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About Health Education and Promotion

What do health educators do?

  • Plan, implement, and evaluate diverse health education and promotion interventions to engage target audiences.
  • Partner with community stakeholders to assess local needs and promote health in a culturally appropriate way.
  • Advocate at all levels of policy for fiscal and political support of public health.

In 2023, there were about 62,100 health educators nationally. The field is expected to grow by 7% from 2022 to 2032.



Where do health educators work?

  • Businesses/Worksites: To improve employee health, productivity, absenteeism, and healthcare costs.
  • Community/Non-Profits: To provide health education for a particular health focus or priority population.
  • Health Communication Agencies: To develop health programs and materials that effectively engage and educate people.
  • Hospitals/Clinics/Health Plans: To promote healthy lifestyles, help patients recover from illness and manage chronic conditions.
  • Local/State/Federal Government: To improve population health and achieve public health goals.
  • Schools/Universities: To help students maintain healthy lifestyles and conduct research on effective health education.


What is CHES?

CHES stands for Certified Health Education Specialist. CHES is a voluntary professional certification program that establishes a national standard for health educators.

  • Health educators with the CHES designation have academic preparation in the field, have passed the national CHES exam, and maintain their credential through continuing education.
  • Health educators with the MCHES designation have at least 5 years of experience, have academic preparation in the field, have passed the national MCHES exam, and maintain their credential through advanced continuing education.

There are eight Areas of Responsibility that present the skills and expertise needed for a position in the field of health education and promotion. These serve as the basis for the CHES and MCHES exams.

  • Area I: Assessment of Needs and Capacity
  • Area II: Planning
  • Area III: Implementation
  • Area IV: Evaluation and Research
  • Area V: Advocacy
  • Area VI: Communication
  • Area VII: Leadership and Management
  • Area VIII: Ethics and Professionalism


For more information, visit the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC).





NJSOPHE stands firmly against racism in all its forms. We are committed to advancing equity, inclusion, and justice in public health education and practice. Through our programs, advocacy, and partnerships, we strive to challenge systemic racism and create environments where all people can achieve their fullest health potential.


Contact Us: info @ njsophe.org

P.O. Box 5285, Bergenfield, NJ  07621
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