Start Your Journey to Become a Certified Health Education Specialist
Do you want to make a difference in the world by educating others about health and wellness? Are you keen on exploring a rewarding career as a certified health education specialist? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Becoming a certified health education specialist (CHES) isn’t easy, but it’s definitely worth the effort. It requires determination, dedication, and knowledge, but in the end you’ll be equipped with the skills and qualifications to make a real impact in public health.
This guide will provide an overview of the steps you’ll need to take to become a successful CHES.
Understand Your Role as a Health Education Specialist
A health education specialist is an important role within the public health sector. Their role is to educate and advise individuals, employers, and communities on topics related to health and wellness. They use data-driven research to develop plans and strategies to improve community health, and also work with stakeholders to implement and assess these plans.
Being a successful health education specialist requires more than just knowledge of health-related topics. It necessitates the ability to develop strategic plans, problem-solve, and communicate effectively with various audiences in order to achieve health-related goals.
Gather Your Education and Work Experience
To become a CHES, it is required that you have either a bachelor’s or master’s degree in health education or a related field. This ensures you have the knowledge and training necessary to competently perform the job.
In addition to your degree, it is recommended that you gain experience actually working in the health education field. You can do this is through volunteering or internships with local health organizations or even job shadowing a health educator. Any real-life experience in the field will make you a more attractive candidate for the CHES exam.
Prepare for the Certified Health Education Specialist Exam
The CHES exam is administered by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). It covers seven content areas and its purpose is to ensure candidates possess the necessary skills and knowledge to be successful health education specialists. Some of the topics covered are:
- Health Education Roles & Settings
- Assessment & Evaluation
- Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation
- Ethics
- Health Promotion & Disease Prevention
- Health Education & Communication
- Health Education Program Management
- Administration & Management
In addition to passing the exam, you are also required to complete 72 hours of continuing education credits for recertification every 5 years.
Stay Informed on How AI Is Disrupting the Field
The field of health education is constantly changing, and artificial intelligence (AI) is now playing a huge role in beginning to disrupt the industry. AI is being used to diagnose certain diseases more accurately, process patient histories and medications faster, and suggest preventative measures to keep patients healthy.
The good news is that AI is creating new roles and opportunities in the health sector. These newly created roles require specialized skills that have the potential to supplement the roles of certified health education specialists.
Become a Certified Health Education Specialist Today!
Becoming a certified health education specialist opens up a world of possibilities for you. Understanding the responsibilities and qualifications, gaining experience, and staying up to date on the latest trends in the field will help you stand out from the pack and make a difference in the lives of others. Good luck in your journey!