Health Education as a Profession

What is a profession? What do you think of in a profession or a professional? “a vocation or occupation requiring advanced education and training, and involving intellectual skills.” (Agnes, 2001, p. 1145-1146)

Characteristics of a Profession Extensive training required Accredited institutions Work is based on specialized body of knowledge and expertise Theoretical base Standards of practices Competencies Commitment to serving a social value Code of Ethics Professional autonomy

What is Health Education? What do you think of when you hear “Health Education”? “Any combination of planned learning experiences based on sound theories that provide individuals, groups, and communities the opportunity to acquire information and skills needed to make quality health decisions.” Report of the 2000 Joint Committee on Health Education and Promotion Terminology, March/April 2001, vol. 32, No. 2, American Journal of Health Education

What is a Health Educator? “A professionally prepared individual that serves in a variety of roles and is specifically trained to use appropriate educational strategies and methods to facilitate the development of policies, procedures, interventions, and systems conducive to the health of individuals, groups, and communities.” Report of the 2000 Joint Committee on Health Education and Promotion Terminology, March/April 2001, vol. 32, No. 2, American Journal of Health Education

In Other Words … Health Educators … “work to encourage healthy lifestyles and wellness through educating individuals and communities about behaviors that can prevent diseases, injuries, and other health problems.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2010

The importance of Health Educators “We would be terribly remiss if we did not seize the opportunity presented by health promotion and disease prevention to dramatically cut health-care costs, to prevent the premature onset of disease and disability, and to help all Americans achieve healthier, more productive lives.” Louis Sullivan, former Secretary of U.S. Dept of Health & Human Services, 1989-1993

What does a Health Educator do? Job Responsibilities Seven core competencies Work Settings Medical care settings Colleges and universities Schools Public health departments Nonprofit organizations Private businesses

How are Health Educators trained? Baccalaureate programs: Prepare graduates in all seven of the core competencies Internships are required Certification is available Although still voluntary

What is the verdict? Is Health Education a profession? Until recently… Too much diversity in preparatory programs No single set of accreditation standards Uncertainty about qualifications No quality assurance for consumers (Henderson, Wolfe, Cortese & McIntosh, 1981)

The Good News About 250 academic programs available Profession-wide Code of Ethics has been endorsed Continuing research continues to provide a strong theoretical base for interventions Professional organizations are working together U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has recognized Health Educators as a profession! http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos063.htm