Occupation Health Education Specialists: What They Do and How to Get There
An Occupational Health Education Specialist is a professional who designs and implements health programs in occupational environments. These specialists work to prevent work-related injuries, illnesses, and hazards to protect the well-being of employees. They play a crucial role in organizations by promoting healthy work environments and encouraging healthy behavior among employees.
Some examples of an Occupational Health Education Specialist’s work include designing training programs on proper lifting techniques, implementing safety protocols, and developing programs to help employees address stress or other mental health concerns. They also may conduct research, develop materials, and evaluate health programs to ensure that they are effective.
Education or Training to Get There
To become an Occupational Health Education Specialist, you’ll typically need a bachelor’s degree in health education, public health, or a related field. Some employers may prefer a master’s degree in public health or a related field. You may also need certification in a specialized area of occupational health education, such as occupational safety or ergonomics.
Most state boards of education require a license and continuing education to maintain certification. Continuing education may include courses on health promotion, stress management, disease prevention, and other topics in health education and behavior.
Many Occupational Health Education Specialists begin their careers as entry-level professionals, working on small projects or assisting more senior staff members. As they gain experience and expertise, they may take on more complex projects, lead teams of professionals, and manage health education programs from start to finish.
Other progression opportunities may be available through specialization in a particular area of health education or leadership roles overseeing entire departments or programs.
Getting Into the Field
If you’re new to the field of occupational health education, there are several steps you can take to build a foundation for your career. Consider volunteering with organizations in your community that promote health education or conducting research on specific health topics.
Additionally, you may want to consider completing an internship or externship at a healthcare facility or other organization that offers health services, such as government agencies, non-profit organizations, or corporations.
Conclusion
Occupational Health Education Specialists play an essential role in promoting healthy workplaces and preventing work-related injuries and illnesses. It takes hard work and dedication to enter this field, but with the right education, training, and experience, you can work your way up to various levels of expertise. Whether you’re just starting in the field or looking to advance your career, there are many opportunities to grow and make a difference in the lives of employees and the success of organizations.
Occupation: Health Education Specialists
Health education specialists work to promote healthy habits through the development and implementation of programs that educate individuals and communities about health-related topics.
Job Level and Salary Data
| Job Level | Salary (National Average) | Salary (Highest Paid) | Salary (Lowest Paid) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | $51,688.00 | ||
| Experienced | $86,174.40 | ||
| Level 07 | $57,928.00 | $60,257.60 | |
| Level 08 | $64,230.40 | $64,355.20 | $54,828.80 |
| Level 09 | $81,348.80 | $81,328.00 | $69,388.80 |
| Full-Time | $64,646.40 | $86,070.40 | $60,195.20 |
| Part-Time | $51,334.40 | $53,435.20 | |
| Union | $78,124.80 | $78,915.20 | $71,052.80 |
| Nonunion | $56,243.20 | $54,288.00 | |
| Time-based Pay | $63,481.60 | $59,446.40 |
Effects of Union on Health Education Specialists
Health education specialists who are part of a union tend to receive a higher salary than those who are not, with an average of $78,124.80 compared to $56,243.20. Unionized workers also have more job security and benefits, such as healthcare and retirement plans. However, some non-unionized workers may prefer the flexibility of working contract or part-time jobs instead.
Geographies with Highest and Lowest Average Salary
The average salary for health education specialists varies by location. Providence-Warwick, RI-MA is the best-paid geography with a unionized average of $78,915.20. The lowest-paid geography for non-unionized workers is South Carolina with an average salary of $45,635.20.
