and mortality among developed countries.
As the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) attempts to reverse this paradox, one secret weapon in the health workforce is the health education specialist. They have a pivotal role in clinical care and public health by:
- Improving quality
- Controlling costs
- Optimizing patient satisfaction
- Addressing social determinants of health
- Promoting health at the individual, family, and community levels
The health educator occupation, recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor, is the fastest growing occupation — 19% from 2012 to 2022.
Over the last 30 years, the health education profession has undertaken rigorous psychometric research to verify competencies needed by health education practitioners working in schools, health care, and community and worksite settings.
These competencies strengthen the continuing education and professional preparation programs in schools and programs of public health.
Health educators may also pursue a voluntary certification known as Certified Health Education Specialist and/or Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) to further demonstrate their specialized qualifications and commitment to continuing education.
Employers in health care, worksites, and community settings who include health education specialists on their teams will have a competitive advantage in decreasing the country’s morbidity and mortality rates while promoting a culture of health.
