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  1. What Can You Do With a Master’s in Health Education?

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    What Can You Do with a Master's in Health Education?Health education careers can take many directions, from advising hospital patients on managing their chronic illnesses to promoting health in college or worksite settings. Whatever their professional interests, health education specialists have one thing in common: a passion to help others help themselves. Working in this field allows you the opportunity to improve the lives of individuals, families and even entire communities by showing people how to take a more active role in their personal health and well-being.

    Health education specialists discover opportunities in a variety of public health settings, as well as clinical, community, nonprofit and business environments. This article will explore how you can put a master’s in health education to work.

    Why Seek a Master’s in Health Education?

    Many students who pursue a Master of Science in Health Education are recent graduates from bachelor’s programs who want to deepen their knowledge of the latest research and best practices in the field. However, seasoned professionals from various backgrounds — such as teachers, nurses, physicians, dietitians, psychologists and marketers — may also benefit from earning a graduate degree in health education.

    A health education curriculum helps students:

    • Develop specialized knowledge about a variety of health issues.
    • Deepen their understanding of health disparities and socio-ecological factors affecting the health of individuals, families and communities.
    • Explore strategies for communicating preventative health information to diverse audiences.
    • Conduct research and evaluate programs and interventions.
    • Promote healthy lifestyles and advocate for health education.
    • Prepare for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) Exam. Many organizations require prospective employees to earn CHES® certification by meeting academic preparation requirements and taking this national exam.
    • Meet the Commission on Dietetic Registration requirement to earn a graduate degree before taking the registration examination for dietitians. This requirement went into effect on January 1, 2024.
    • Gain skills as an educational leader that can increase their earning potential.

    Jobs for Master’s Health Education Graduates

    The health education field offers a strong job outlook. In 2023, there were 60,400 health education specialists in the U.S., and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 7% growth through 2032, much faster than the average of 2.8% for all other occupations. BLS attributes this rapid growth to education initiatives that strive to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs by providing information about healthy behaviors and health care services.

    Professionals with health education graduate degrees find roles in a variety of settings. Alumni from the UF HEB online M.S. Program can be found in a variety of settings, including:

    • Public health agencies (including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
    • Hospitals and other health care clinics
    • Community health organizations and nonprofits, such as the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, and community health clinics
    • College health promotion departments and school health settings
    • Corporate offices that sponsor worksite wellness programs for employees

    BLS reported that almost a quarter of health education specialists work for government agencies at the federal, state or local level. The other leading employers include hospitals, service providers for individuals or families, and civic organizations. Florida is one of the top three states with the highest employment levels for health educators along with California and Texas.

    Master’s in Health Education Careers

    Jobs with a master’s in health education provide opportunities to make a lasting impact in people’s lives while building a rewarding career. BLS reported that the median salary for health education specialists nationwide was $62,860 as of 2023.

    Salaries rise with experience, education and expertise. While many health education positions are open to those with a bachelor’s, graduates with a master’s degree are more likely to reach the higher end of the salary range. An analysis of job listing data from Lightcast showed that positions seeking health educators with a master’s offered an average salary more than 29% higher than those offered to professionals with only a bachelor’s degree.

    Below, you’ll find health educator job descriptions and salary projections according to data from BLS, Lightcast and PayScale:

    Job Title Median Salary
    Wellness Consultant $59,965
    Lactation Consultant $91,400
    Health Program Coordinator $65,800
    Health Education Specialist $62,860
    Post-Secondary Teacher $76,700
    Grant Writer $62,600
    Health Promotion Specialist $53,000
    Prevention/Intervention Specialist $42,681

    Sources: Payscale, Lightcast, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

    Health Education Specialist

    Health education specialists work in health departments, hospitals, wellness centers, clinics, schools and other settings where they teach patients and their families about health topics and encourage positive behavioral changes. Educators often keep in touch with patients and coordinate with clinical professionals in order to offer support and document progress.

    Post-Secondary Teacher

    A post-secondary teacher in health education prepares tomorrow’s healthcare professionals to offer valuable information to individuals and communities. These educators provide insights into the concepts and practical strategies that can make a difference in their students’ ability to help patients adhere to prescribed treatments, discuss demographic-specific health issues, promote effective public health measures and more.

    Grant Writer

    Grant writers help nonprofit organizations and government agencies apply for funding. These writers are skilled in research, communication and organization. They’re tasked with describing the mission of the organization they work for and outlining how funding would be used. They may also be responsible for tracking the use of those funds and the impact on the organization.

    Wellness Consultant

    A wellness consultant may help corporations devise programs that improve employee health or work with clients directly at a fitness facility or wellness-centered health care office. Consultants collect information through interviews or surveys to tailor plans for clients’ needs.

