Students enrolled in online health education programs examine community and individual needs for health education, assess behavior changes in regards to health education, and apply the measures needed. Those interested in this industry should be analytical, have strong communication and problem-solving skills, and work well with others. Health education programs are available online at the baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral levels. Select schools may offer an undergraduate or graduate certificate option.

Graduates may seek employment in hospitals, schools, clinics, medical practices, or non-profit organizations. Students may also gain the experience and skills required for a career as a health education instructor, clinical studies coordinator, director of community health services, nutritionist, or mental health counselor.

Available Degree Levels

• Certificate: One to two years to complete
• Bachelor’s Degree: Four years to complete
• Master’s Degree: One to two years to complete
• Doctoral Degree: Three to five years to complete

An undergraduate or graduate online certificate program in health education may help students expand their knowledge about current trends in health education. They may learn how to implement specific health aspects into school systems to ensure that children become healthy and active. Coursework may include school health, classroom practices, health education standards, and effective teaching strategies.

Online baccalaureate-level health education programs teach students how to demonstrate leadership skills, implement health care strategies, communicate with clients, and evaluate health care options. Schools may offer either a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science option in health education. In addition to general education requirements, students may complete courses in health care informatics, community and public health, nutritional concepts, and health care issues in diverse populations.

Students interested in online master’s-level programs in health education learn how to solve community health issues by designing and implementing educational programs to promote healthier lifestyles. Typical courses may include human sexuality, school health, intervention strategies for school health education, drug education and prevention, and human learning in schools.

Online doctoral programs in health education prepare students to become innovative leaders in educating students, peers, and patients. They may also gain a deeper understanding of program design, policy development, and local issue evaluation. These research-heavy programs often include a dissertation in which students may design, implement, and evaluate a community-related intervention program.

Career Options

Those who graduate with an online health education degree may pursue employment opportunities within a variety of locations, including hospitals, non-profit organizations, schools, clinics, medical practices, or public health service agencies. Individuals who secure an online health education degree may have the skills to assess and develop health programs for members of the community, advocate for improved health policies, and evaluate the effectiveness of health-based programs.

Possible career fields include:

• Health Education Educator
• Clinical Studies Coordinator
• Director of Community Health Services
• Mental Health Counselor
• Nutritionist