Health Education Concentration in Healthcare
A health education concentration focuses on teaching and promoting health behaviors in communities and organizations. It typically builds on the program core and adds courses in health literacy, program design, and community outreach.
Quick Answers
What is a health education concentration in healthcare?
A health education concentration is a focused set of courses within a healthcare program that emphasizes this subject area.
What do you typically study in this concentration?
Coursework varies by school, but most programs cover core concepts, applied methods, and domain-specific tools related to health education.
Is this concentration available online?
Many schools offer this concentration online, but availability depends on degree level and start-term scheduling.
Back to Healthcare Concentrations
At a Glance
- Focus area: Health promotion, community outreach, and health literacy
- Key career: Healthcare Social Workers – $68,090 median salary (BLS, May 2024)
- Employment: 185,940 healthcare social workers nationwide (BLS, May 2024)
- Degree levels: Available as bachelor’s concentration or graduate specialization
- Related: Overlaps with public health but emphasizes education and behavior change
For an overview of all degree paths, see the Healthcare Program Guide.
What you typically study
| Course Topic | What You Learn |
|---|---|
| Health Promotion & Behavior Change | Theories of behavior change, motivational strategies, and intervention design |
| Community Health Education | Needs assessment, program planning, and evaluation for community settings |
| Health Literacy & Communication | Patient education materials, plain language health writing, and cultural competence |
| Program Design & Evaluation | Designing, implementing, and measuring health education program outcomes |
| Social Determinants of Health | Environmental, economic, and social factors that influence health outcomes |
| Grant Writing & Funding | Identifying funding sources, writing proposals, and managing education program budgets |
Questions to ask before choosing this concentration
- How many courses are required versus elective options?
- Are there prerequisite courses for this track?
- Does the concentration include a capstone or applied project?
- Is the concentration available online and in your desired term?
How healthcare concentrations compare
| Concentration | Key Career | Median Salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Administration | Medical and Health Services Managers | $117,960 | 565,840 |
| Healthcare Management | Medical and Health Services Managers | $117,960 | 565,840 |
| Health Informatics | Health Information Technologists | $67,310 | 37,620 |
| Healthcare Policy | Epidemiologists | $83,980 | 11,460 |
| Health Education | Healthcare Social Workers | $68,090 | 185,940 |
| Public Health | Epidemiologists | $83,980 | 11,460 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.