Health promotion specialist
Motivate humans to improve their health while saving the planet. You'd run campaigns that encourage people to walk or cycle rather than travel by car.
Also known as: health improvement specialist
About the job
What it's like
You'd motivate and educate people to improve their health, and also run campaigns to raise awareness of health issues.
You'd focus on 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
drug misuse
You might work with individuals on a one-to-one basis, or you may help specific groups in the population, such as older people or people with disabilities. You might be based in schools, workplaces or prisons.
As well as giving advice to people on how to make lifestyle changes, you would work on more strategic activities to promote good health.
Your tasks might include:
working on public health campaigns such as screening and immunisation
developing new ways to improve public health and influence local, regional and national policy
working in partnership with the NHS, voluntary organisations, local authorities and the police
researching what the public knows about particular health issues
producing publicity materials such as leaflets, brochures and videos
organising exhibitions and events and work with the press
running training courses and workshops
You’d inform and advise key people like managers in health authorities and local councils. You’d also work closely with other health professionals, such as doctors, nurses and health trainers.
Being persuasive and tactful are important for this job so you can inspire and motivate people.
Green job
By encouraging people to use more active forms of transportation or eat healthier foods, you'll be benefitting the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Hours
Your main working hours are likely to be 9am to 5pm, however, regular evening or weekend sessions may also be involved when working with the community.
Environment
You would be office based, but you would also work in different locations in the community such as health centres, hospitals, offices and sports centres.
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Life sciences
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- taking responsibility
- motivating others
- coaching
- developing a plan
- researching
- innovative
- creative
- written communication
- verbal communication
- networking
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Care
Childcare and Development
Human Biology
Skills for Work: Health Sector
Foundation Apprenticeship: Social Services and Healthcare
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
A degree (SCQF Level 9/10) or postgraduate qualification (SCQF Level 11) in areas like health studies, health promotion or public health. Degrees in social sciences, education and sports science may also be a useful starting point for entry into this role.
To enter a Health Studies Degree (SCQF Level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of four or five Highers or a relevant HNC/HND.
To enter a postgraduate course (SCQF Level 11) you will usually require an honours degree in a relevant subject.
Some employers may accept an HND if you have extensive experience and/or a relevant professional qualification. A one-year top-up programme in health promotion is available for those with an appropriate foundation degree or diploma.
Qualifications that demonstrate understanding of health and wellbeing and experience working with community, such as:
Skills for Work: Health Sector
Skills for Work: Health and Social Care
Community Volunteer Qualifications (CVQ) or other youth award
An interest in health promotion as well as relevant work experience or work shadowing. You can search health-related volunteering opportunities on Volunteer.scot.
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