Health Education Empowers Women In L.A.
With more than 7,000 employed, California remains the top state in the union for health educators. These specialists' primary mission is to promote healthy lifestyles. Although most may work at medical institutions, many are securing jobs within social advocacy organizations.
In Los Angeles, professionals earn an average annual salary of more than $64,000, according to current statistics. Health education has become a vital program that helps people take charge of their lives, especially women.
"Health education provides women with medically accurate knowledge and evidence-based tools that enable them to make informed decisions regarding their health care," said Karen Roque, the Title X program manager at the UCLA OB/GYN Clinic. "Through health education, women receive health information that motivates and empowers them to make positive changes for their health and well-being."
How is the need for female educators progressing?
"The changes in health care reform, such as increased access to women's health and related services, have led to a higher demand for female health educators who are sensitive, knowledgeable and trustworthy about these issues."
How will a health educator's role change in the coming years?
"By 2022, effective health educators will need to be extensively trained in motivational interviewing. They will continue to be responsible for bridging the gap in access to health care."
What defines an impressive health educator?
"An efficient health educator is someone who works closely with his or her population to address its health care needs by listening and assessing their concerns, and then jointly developing a strategy to address them."
What is the best way to prepare for a solid career in this field?
"It's important to always continue improving your craft, reading recent literature and trying to be aware of different health issues and guidelines as they come up. It's essential to expand your network by attending conferences, trainings and similar events to connect with people in your field."
What is your message to endeavoring health educators?
"I advise prospective health educators to shadow and volunteer in health education programs, workshops or counseling sessions, because they truly do provide the best insight to this career."
Sharon Raiford Bush is an award-winning journalist who covers topics of social interest in greater Los Angeles. Some news articles she has authored have been archived by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. Sharon also contributes to Examiner.com.