    Prevention/Intervention Specialist

    These specialists work in areas such as suicide prevention, drug/alcohol/tobacco rehabilitation and intervention, recovery services, disease prevention and on-the-job accident prevention. They may work in hospitals, clinics, businesses, or communities with high-risk populations.

    Health Program Coordinator

    A health program coordinator may be employed in an assisted living facility, hospital, public health agency or hospital. They operate programs that offer patients information and support. Whether these specialists design smoking cessation programs or lead wellness initiatives for older adults, the goal is to help patients develop knowledge and strategies to lead healthier lives.

    Lactation Consultant

    A lactation consultant gives lessons on breastfeeding and addresses common challenges. These professionals can also educate new parents about different types of breast pumps and how to transition back to work while breastfeeding. Consultants often work one-on-one within a health care or private setting while leading classes and support groups. Some positions may require an additional specialized certification.

    Health Promotion Specialist

    A health promotion specialist provides information about issues in public health and encourages healthy living. Educators in this role counsel groups or work with individuals to discuss health challenges. Promotion specialists may also be responsible for drafting helpful literature or meeting with public officials to devise campaigns that address health challenges within their communities.

    How Can I Start Working Toward a Health Education Career?

    To spread valuable, accurate information about well-being, first you must build your expertise and learn the best ways of communicating with diverse audiences. You can prepare to excel in health education jobs by expanding and updating your knowledge of topics that fit the needs of patients and your professional interests. Some key areas to explore as you take the next steps on this career path include:

    • Health education program planning and evaluation
    • Principles of effective teaching and learning
    • Promoting healthier lifestyles in the workplace
    • Theories of health behavior
    • Biological, psychological and social causes of disease, disability, and death
    • Advocacy and public health issues and legislation
    • Epidemiological risk factors and public health decision making

    Becoming a Certified Health Education Specialist could be a crucial step toward starting or advancing your career. You can earn this credential by completing a degree in health education and taking the CHES® exam administered by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). The NCHEC builds the CHES® exam around eight areas of responsibility:

    • Assessment of Needs and Capacity
    • Planning
    • Implementation
    • Evaluation and Research
    • Advocacy
    • Communication
    • Leadership and Management
    • Ethics and Professionalism

    The online Master of Science in Health Education and Behavior program at the University of Florida implements a curriculum concentrated in all eight areas of responsibility to prepare its students for the CHES® certification and various health education careers. Health educators apply their knowledge and skills to change lives and promote better outcomes for whole populations. A master’s program in this quickly growing field can equip students with the expertise needed to improve their professional outlooks and promote the well-being of diverse populations.

    About the Online Master of Science in Health Education & Behavior From the University of Florida

    The University of Florida’s online Master of Science in Health Education and Behavior (HEB) was designed by highly regarded health educator specialists to prepare students for careers in clinical and non-clinical settings. Developed around the areas of responsibility laid out by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, the curriculum builds the knowledge professionals need to plan, implement, and evaluate health education and promotion programs. The UF Master of Science in Health Education and Behavior program requires its students to sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) Exam.

    Request Brochure

    To learn more about the University of Florida’s online Master of Science in Health Education and Behavior and download a free brochure, fill out the fields below. You can also call (352) 662-3395 to speak to an enrollment specialist.

    University of Florida has engaged AllCampus to help support your educational journey. AllCampus will contact you shortly in response to your request for information. About AllCampus. Privacy Policy. You may opt out of receiving communications at any time.

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  2. How to Become a Certified Health Education Specialist

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    how to become a certified health education specialistHealth professionals must understand the interrelated nature of all dimensions of health. In order to help someone improve their wellness, it is equally important that health professionals are able to communicate how the interaction of different risk factors may contribute to a health issue. With the growing problem of obesity, for example, research shows a link to several mental health issues. In one meta-analysis, researchers found a clear association between ADHD and obesity in adults. In cases like these, health practitioners need to not only have an understanding of obesity but also know how issues like mental health and genetics impact weight gain.

    As more awareness builds around the complexity of our overall health, job prospects are increasing for health education specialists. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the expected job growth rate for health education specialists from 2022-32 is 7%, faster than the average rate of all occupations (2.8%). Health education specialists work in a variety of settings, including clinical health organizations, community/non-profit health organizations, government health agencies, colleges and universities, schools, and businesses/worksites. Becoming certified in the field can help health education specialists advance their careers and signify to potential employers that they have mastered key competencies for the profession.

    According to job market analysis tool Lightcast, job listings with the Certified Health Education Specialist credential have increased 254% from 2020 to 2023. The National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC), Inc. is the only accredited organization that certifies health education specialists, overseeing the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) and Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES®) credentials. Earning a master’s degree in health education can help you on your path to certification.

