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WesternU / College of Health Sciences / Masters of Science in Health Sciences / About the Community Health Education Track

About the Community Health Education Track

Community Health Education – Focus on Outreach, Programs and Leadership

Community Health Education is the art and science of affecting health and wellness behavior at the community level.  It is a critical need Public Health Profession.  Health education is a process that enables individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities, to play active roles in achieving and sustaining health. Effective Community Health Education is planned with input from representatives of priority populations, and is influenced by the nature of the health problem and the setting. Here are some commonly asked questions about the Community Health Education track.

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Where do Community Health Educators work?

Community Health educators work in a variety of settings, including:

Local and State Health Departments.
Universities and Health Centers.
Hospitals and Medical Centers.
Corporate Wellness Programs.
Federal Health Agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control.
Secondary Schools.
Insurance Companies.
Non-profit agencies with health related missions

What kind of education do Community Health Educators have?

Community Health Educators must earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in health education. Studies cover public health research, health education theory and practice, social policy, health issues in different populations, community diagnosis, planning, management and evaluation techniques.

How are Community Health Educators certified?

The nationally recognized certification for health educators is the CHES designation. CHES stands for Certified Health Education Specialist. It is earned by examination and is maintained through ongoing continuing education. Learn more about the C.H.E.S. and MCHES certification at the National Commission for Health Credentialing website.  Many Community Health Educators are part of the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) and or the American Public Health Association (APHA).