Health promotion specialists, also known as health education specialists, aim to educate people to live healthy lives. They work with hospitals, schools, workplaces, entire communities and individuals to improve the health and well-being of the population.

The nature of the work can include raising awareness and educating individuals, groups and communities on a range of issues such as:

• the importance of a balanced diet, and taking regular exercise 
• the dangers of smoking or excessive drinking
• the risk of coronary heart disease and cancers
• mental health, sexual health, and drug misuse.

Health promotion specialists can be involved in a variety of activities to promote good health, including:

• working on public health campaigns such as screening and immunisation
• developing a strategic approach to improving public health - influencing local, regional and national policy
• working in partnership with organisations such as the NHS, voluntary organisations, local authorities and the police
• researching the extent of public knowledge on particular health issues
• writing leaflets and brochures, and producing other resources such as posters and videos
• organising exhibitions and events
• running training courses and workshops
• working with the press and TV.

Health promotion specialists can also be involved in providing information and advice to key people like managers in health authorities and local councils. They may work in collaboration with other health professionals, such as doctors and nurses, whose duties include health promotion.

Hours and Environment

Health promotion specialists will usually work 9am to 5pm. However, working with community groups may involve some evening or weekend sessions. Health promotion specialists often work with a range of organisations at the same time, therefore some travel may be involved and a driving licence would be useful. 

As a health promotion specialist you will usually be office-based. However, due to the partnership approach of the work, much of your working day may be spent training or visiting other organisations.

Skills and Interests

To be a health promotion specialist you need:

• an understanding of public health issues and how raising awareness can improve health
• good verbal and written communication skills
• good organisational skills
• good time management and project management skills
• the ability to collaborate with a range of different organisations (public, private and voluntary)
• to keep up-to-date with the latest research, national and local government policies relating to community health promotion
• good research and analytical skills
• to be self-motivated.

Entry

People often go into health promotion as a second career. Experience and a professional qualification in an area such as medicine, nursing, health visiting, community or social work would be particularly useful. 

Alternatively, you may be able to get into this field with a degree and some relevant voluntary work experience. Degrees in subjects such as health studies, health promotion, psychology, social science and education will be most helpful. Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.

If health promotion is a totally new area for you, then you could arrange some voluntary work through you local hospital trust. Try talking to the health promotion unit where you live about their work and the voluntary opportunities available to you.

Check the Society of Health Education and Health Promotion Specialists (SHEPS) website for local contacts; see Further Information for details.

Many employers view postgraduate qualifications like an MSc in Health Promotion or Health Development as increasingly desirable. Course titles can vary and may not always fully reflect the content of the course, so make sure you get detailed information from the institution you wish to study with.

Training

When you start work in health promotions, you will usually receive on-the-job training from your employer. 

If you do not already have a relevant postgraduate qualification in this area, you may be encouraged to work towards an MSc in Health Promotion, for example, on a part-time or day release basis.

To work as a senior practitioner, involved in leading projects and strategic planning, a postgraduate diploma or MSc in Health Promotion or Health Development is likely to be seen as essential by employers.

There are a range of relevant courses you can study when you are working in this field including postgraduate certificates and diplomas. There is also a Certificate in Health Promotion offered by the Open University, which is at a similar level to the final year of an honours degree.

SHEPS can provide further careers information and a list of all courses recognised by the society.

Opportunities

There are around 2,000 health education specialists in the country. Most opportunities are in large towns and cities. NHS trusts, local authorities and voluntary organisations are the main employers.

As a health promotion specialist you may enter this area of work at a senior level and remain at that level for some time. Health promotion units tend to be small and competition for promotion can be strong. You may need to relocate to take up a more senior position.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.
The income of health promotion specialists can vary depending on where they work and who they work for. 

The starting salary for health promotion specialists can be between £19,200 and £25,000 a year.
An experienced specialist can earn around £31,000.
Senior specialists can earn up to £37,000.

Further information

Goldsmiths House
Broad Plain
Bristol
BS2 0JP
Tel: 0117 922 1155

Health Development Projects Office
School of Health and Policy Studies
UCE
Perry Barr
Birmingham
B42 2SU
Tel: 0121 331 5511

Innovation House
Bridgend Road
Llanharan
CF72 9RP
Tel: 01443 233 333 Tel: 08000 150 850
Email: learning@nhscareers.nhs.uk PO Box 376
Bristol
BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655

Woodburn House
Canaan Lane
Edinburgh
EH10 4SG
Tel: 0131 536 5500

18 Ormeau Avenue
Belfast
BT2 8HS
Tel: 028 9031 1611