    Certified Health Education Specialist Exam (CHES®) Eligibility Requirements

    To sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) exam, individuals must meet certain academic requirements:

    • A bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from an accredited institution, and
    • 25 semester hours (37 quarter hours) in the Areas of Responsibility and Competency for Health Education Specialists

    Three types of courses can fulfill the course requirements:

    • Process Courses align with the Eight Areas of Responsibility
    • Content Courses focus on topics that include elements in the Eight Areas of Responsibility
    • General Courses include overall elements also covered in the Eight Areas of Responsibility

    Process courses are critical to eligibility, and prospective students must have completed at least 12 semester credits (or 4 courses) in the category.

    Some degree programs, like the University of Florida’s online Master of Science in Health Education and Behavior, were specifically developed around the areas of responsibility for health education specialists. Using these principles as its foundation, the program prepares students to address client challenges with a comprehensive overview of individual, family, and community health concerns, all while preparing students to sit for the CHES® examination.

    Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES®) Exam Certification Eligibility Requirements

    Those seeking to complete the MCHES® exam may, but are not required, to have CHES® certification as long as they meet the experience and academic requirements outlined below.

    • For CHES®
      • Five or more active years as a Certified Health Education Specialist
    • For Non-CHES® or CHES® with less than five years in active status and five years experience
      • Master’s degree or higher in a discipline of health education. This could include health education, community health education, public health education, school health education, etc. or
      • Master’s degree or higher with 25 semester hours (37 quarter hours) in the Eight Areas of Responsibility and Competency for Health Education Specialists and
      • Five years of experience as a health education specialist. This must be proven by:
        • Two verification forms from current or previous manager/supervisor or health education professional organization leader
        • Current CV/resume that clearly outlines relevant experience

    When Can You Take the CHES® Exam?

    The CHES® exam is offered during two windows each year: in April and October. Registration is open from November through February ahead of the April exam dates, and from May through August for the October exam dates.

    Exam rates vary based on the time of registration, with early bird, regular and final (late) fees. Additionally, full-time students taking at least 9 credits are eligible for a discounted cost on the CHES® exam. Students are encouraged to explore the Helen P. Cleary Scholarship opportunity available to full-time students with a 3.0 or higher GPA and a need for financial assistance.

    Exam Location and Details

    Test takers are given 3 hours to complete the CHES® examination, which may be completed at home with Live Remote Testing or in-person at a PSI Test Center.

    Live Remote Testing was created as an option in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and is expected to continue to be offered. It is completed using live monitoring through PSI Web Delivery.

    Centers can be found on the Prometric website, along with further information on availability and test instructions.

    Upon completion of the exam, CHES® candidates will receive an email with an unofficial pass/fail result. Official scores are provided by mail after the close of the exam window.

    Exam Details: Questions and Topics Covered

    The CHES® exam includes 165 multiple-choice questions. Only 150 questions are scored, while the other 15 are used as pilot items.

    The focus of the exam is ensuring individuals are competent in core skills required of the profession. The exam questions cover the Areas of Responsibility of Health Education Specialists, but the percentage of questions covered from these areas differs. See the table below for the complete breakdown of CHES® exam questions by responsibility.

    Area of Responsibility CHES® Exam % of Questions
    Assessment of Needs and Capacity 17%
    Planning 14%
    Implementation 15%
    Evaluation and Research 12%
    Advocacy 12%
    Communication 12%
    Leadership and Management 6%
    Ethics and Professionalism 12%

    Table sourced from the April 2024 CHES® examination handbook.

    Maintaining CHES® Certification

    After passing the exam, CHES® will need to complete various items to demonstrate their continued knowledge. This includes:

    • Paying a $70 annual renewal fee
    • Receiving 75 Continuing Education Contact Hours (CECH) within 5 years
      • To fulfill this requirement, 45 CECH must come from NCHEC-approved providers (Category I). The additional 30 can come from other non-approved providers (Category II).
      • There are a wide variety of events and opportunities that count toward CECH, many of which are free and virtual. This includes conferences or workshops and self-study opportunities. NCHEC provides certificants with upcoming events through mail, on their website, and on social media.
      • Of the 75 total credits, 5 credits must fulfill the Continuing Competency Requirement
      • NCHEC recommends that individuals complete 15 CECH each year to ensure they’ll be ready for recertification at the end of five years, but this is not a requirement.

    Why Become a Certified Health Education Specialist?

    In a world of misinformation, there’s an even greater need for health professionals who can guide people toward the resources needed to live healthier lives. In addition to core knowledge skills related to health and wellness, health education specialists need to be ready to adapt to drastically different needs and foster the ability to communicate to their clients with empathy and understanding.

    Data from job postings looking for health education specialists shows just how important building a holistic understanding of physical and mental health has become to employers. According to the Labor Insight tool from Lightcast, the top five industries in greatest demand for Certified Health Education Specialists include:

    • Colleges, universities, and professional schools
    • Direct health and medical insurance carriers
    • Other general government support
    • General medical and surgical hospitals
    • Freestanding ambulatory surgical and emergency centers

    Pursuing certification signals to potential employers and clients that an individual is recognized as an effective communicator and health education expert.

    During the 2022 exam cycle, NCHEC reported 2,261 CHES® registrants and 199 MCHES® registrants, showing strong demand for the certification. NCHEC notes that the salary of a Certified Health Education Specialist may be higher than that of someone who is not CHES® certified, as some employers recognize the benefits of the credential in this or other ways, such as paying for the exam or fees incurred for continuing education.

    About the Online Master of Science in Health Education & Behavior From the University of Florida

    The University of Florida’s online Master of Science in Health Education and Behavior (HEB) was designed by highly regarded health educator specialists to prepare students for careers in clinical and non-clinical settings. Developed around the areas of responsibility laid out by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, the curriculum builds the knowledge professionals need to plan, implement, and evaluate health education and promotion programs. The UF Master of Science in Health Education and Behavior program requires its students to sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) Exam.

    Request Brochure

    To learn more about the University of Florida’s online Master of Science in Health Education and Behavior and download a free brochure, fill out the fields below. You can also call (352) 662-3395 to speak to an enrollment specialist.

    University of Florida has engaged AllCampus to help support your educational journey. AllCampus will contact you shortly in response to your request for information. About AllCampus. Privacy Policy. You may opt out of receiving communications at any time.

    * All Fields are Required. Your Privacy is Protected. Are you enrolling from outside the US? Click here.

  3. Student Story: Uncovering a Career in Health Education

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    Career in Health EducationThough Lexi Williams only recently became aware of the health education field, she has always loved learning about the body. In the process of earning her bachelor’s in biology, she completed a course in nutrition and was excited about the practicality of the topic. This led to her pursuit of a second bachelor’s in nutrition and desire to continue on to a graduate-level program.

    As a current student in the online Master of Science in Health Education and Behavior, Williams is able to immediately put her learnings to use in her role as a fitness and wellness coordinator at Rice University.

    “I use the models and frameworks we have talked about in class to create new wellness programs and enhance current ones at work. I take a more evidence-based practice approach to my work now and it has helped me create more effective programs,” she says.

    Below, Williams shares her passion for health education, how thankful she is for coming across the M.S. in HEB program, and her plans after graduation.

    Describe your professional and educational background. How did you become interested in the health education field?
    I didn’t know about the health education field until a few years ago. While getting my bachelor’s degree in nutrition, I worked on the renal floor at a hospital educating patients on what they could and could not eat. I would see the same people come back time after time. In the hospital’s controlled environment, they would get better because they would only be able to eat foods that were good for them. When they went home, they ate whatever they wanted, which would lead them to getting sick and being admitted to the hospital again. This is when I knew I wanted to work in health prevention.
    After that experience, I also started looking into physical activity and started working as a personal trainer. This experience really affirmed my decision to work in prevention and health education. At the time I did not know it was “health education.” I was just sharing what I knew about topics to help my clients. It was not until I started looking at job descriptions like “wellness coordinator” and “health specialist” that I began to realize health education is an actual field.

    What three health education issues and topics are you most passionate about?
    I am very interested in health behaviors, behavior change, and perceptions of health status. We have all heard that we need to eat vegetables, exercise, and drink water. In my experience many people know what behaviors they “should” do, but they do not know how to implement them.

    What are your professional goals?
    After graduation I intend to apply for Ph.D. programs. I am looking into programs for health psychology and health behaviors. I want to be a professor at a university. This program affirmed how much a supportive teacher or mentor can affect your life and I want to be able to do that for others.

    I am also very interested in researching health behaviors and creating programs or interventions for implementation. I intend to explore the intersections of social cognitive theory and identity based motivation! My goal is to find a way to balance a career in academia while working in the industry. I think it is important to share what I learn with the public.

    Tell me about your research study as well as your work with Dr. McVay and Dr. Bartley.
    I work with Dr. McVay and Dr. Bartley on the EMPOWER study (Empowering the Management of Pain-Obesity-Weight through Enhanced Reward). The EMPOWER study is a single-arm pilot study that examines the feasibility of an integrated pain and weight management intervention. I led the first intervention group and learned about how pain and weight management is connected. It has also been interesting to explore the technical side of research. I have helped edit the intervention protocols as well. Now my role is shifting and I am writing more. I am very excited about this because my professional writing needs work!

