The growing emphasis on disease prevention, public health education and health promotion has increased the need for Community Health Specialists. At the same time health issues have become more complex demanding a new level of expertise and certification standards. In this context, the community health option provides the professional preparation essential for the delivery of effective health services and programs. This involves assisting people in improving their knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary for changing unhealthy behaviors, creating healthful environments, and achieving optimal health.
Career Possibilities In:
- Official Health Organizations at the local, state and federal levels, and private sector
- International Health Agencies and World Health Organizations
- Public Health Departments
- Community Based Organization
- Managed Care Organizations
- Educational Institutions
- Volunteer Health Agencies and Nonprofit Organizations
- Worksites; Medical Clinics and Hospitals
What You Can Do:
- Assess individual and community needs
- Plan, implement, coordinate, manage and evaluate community health programs
- Facilitate health behavior change
- Identify resources, make referrals and consultation
- Build coalitions and outreach services
- Organize, mobilize, and advocate communities for health-developing health-related policies
- Create social marketing and mass media campaigns, audiovisual, print and electronic materials related to health
- Develop grant proposals, conduct research, write scholarly articles
Credential Opportunity
Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES). The examination is administered by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc.