Preparing for Certification: Health Educators' Perceived Competencies

Abstract

A study of perceived professional strengths and weakness was conducted on 99 health educators attending three professional association meetings in the Fall of 1987. These educators were asked to self-assess their perceived competency on seven entry level responsibilities identified through the Role Delineation Project, as being generic to the role of the health educator. Results indicate that while there was perceived competence in all responsibilities, two responsibilities, evaluating health education programs and acting as a resource person in health, were perceived as the areas of least competence. In preparation for certification, this information can be used in development of continuing education programs and academic curricula, to strengthen skills of practicing health educators, and better prepare those in training.