    What drew you to the online M.S. in HEB program at the University of Florida? Has the program lived up to your expectations?
    I started looking at UF because I really liked how the dietetic internship program incorporated health behaviors. I stumbled upon the HEB program by accident. I looked into the classes and what this program was about, and I was like, “This is it! This is what I’m getting my master’s in.” I did a lot of research into the program and the faculty, and I was extremely excited. I reached out to the department for more information and applied in 2020 but did not get in. I was a little discouraged but I took that time to improve myself as an applicant. I knew UF was where I wanted to be. I reached out to faculty to see what they were looking for in students and what type of students thrive in their program.

    I really don’t know where I would be without Dr. Moses. She has been supporting me since before I was even in the program. I reached out to her and we had a call. I asked so many questions, and after we got off the phone, I cried. I felt so supported and I was not even her student. I spent the next two semesters improving myself as an applicant, and I started the program in summer 2021.

    This program has surpassed my expectations. I love all the classes I have taken and the support from the faculty is phenomenal. I am so grateful to be in this program. Every professor wants to see you succeed, and they want you to understand the material. I feel like they are just as invested in my growth as I am, and that is an amazing feeling.

    What has the online learning experience been like for you?
    I have really thrived in the online environment. I love the flexibility and the autonomy. The faculty also make an excellent effort to connect with us. We email, hop on Zoom or even call. This is helpful when I have questions, and not just about class but about next steps or anything really.

    What is your favorite course that you have completed so far?
    This one is hard but I will say Theories of Health Behavior and Practice with Dr. Murphy. That class was so fun for me! I learned more about theory constructs and became more familiar with social cognitive theory.

    How has the program helped you in your current role? How has it shaped your career approach?
    The projects we do directly translate to my role as a fitness and wellness coordinator. I use the models and frameworks we have talked about in class to create new wellness programs and enhance current ones at work. I take a more evidence-based practice approach to my work now, and it has helped me create more effective programs.

    What advice would you give others who are considering this program?
    The program requires a fair amount of time and time management skills. Everything you learn you will apply in projects and the skills you develop will translate into your career. I highly recommend the program and to reach out to current students or faculty for more information.

    About the Online Master of Science in Health Education & Behavior From the University of Florida

    The University of Florida’s online Master of Science in Health Education and Behavior (HEB) was designed by highly regarded health educator specialists to prepare students for careers in clinical and non-clinical settings. Developed around the areas of responsibility laid out by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, the curriculum builds the knowledge professionals need to plan, implement, and evaluate health education and promotion programs. The UF Master of Science in Health Education and Behavior program requires its students to sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) Exam.

    Request Brochure

    To learn more about the University of Florida’s online Master of Science in Health Education and Behavior and download a free brochure, fill out the fields below. You can also call (352) 662-3395 to speak to an enrollment specialist.

    University of Florida has engaged AllCampus to help support your educational journey. AllCampus will contact you shortly in response to your request for information. About AllCampus. Privacy Policy. You may opt out of receiving communications at any time.

    * All Fields are Required. Your Privacy is Protected. Are you enrolling from outside the US? Click here.

  4. How Exploring Opportunities Helped This Student Find Her Passion

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    MS in HEBOnline M.S. in Health Education and Behavior student Liz Leja didn’t always know she wanted to major or work in health education, but now that she’s here, she knows it’s where she’s meant to be.

    Leja and teammate Gina De Sanctis are this year’s winners of the National Case Study Competition in Health Education™ (NCSCHE™). Undergraduate and graduate teams joining the competition are given three weeks to develop a plan to solve a real-life issue; this year the focus was breastfeeding disparities in a rural Louisiana county. Students must demonstrate mastery of the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC) Core Competencies for a Health Education Specialist. The competition culminates in a presentation to a panel of judges.

    In an interview, Leja shares details about the competition, how she discovered a passion for the field, and how the HEB program set her up for a winning career.

    Tell us about the approach you developed and the work you completed as part of the National Case Study Competition in Health Education™

    We decided to focus on education and access after reading background information and doing our own research on this area of Louisiana. We learned about the minimal resources they have, especially on the topic of breastfeeding.

    My approach to health education is thinking about the social determinants of health. Not just our genetics and the biological component, which is very important, but our environment, accessibility, family, education level, and socioeconomic status.

    For the competition, we looked at the population holistically to figure out how to approach this intervention. We found there were low rates of education in the area along with a lack of accessible transportation to get to the available resources. We wanted to make sure the people on the outskirts of the parish had the opportunity to engage.

