Becoming a Certified Health Education Specialist: What You Need to Know

Becoming a Certified Health Education Specialist: What You Need to Know

Are you passionate about health and wellness? Do you have a knack for teaching and inspiring others to lead healthy lifestyles? If your answer is yes, then becoming a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) may be the perfect career path for you.

But what exactly is a CHES, and what does it take to become one? In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of this rewarding profession, including the education and skills required, job outlook and salary, as well as tips on how to get started.

What is a CHES?

A CHES is a professional who is trained to promote healthy lifestyles and behaviors through education and outreach programs. They work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, government agencies, and non-profit organizations, and their job can entail a range of duties, from creating health curriculum and organizing health events to providing one-on-one counseling and advocacy.

To become a CHES, you’ll need to pass the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC) exam, which tests your knowledge and skills in seven areas of competency:
1. Assess Needs, Resources, and Capacity for Health Education/Promotion
2. Plan Health Education/Promotion
3. Implement Health Education/Promotion
4. Conduct Evaluation and Research Related to Health Education/Promotion
5. Administer and Manage Health Education/Promotion
6. Serve as a Health Education/Promotion Resource Person
7. Communicate and Advocate for Health and Health Education/Promotion

In addition to passing the exam, you’ll also need to meet certain education and experience requirements. According to NCHEC, you must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in health education, public health, or a related field, as well as either a minimum of 25 credit hours of relevant coursework or five years of practical experience in the field.

Why Become a CHES?

There are many reasons to consider a career as a CHES. For one, it’s a growing field with a positive job outlook. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of health educators and community health workers is projected to grow 11 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.

In addition, CHESs are often highly respected and valued members of their communities. They have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others, by teaching them how to lead healthier, happier lives.

But perhaps most importantly, becoming a CHES can be incredibly fulfilling on a personal level. If you’re passionate about public health and wellness, and enjoy working with people, there’s no better career path.

Tips for Getting Started

If you’re interested in becoming a CHES, there are a number of steps you can take to get started. Here are a few tips:
1. Research the field to learn more about what CHESs do and what kind of skills and training are required.
2. Consider taking relevant coursework or earning a degree in health education or public health. Many universities and colleges offer programs in these fields.
3. Look for volunteer or internship opportunities in health-related organizations to gain valuable experience.
4. Attend health education conferences or workshops to network with other professionals in the field.
5. Finally, start preparing for the NCHEC exam early on. This will give you plenty of time to study and feel confident on test day.

In Conclusion

Becoming a CHES is a rewarding and challenging career path that offers the opportunity to make a positive impact in your community. By following the steps outlined above, you can set yourself up for success and join the ranks of highly respected health education professionals.

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