Introduction

The Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) certification is a nationally recognized credential for professionals working in health education and promotion. This 5-day intensive training course is designed to equip participants with the foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary to become certified health education specialists. The course covers key topics such as health behavior theories, program planning, needs assessments, evaluation methods, and policy advocacy, all based on the responsibilities and competencies outlined by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). Upon completion, participants will be well-prepared to take the CHES certification exam and apply health education strategies in a variety of settings.

Course Objectives

By the end of this training, participants will:

1. Understand the core concepts, theories, and strategies of health education and promotion.
2. Gain proficiency in assessing health needs and designing effective health education programs.
3. Learn how to implement, manage, and evaluate health education interventions.
4. Develop the skills to advocate for health policies and collaborate with other professionals and stakeholders.
5. Be fully prepared to take the CHES certification exam and begin working as certified health education specialists.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for:

• Health educators, public health professionals, and healthcare workers seeking certification.
• Individuals pursuing a career in health education or those looking to enhance their knowledge and skills in the field.
• Professionals working in schools, community health centers, non-profits, or government agencies focused on health promotion.
• Anyone interested in becoming a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) to advance their career in public health and health education.

Day 1: Introduction to Health Education and the Role of CHES

• Session 1: Overview of Health Education and Health Promotion

  • Understanding the field of health education: Definitions, goals, and key concepts
  • The role of the health education specialist in promoting community health and well-being
  • Historical developments in health education and the importance of health literacy
  • Key principles of health promotion: Empowerment, behavior change, and community involvement
  • Overview of the CHES certification process and requirements

• Session 2: Theories and Models of Health Behavior Change

  • Key theories of health behavior change: Social Cognitive Theory, Health Belief Model, Theory of Planned Behavior, Transtheoretical Model, and others
  • Applying behavior change theories to design effective health education programs
  • How to use motivational interviewing and communication techniques to influence behavior
  • Understanding how individual, social, and environmental factors impact health behaviors
  • Integrating theory into practical health education interventions

Day 2: Needs Assessment and Program Planning

• Session 3: Conducting a Needs Assessment

  • The role of needs assessments in health education program planning
  • Identifying community health needs using data sources: Surveys, focus groups, and public health statistics
  • Methods for assessing community health problems and prioritizing issues
  • Involving stakeholders in the assessment process to ensure relevance and accuracy
  • How to interpret assessment data to design appropriate interventions

• Session 4: Program Planning and Design

  • The importance of strategic planning in health education: Setting goals, objectives, and measurable outcomes
  • The PRECEDE-PROCEED model for planning health education programs
  • Developing evidence-based interventions tailored to the needs of specific populations
  • Ensuring cultural competence and inclusivity in program design
  • How to select appropriate educational strategies: Workshops, campaigns, media, and other methods

Day 3: Implementation and Management of Health Education Programs

• Session 5: Implementing Health Education Programs

  • The logistics of program implementation: Budgeting, staffing, and resource allocation
  • Managing a health education program: Scheduling, coordination, and collaboration with stakeholders
  • Engaging target populations: Techniques for increasing participation and motivation
  • Overcoming challenges in program delivery: Barriers to success and troubleshooting

• Session 6: Managing Program Resources

  • Effective management of materials, technology, and human resources
  • Developing partnerships with local organizations, schools, and healthcare providers
  • Strategies for ensuring sustainability of health education programs
  • The role of leadership and communication in program success
  • How to build a collaborative team and engage key partners

Day 4: Evaluation, Policy Advocacy, and Ethical Practices

• Session 7: Evaluating Health Education Programs

  • The importance of program evaluation in determining effectiveness and impact
  • Evaluation methods: Formative, process, summative, and impact evaluations
  • Developing and using evaluation tools: Surveys, interviews, focus groups, and performance metrics
  • Analyzing evaluation data to refine programs and inform future initiatives
  • Reporting results to stakeholders and using findings for program improvement

• Session 8: Policy Advocacy and Community Mobilization

  • The role of policy advocacy in health education: Understanding public health policies and their impact on communities
  • Techniques for advocating for policies that promote health and wellness
  • Building community coalitions to support policy change
  • The importance of health communication in policy advocacy: Public relations, lobbying, and media
  • Ethical considerations in health education: Confidentiality, consent, and maintaining professional integrity

Day 5: Certification Exam Preparation and Final Review

• Session 9: Review of Key Concepts

  • Comprehensive review of the Seven Areas of Responsibility for Health Education Specialists:
    1. Assessing Needs, Resources, and Capacity
    2. Planning Health Education Programs
    3. Implementing Health Education Programs
    4. Conducting Evaluation and Research
    5. Administering and Managing Health Education Programs
    6. Serving as a Resource Person
    7. Communicating, Promoting, and Advocating for Health
  • Practice exam questions to assess readiness for the CHES exam
  • Discussion of common challenges faced by health education specialists and strategies to overcome them

• Session 10: Certification Exam Review and Exam Strategies

  • Detailed review of exam format, structure, and key focus areas
  • Exam-taking tips: Time management, understanding the question types, and effective study habits
  • Final Q&A session to address participant queries and ensure readiness for certification
  • Preparing for the CHES certification exam: How to schedule, what to expect on exam day, and next steps