    We also took cost into account with our budget. The household income level for this population is very low.. We thought about what existing resources we could use so it would be low-cost and so we could meet the people where they were. This included partnering with the central health department and using the libraries as a free resource.

    In terms of your knowledge of Certified Health Education Specialist competencies, how did the online Master of Science in Health Education and Behavior (HEB) program prepare you for success in the competition?

    The most important thing I’ve learned from this master’s program is focusing on people, including learning what messages we need to send them and how they’re going to receive them. We need to understand the social aspects of their lives along with their health to figure out how to best meet their needs.

    One of the classes I’m taking now focuses on theories, and we just covered behavioral economics. We as humans are generally not rational in the decisions that we make. We really need to be pushed and motivated, and we need accountability. Meeting people where they’re at is the most important thing we can do, especially in terms of trying to give them knowledge and skills to make behavior changes through the interventions we create.

    The needs assessment was an important aspect of the competition: understanding the population we were working with before even thinking about how to increase breastfeeding rates.

    How did the online program prepare you for virtual collaboration in the competition?

    I like to talk – I’m definitely a people person. At the beginning, the online environment of the master’s program was an adjustment.

    Some of my professors have been great in facilitating collaboration. Dr. Julia Varnes required us to do group projects in her class. Each week, we had to get together in groups on Zoom and record ourselves, and that fostered better engagement.

    In terms of meeting with Gina for the competition: that was great because we only had to work around two people’s schedules. We had a short time frame to create this program and met two or three times a week, including weekends and late at night.

    During the presentation, we were able to have notes with information we wanted to share, as well as take notes based on feedback from the judges. I’ve taken this feedback into account in projects I’ve since completed.

    Tell me about your background and what drew you to the health education field. As an alumna of the B.S. in Health Education program, what led you to return to complete your master’s?

    My experience at the University of Florida has been one of the most transformative of my life.

    UF is my dream school. Freshman year, I was exploratory, with no idea what I wanted to major in or do after college. I switched from business to psychology to marine bio, then decided on nursing, but it was too late to be on track for that. The summer before my sophomore year, I fell upon health education. Dr. Holly Moses was the advisor, and she helped me become admitted to the major.

    When I spoke with Holly, I felt so at home and accepted for the first time at the university. Even over email, she knew exactly what I was saying and wanted to do.

    Health education just made so much sense to me – it wasn’t hard. Everything clicked – every class, every project. I have learned a lot.

    When I was still in undergrad, Holly was developing the online master’s program. I thought completing the master’s would be helpful for my career, but when I started it, I had no idea what I was going to do afterward.

    I also knew that a lot of the faculty that I worked with in undergrad were facilitating the master’s classes, which was exciting, especially with Holly being behind the program. She was a huge mentor to me within undergrad and Eta Sigma Gamma. I thought, “If anyone can understand what I’m going through, and how I can continue to fight for my career as a health educator, it’s her.”

    I feel so at home in the master’s program. I love to learn and if I don’t have something to push me, I might become stagnant. The master’s has ignited a passion in terms of what I want to do with it.

    What would you like others to know about the M.S. in HEB program?

    The faculty are some of the most caring, empathetic, and passionate people I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. They understand everything that’s going on within your personal life.

    The master’s is very in-depth compared to the bachelor’s.

    The bachelor’s is a great foundation. For anyone intrigued by this field and the opportunities that it has, the master’s completely blows it out of the water.

    In the class I’m taking, we are learning so many health behavior theories in a short period of time. Even though this is a one-semester class, the expectation of the work and research is completely accelerated compared to that of the bachelor’s. We are learning how we tick and how we can all be more well. I feel genuinely challenged; I’m not doing busywork.

    The inclusivity of the program and the cultural competency you learn is another great aspect. We talk about so many different populations, and we have to account for everyone. There’s no politics involved; we are talking about human beings.

    That’s what I’m passionate about – helping people get to a head and body space where they are healthy and happy with themselves and what they’ve accomplished.

    Thanks to the faculty at UF and HEB, and specifically Holly, I discovered my passion and my career path. It’s amazing how you can take a chance on one person and impact the next course of events for them.

    It’s been a very transformative and impactful past six years of my life. I’m somewhere where I feel like I can make a huge difference, and that’s all because of the faculty and what I learned at UF.

    Can you tell me about your experience working in health education, and, specifically, as a health coach at Prisma Health?

    Prisma Health is a hospital system in Greenville, SC. I’m fortunate in the position I have now: being able to coach, counsel and talk to people about making lifestyle changes to help them manage their conditions. I work over the phone with patients, though I don’t like to call my patients my patients – I just call them people that I work with, because I think it’s important to identify a person as who they are, not what they are.

