Pros and Cons of a Health Teacher Career
A health teacher educates students on how to live a healthy lifestyle. Continue reading for the pros and cons of this career field.
| Pros of Being a Health Teacher |
|---|
| Many work specializations/options (based on intended audiences)* |
| Work in a comfortable environment* |
| Help improve others' health* |
| Career opportunities are available among different types of employers* |
| Cons of Being a Health Teacher |
|---|
| Working individuals who are living with cancer or HIV may be emotionally stressful* |
| Weekend and evening work hours may be required when working with adults* |
| Licensure (with possible mandatory continuing education) is required for some specializations* |
| Some environments may be stressful (particularly those in school settings)* |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Career Information
Job Description
As a health educator, you would give instruction on various health-related topics. You may give lectures or hold discussions based on the course topic. You must also be well-versed in the subject matter to answer any questions that may arise from students. In addition to lectures, you may also have to gather and hand out material for students to review and take home with them. Those who work in a school setting will need to grade papers and review tests.
Specializations
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that if you work in a non-academic setting, such as a healthcare facility, government agency, non-profit organization and private business firm, you would be called a health educator. You could provide training for many types of audiences that include adults and children. In an academic environment, you may be a health teacher for various educational institutions and grade levels. For example, you may choose to teach adults in postsecondary institutions, such as colleges, universities and vocational/technical schools.
If you work as a kindergarten or elementary school health teacher, you would usually train children in kindergarten and/or grades 1-5. As a middle school health teacher, you would typically teach grades 6-8. Your work as a high school health teacher would ordinarily involve students in grades 9-12.
Salary Info and Employment Outlook
According to the BLS, the 2014 annual median salary for health educators was approximately $50,430. The BLS also reports that postsecondary teachers earned about $62,330, while high school teachers earned $56,310 during the same year. Elementary and middle school teachers earned $54,120 and $54,940, respectively, in 2014. From 2014-2024, the employment for health educators was expected to increase 12%; this is due to an increased emphasis in preventative care.
What Are the Requirements?
The BLS reports that a bachelor's degree is the entry-level educational requirement for health educators, middle school teachers, elementary school teachers, kindergarten teachers and high school teachers. However, some schools may require that high school teachers obtain a master's degree after receiving their teaching certification, according to the BLS. Postsecondary teachers typically need a doctorate, but some employers will accept a master's degree.
Bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs in health education and related disciplines, such as health promotion, are available on-campus and through online formats. The BLS reports that fieldwork, such as through student teaching and internships, is usually a curriculum requirement for your profession. Some online degree programs may be presented in a hybrid (both online and in-person coursework) format to facilitate required on-campus or in-field components.
Licensing
Government regulated licensure is not required for postsecondary teachers, however, K-12 public school teachers are required to obtain a state license. Licensure requirements vary among states, and passing an exam, such as the National Teachers Exam/Praxis Series, is commonly required.
What Employers Are Looking For
Work opportunities for health teachers are available nationwide. In addition to meeting educational requirements, employers also look for candidates who have practical experience - either through professional work experiences or student teaching/internships (for recent graduates) - and excellent communications skills. Continue reading for health educator job postings from May 2012.
- A preparatory school in NY wants to hire a high school health teacher with experience in teaching high school or middle school students. You must have at least a bachelor's degree; however, a master's degree is preferred. Knowledge of relevant health-related (curriculum) technology is also required.
- A healthcare center in MA is looking for a health educator with a bachelor's degree. You must have four years of related work experience and knowledge of second languages in Spanish and/or Portuguese. Two years of experience as a counselor in a reproductive health environment is preferred.
- A school district in WY would like to hire a health teacher to assist with program development. You must hold specific, current licenses and have prior high school teaching experience. Experience in 6+1 traits methodology and literacy skills integration is preferred.
How to Stand Out in the Field
While government administered certification is not required for non-academic health educators, the BLS reports that some employers will only consider candidates who have obtained the Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES) credential. The CHES credential is offered by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing and earned upon meeting specific eligibility requirements and passing an exam. Continuing education is required to maintain the CHES certification.
Also, by joining a trade association, you would have networking opportunities, which may be advantageous for standing out in the marketplace. There is a wide variety of trade organizations to consider, including the American Association for Health Education and the National Teachers Association.
Alternative Career Paths
Dietitian/Nutritionist
If you like the idea of providing educational health information in a non-academic environment, then perhaps becoming a dietitian or nutritionist is an option for you. You would advise people on food and nutrition to maximize their health. According to the BLS, the educational requirement is usually a bachelor's degree, and the 2011 annual median salary was about $54,000. However, dietitians and nutritionists require licensure, and the predicted employment rate from 2010-2020 was 20%.
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor
As a substance abuse and behavioral disorder (SABD) counselor, you would provide treatment information and support people with substance addictions. The BLS reports that while some SABD counselor positions require a college degree, other entry-level opportunities only require a high school diploma, licensure and on-the-job-training. SABD counselors earned an annual median salary of about $39,000 in 2011, and from 2010-2020, employment was expected to increase 27%.
