Health Promotion Officer

Summary of profession

Health promotion officers plan and coordinate health promotion programs for various community groups. This may involve informing and bringing in other health professionals to assist with various health issues. They may also be involved in designing school health curriculum material. In addition, they also design and develop promotional materials for public information campaigns used for newspapers, magazines, pamphlets, posters, websites, radio and television.

Working hours, patterns and environments

Health promotion officers normally work 38 hours per week in an office environment. Sometimes they may need to work on weekends or evenings, and travel to various communities.

Education and skills

To become a health promotion officer, you usually need to complete a degree in health promotion or public health. An officer needs: good organizational ability, good negotiation skills, good oral and written communication skills and the ability to work individually or as part of a team.

Job growth and opportunities

Employment of health educators and community health workers is projected to grow 13% from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations. Growth will be driven by efforts to improve health outcomes and to reduce healthcare costs by teaching people healthy habits and behaviors and explaining how to use available healthcare services.