Online and Distance Learning

A health education degree provides the skills and knowledge required for a career in an essential part of the health sector.

Most of the work done by people with a Health Education degree focuses on planning, organizing, and directing educational programs for communities, labor unions, civic organizations, and other groups. They work alongside other healthcare professionals to establish needs, develop goals, and assess the availability of healthcare services. The objective is to prevent disease and promote good health. However, they also have to deal with economic, behavioral, legal, and social issues.

This page gives you more information about what is involved in public and health education, where you can study it online, and the career and salary prospects after completion.

Where can you study a health education degree?

Here are some selected universities where you can study for a diploma, associate degree or bachelors degree in health education or a related area. Several degree titles can fall into this category, so you might like to check out the pages on: Dietetics, Health Promotion, Nutrition, and Public Health.

• A.T. Still University - Online
  • Doctor of Health Education
  • Master of Health Education

• Benedictine University Online
  • Master of Public Health - Health Education & Promotion
  • Master of Public Health - Disaster Management
  • Master of Public Health - Health Management & Policy
  • Master of Public Health/Master of Business Administration
  • Master of Public Health

• Capella University
  • BS - Health Care Management
  • MPH - General Public Health

• University of Phoenix Online
  • BS in Health Administration - Emergency Management
  • BS in Health Administration - Health Management
  • MS in Nursing - Nursing/Health Care Education

• Walden University
  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Healthcare Management
  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Health Studies
  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Health Studies - Health Management
  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - BSN Track - Education
  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - RN Track - Education
  • Post-Masters Certificates in Nursing - Nursing Education 
  • Master of Public Health (M.P.H) - General
  • Ph.D. in Health Services - Community Health Education & Advocacy

• Kaplan University Online
  • Advanced Start BS in Health and Wellness
  • Advanced Start BS in Health Science
  • BS in Health Science
  • BS in Health and Wellness
  • BS in Public Health
  • MS in Health Education 
  • Master of Public Health
  • Master of Public Health - Health Education

• South University
  • Associate of Science in Allied Health Science
  • Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences
  • Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management
  • MS - Nurse Educator
  • Master of Science in Adult Health Nurse Practitioner

• American Intercontinental University (AIU)
  • Bachelor's of Business Administration in Healthcare Management

• Independence University
  • AS - Allied Health
  • BS - Health Services Management

• Grand Canyon University
  • B.S. in Business Administration: Healthcare Management
  • Bridge to M.S. in Nursing: Nursing Education
  • MS in Nursing: Nursing Education
  • Master of Public Health

What is involved in being a health educator?

A PHE (Public Health Educator) prepares and distributes literature and other informative material on issues like AIDS, drug abuse, immunization, alcoholism, and smoking. PHEs also plan public awareness exhibitions and fairs, and organize discussion forums in communities. These events enable them to motivate and educate people to become healthy. In addition, they may be involved in other areas that involve healthcare such as designing community clinics. A PHE may even be consulted in the drawing up of road traffic safety regulations.

A PHE can apply for the position of Director of Health Education at a number of state departments. There is also the potential to advance one's career by specializing in a particular genre, e. G., Disease Prevention and Control. PHEs generally work in a comfortable environment.

When preparing for presentations or forums, they might have to work overtime. Also, the job may require a lot of travel as they often visit other states to make comparisons and get ideas on how to improve educational programs. A person with good people skills and the ability to adapt to varying situations will be suitable for this occupation. In addition, passion, patience, dedication, and empathy are required.

What are the education requirements for a career in health education?

To become an educator of this nature, a MPH or a MS degree must be obtained. It is preferable to enroll at an accredited school or take an accredited program offered by other institutions like universities and colleges. Coursework for both degrees focuses on program management, behavioral sciences, and public healthcare practices. Additional subjects are studied.

Some PHEs also have a medical degree and working experience in the medical arena. Others have bachelors degrees in a specific field, e. g., anthropology or sociology. And some have a degree in physical education.  In the USA, it is mandatory for PHEs to continue taking courses to improve and maintain their skills so that they can keep abreast with the latest developments in their line of work. Some go on to study for Doctoral degrees.

All graduates are required to pass an exam, after which they receive certification. They may then refer to themselves as Certified Healthcare Education Specialists. Entry level positions are available with volunteer organizations, health agencies, or local and state governments.

What about employment opportunities and salary after completing a health education degree?

Employment opportunities in the USA for holders of a Health Education degree are expected to grow more rapidly than most other occupations through to the year 2014. There are several factors that will influence this. Three significant ones are the increase in the number of AIDS cases, the advancement of medical technology, and the necessity for pre-natal and childcare programs. The average annual salary is US$52,639. In addition to paid annual leave, most salaried employees are offered retirement plans and medical insurance.

For schools in Canada

Click here for a page that links to campus universities and campus colleges in Canada. It also provides some advice on choosing a suitable campus.

Click here and then enter your Canadian postal code to search for Canadian college or university campuses.

For more information

Click here for associated programs in Dietetics, Health Promotion, Nutrition, and Public Health., and also Master's degree and Doctoral programs.

Use this link to find programs and schools near you.

Use the search facility on this site to find a health education degree.

Remember to compare the admission requirements and course content of several schools before you choose a program.

Campus Programs

For those students who feel that online learning and distance education is not for them, the web site also has a section on campus programs. 

You can also search for a program or a school near you.