    My team is amazing and has diverse backgrounds, with degrees in exercise science, education, and other areas. My supervisor and manager push us and reaffirm our belief in ourselves, since we are surrounded by NDs, PAs, nurse practitioners, and others that have more clinical experience. There is still some more work to do in terms of us being an integral part of a care team. But I have worked with some physicians that are grateful for my help and advise their patients to work with me.

    As I’m growing in my career, advocating for our profession has become important to me. I tell patients of the hospital system, “No, I’m not a nurse, I’m not a doctor. But this is what I’m capable of doing. These are things we can talk about.” Doing the competition fueled that fire. It showed how effective we can be in this profession.

    Going from my bachelor’s to master’s, I have also grown to advocate more for why I chose this field. At first I wanted to go into nursing, but I’m really finding my niche here with coaching, motivating, and educating. That’s what’s cool about our field too – it’s so diverse. With that diversity comes questioning because we can do a lot of things, and not everyone understands a baseline of what health education is. But as health educators, we could go anywhere – schools, hospital systems, nonprofits, and communities.

    What are your professional plans for the future?

    I’m interested in educating college students in this program or other health professions like medical school or PA school to get them to understand a more holistic, patient-centered approach to individuals. Don’t treat the symptoms, treat the person. Meet them where they’re at. Healthcare and insurance is so complex in terms of services, delivery, and cost. If we can tweak the model with regard to the people delivering the care, then hopefully systemic changes could follow suit.

    I love working with people but I also believe I could do very well in a managerial or administrative position: oversee the people helping the people, and organize efforts and interventions. I really enjoyed what we did with the case study competition. I love to be in the field, but doing the research and looking at the needs is also important. You need people to do that, delegate, and let their employees spread their wings and do the work.

    About the Online Master of Science in Health Education & Behavior From the University of Florida

    The University of Florida’s online Master of Science in Health Education and Behavior (HEB) was designed by highly regarded health educator specialists to prepare students for careers in clinical and non-clinical settings. Developed around the areas of responsibility laid out by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, the curriculum builds the knowledge professionals need to plan, implement, and evaluate health education and promotion programs. The UF Master of Science in Health Education and Behavior program requires its students to sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) Exam.

    Request Brochure

    To learn more about the University of Florida’s online Master of Science in Health Education and Behavior and download a free brochure, fill out the fields below. You can also call (352) 662-3395 to speak to an enrollment specialist.

    University of Florida has engaged AllCampus to help support your educational journey. AllCampus will contact you shortly in response to your request for information. About AllCampus. Privacy Policy. You may opt out of receiving communications at any time.

    * All Fields are Required. Your Privacy is Protected. Are you enrolling from outside the US? Click here.

  5. Award-Winning M.S. in HEB Alumna Shares Her Experiences

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    Master of Science in Health Education and BehaviorGina De Sanctis, now-graduate of the Master of Science in Health Education and Behavior (HEB) program at the University of Florida, and teammate Liz Leja are this year’s winners of the National Case Study Competition in Health Education™ (NCSCHE™). A maximum of 50 teams, including 30 undergraduate and 20 graduate, join the competition each year, and are given three weeks to develop a plan to solve a real-life issue. Students must demonstrate mastery of the Eight Areas of Responsibility defining the role of a health education specialist (NCHEC, 2020). The competition culminates in a presentation to a panel of judges.

    The 2021 community health issue of focus was breastfeeding disparities in a rural Louisiana county. De Sanctis and Leja researched the issue, community, and potential solutions to create a fitting intervention and evaluation plan. Based on an analysis of the county’s community health needs assessment, demographics, and available resources, they developed a low-cost approach.

    De Sanctis and Leja called on the knowledge and skills gained during their studies in the HEB master’s program to develop the behavioral intervention. In particular, the Theories of Health Behavior & Practice course was helpful in providing options for them to choose a theory to guide their intervention. They were also able to create a logic model to provide a visual overview of their program, which they learned how to complete during their time in the Planning Health Education Programs course.

    Due to coronavirus, De Sanctis, originally in the residential M.S. in HEB program, found her courses and club meetings moved online. She became familiar with communicating virtually and collaborating through shared Google Documents, which was also useful in the competition. De Sanctis and Leja used Zoom to meet and pull together their Google Slides presentation, and it was also the platform utilized to present to the judges.

    Along with receiving the NCSCHE™ award, De Sanctis was named the Health Education and Behavior 2021 Master’s Student of the Year. Students are nominated for the honor based on education, experiences, and skills. She credits the UF Department of Health Education & Behavior with helping her develop her expertise in a number of ways, including opportunities for research, internships, and volunteering.

