How to Become a Public Health Educator

In a world where poor health outcomes can have a large negative impact on people’s daily lives, a public health educator is an unsung hero helping to guide communities toward better health and well-being. Whether they are designing outreach programs, leading workshops, or developing health campaigns, these professionals seek to drive meaningful change that allows people to live longer, healthier lives.

As the demand for community-based health initiatives grows, so does the need for skilled public health educators. For those seeking a career in this field, the journey typically includes earning a relevant degree, such as a master’s in public health, gaining experience, and becoming certified.

What Does a Public Health Educator Do?

Public health educators develop and implement strategies intended to improve the health of individuals and populations in their community. After assessing the health needs of the community, they design and execute targeted health education programs, and then they evaluate the effectiveness of those initiatives. Their work often involves collaborating with health care providers, schools, and other groups to promote healthy behaviors.

These professionals work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, schools, and public health departments. Some also work for private companies and health insurance providers, where they help develop employee wellness initiatives.

Working in rural communities and urban centers, public health educators play an essential role in connecting people with information and resources they can use to live healthier lives.

Typical Job Duties of a Public Health Educator

Public health educators take on a wide range of responsibilities. Their daily tasks vary based on the population they serve, their work setting, and the specific health challenges they are working to address.

To accomplish their goals, they may:

• Lead workshops
• Create informational materials
• Advocate for public policy changes
• Conduct community health assessments
• Collaborate with local organizations for outreach efforts

Some of the health issues public health educators address in their work are chronic illnesses, substance misuse, preventive care, and nutrition.

Steps to Become a Public Health Educator

Whether they are shifting careers or pursuing a new academic focus in public health, those who want to become public health educators need to complete several key steps, including earning a degree and gaining relevant experience.

Obtain an Education

Many public health educators begin by earning a bachelor’s degree in public health, public administration, health education, or a related field. In competitive markets, having a Master of Public Health (MPH) may be a requirement for advancement in the field or promotion to a leadership role.

Graduate programs in public health provide professionals with deeper knowledge of health promotion strategies, research methods, and community engagement techniques. Specialized coursework can also prepare individuals for certification exams.

Gain Job Experience and Develop Key Skills

Internships, volunteer roles, or entry-level positions in community health settings provide valuable exposure to the public health education field that can help future educators build the practical skills they need for a successful career in public health.

Any real-world experience in roles such as health outreach coordinator or patient education assistant can enhance an individual’s important communication and program evaluation skills that may be attractive to potential employers.

Other skills and competencies aspiring public health educators can hone in their early roles include cultural sensitivity (as they often need to work in diverse communities) as well as analytical reasoning and problem-solving, organizational, project management, and critical thinking skills.

Become Certified

Certification may be required — or preferred, at least — by employers seeking to hire public health educators. Many professionals pursue the certified health education specialist (CHES) or the master certified health education specialist (MCHES) credential offered by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing to demonstrate their expertise in the field.

Both credentials require passing a 165-question exam that tests professionals’ competency in eight responsibility areas for health education specialists: assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation/research, advocacy, communication, leadership/management, and ethics/professionalism.

Public Health Educator Salary and Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for health education specialists was $63,000 in May 2024. Salaries vary by industry (among other factors), with median salaries ranging from $49,370 for those working in the social assistance sector to $82,870 for those working in hospitals.

The BLS projects job growth for health education specialists of 7% between 2023 and 2033, almost double the average growth projected for all occupations. About 6,700 job openings for health education specialists are projected to be available each year. Growth in this field is expected to be fueled by the aging population, rising health care costs, and an increased focus on preventive care.

Launch a Career in Public Health Education

Public health educators play a crucial role in shaping healthier communities by designing outreach programs, leading workshops, and promoting preventive care. With the growing demand for skilled public health educators, now is a good time to consider preparing for a career in this field.

The online Master of Public Health (MPH): Community Health Education program from Tseng College at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), offers a flexible, career-focused path for professionals seeking to join this profession. Designed for working adults, the program equips students with the skills needed to develop, implement, and evaluate health education programs across diverse communities. Its emphasis on real-world applications and leadership development prepares students to make a measurable impact in public health.

Whether you’re just starting your career or ready to advance, CSUN’s MPH program can provide you with the academic foundation and practical tools you need to succeed in the field. Learn more about how CSUN can support your goals.