Health Education as a Profession

Is Health Education a Profession? What is a profession? “a vocation or occupation requiring advanced education and training, and involving intellectual skills.” (Agnes, 2001, pp. 1145-1146)

Characteristics of a Profession Required extensive training Professional training delivered through accredited institutions. Rigorous entry requirements. Professional work is based on a specialized body of knowledge and expertise..theoretical base underlying practice.

Characteristics of a Profession Professional standards of practice (competencies) Profession has a commitment to serving a significant social value. Professional autonomy – training, licensure, standards, occupational associations. Professional code of ethics.

What is health education? Report of the 2000 Joint Committee on Health Education and Promotion Terminology March/April 2001, Vol. 32, No. 2., American Journal of Health Education Health Education: “Any combination of planned learning experiences based on sound theories that provide individuals, groups, and communities the opportunity to acquire information and skills needed to make quality health decisions.”

Health Educator “A professionally prepared individual that serves in a variety of roles and is specifically trained to use appropriate educational strategies and methods to facilitate the development of policies, procedures, interventions, and systems conducive to the health of individuals, groups, and communities.”

Health Educators Work settings Job responsibilities “We would be terribly remiss if we did not seize the opportunity presented by health promotion and disease prevention to dramatically cut health- care costs, to prevent the premature onset of disease and disability, and to help all Americans achieve healthier, more productive lives.” Louis Sullivan, former Secretary of U.S. Dept of Health & Human Services

Emerging Profession? Health Promotion / Education has emerged through the last few decades. Considered an emerging profession: Diversity in preparatory programs and standards Lacked a single set of accreditation standards There was uncertainty about qualifications Lacked the supporting data Lacked the quality assurance for consumers (Henderson, Wolle, Cortese, & McIntosh; 1981)