    De Sanctis also held membership in and served as president for the Eta Sigma Gamma (ESG) Alpha Lambda Chapter, an honor society focused on promoting health education. Due to the pandemic, ESG events and activities were moved to a virtual platform. This included Sex in the Swamp, the annual ESG event focused on the promotion of health sexuality, deemed a success in its first time ever held remotely.

    Overall, De Sanctis had a terrific experience in the program, saying, “The M.S. in HEB program is a great way to gain first-hand experience planning and evaluating health education programs, which helps prepare individuals for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) exam. And the faculty and staff in the Department of Health Education and Behavior truly care about helping you grow as a professional.”

    De Sanctis is also an alum of the UF HEB B.S. program. While completing her undergraduate courses, she decided to continue on to her master’s in order to gain a greater understanding of key health education topics and further prepare herself for a career in health education and promotion. Through a combined degree program option, she was able to earn graduate credits as an undergraduate student to shorten the time and credits in the M.S. program.

    The diagnosis of several family members with serious health conditions, including Lupus and Alzheimer’s disease, was what drew De Sanctis to the field.

    “I heard their confusion and worries about their condition and treatment, which motivated me to become part of this field. I wanted to be able to help individuals, like my family members, understand their health and lead healthier lifestyles,” she says.

    Along with her interest in chronic health issues, De Sanctis also believes it is crucial for all health professionals to be familiar with health equity. She has aspirations of one day working for a governmental health agency.

    About the Online Master of Science in Health Education & Behavior From the University of Florida

    The University of Florida’s online Master of Science in Health Education and Behavior (HEB) was designed by highly regarded health educator specialists to prepare students for careers in clinical and non-clinical settings. Developed around the areas of responsibility laid out by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, the curriculum builds the knowledge professionals need to plan, implement, and evaluate health education and promotion programs. The UF Master of Science in Health Education and Behavior program requires its students to sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) Exam.

    Request Brochure

    To learn more about the University of Florida’s online Master of Science in Health Education and Behavior and download a free brochure, fill out the fields below. You can also call (352) 662-3395 to speak to an enrollment specialist.

    University of Florida has engaged AllCampus to help support your educational journey. AllCampus will contact you shortly in response to your request for information. About AllCampus. Privacy Policy. You may opt out of receiving communications at any time.

    * All Fields are Required. Your Privacy is Protected. Are you enrolling from outside the US? Click here.

  6. COVID-19 Response at the University of Florida

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    The University of Florida and the College of Health and Human Performance are committed to maintaining health and safety for everyone in our community. In this challenging time, it’s vital that our faculty, students and staff all work together to prevent the spread of COVID-19. For that reason, we have moved our classes online as of March 24:

    • All UF classes will be held online for the rest of the spring 2020 semester.
    • All summer A and C classes (scheduled to begin May 11) will be held online.

    UF is striving to offer flexibility while prioritizing everyone’s well-being. To learn more about how UF is responding to COVID-19 and what these measures mean for you, please see the resources below and call (866) 833-2287 (866-UF-FACTS) if you have specific questions.

    Campus Resources

    • The UF Student Health Care Center will remain open with expanded hours.
    • The UF Counseling and Wellness Centers will be open to provide services by phone.
    • The Smathers Libraries will remain open for online services.
    • Gator Dining Services will offer to-go service only.

    2020 Commencement

    • For students who are graduating with bachelor’s or master’s degrees, spring commencement is rescheduled for the weekend of July 31-August 2.
    • Graduating doctoral students may participate in the August 7 ceremony.

    University Employees

    In accordance with the emergency “stay at home” orders mandated by Alachua County, UF has limited on-campus work to personnel who are identified as essential as of March 24. All nonessential faculty and staff will work from home if possible.

    Any workers who are unsure about whether they are considered essential or expected to work from home should consult their managers. Essential workers who must remain on campus are required to practice social distancing whenever possible, maintaining a minimum distance of six feet between themselves and others.

    For Additional Information

    • Visit the UF COVID-19 updates page to find the most current information and latest announcements.
    • See the FAQ page for answers to specific questions you may have about COVID-19 and UF’s response. For any further questions, please call (866) 833-2287 (866-UF-FACTS).
    • Please visit our COVID-19 cases page for the current number of students, faculty and staff who have tested positive for the novel coronavirus and related details.
    • See the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for updates on the federal response and to find tips to protect yourself and others.
    • International travelers should check the CDC’s Travel Page for the latest notices and guidelines.
    • Visit the Florida Department of Health for Florida-specific information, including a COVID-19 resource toolkit and a breakdown of confirmed cases by county.