As a newly certified Health Educator, I wanted to offer some of my perceptions so far. First, I agree that one problem that I am having is that many people/organizations do not know exactly what a health educator does. Many confuse the competencies with those of a nurse or a teacher when in reality health education is a field all of its own. Second, I know that if I did not choose to get my CHES, I would not be as knowledgeable of my seven competencies. Not only did studying for the exam strengthen my knowledge, but passing the exam gave me a strong sense of accomplishment and the right to call myself a professional. Finally, having work under the nursing services umbrella, I am aware that even though RNs have an important role in health care, a nursing degree does not make them health educators. Although there are overlaps in skills, the skill sets are for the most part separate and sometimes nurses are too close to the forest to see the trees.

In conclusion, we need to continue to work together to find a strong definition of the role of the health educator and continue to aggressively market the profession. Then perhaps a CHES certification will have more meaning to society beyond HEDIR. We need to advocate that a CHES certification is required to work in the profession, and that health education is a discipline that can stand alone.

Larry Fleck