Patient education specialists work in clinics, community health programs, hospitals, or other health care settings to educate patients, helping them to make informed decisions, maximize self-care, and maximize recovery.
Description
Patient education specialists’ job responsibilities may include:
- Provide group or class or one-on-one education to patients
- Assess learning needs of patients
- Provides education to help patients make informed decisions, maximize self-care and enhance recovery
- Evaluates outcomes of patient education
- Work collaboratively with care providers
- Design and develop education resources for patients
- Promote wellness
Licensing
- No special licensing is required
Personal qualifications
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- High ethical standards
- Emotional stability and maturity
- Ability to deal effectively with people
- Sensitivity, compassion
- Ability to lead and inspire others
- Patience and perseverance
Employment opportunities
Employment opportunities for candidates with a bachelors degree is more limited than for individuals with a masters or doctorate, but in general, demand for psychologists is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations through 2014 (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2005).
Salary
Salaries of patient educators range widely.
A 2004 survey by National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Patient Care Network of cancer educators found that average salaries for those with a bachelor’s degree ranged widely from $30,000 to $70,000, with the median in the $50,000 range.
Progression
Experienced patient educators may take on increased responsibilities in management or training materials development. A masters or doctoral degree in a related field will also result in increased opportunities
Getting there: Your degree program at MCPHS
- BS Health Psychology (Boston): Full-time, four-year baccalaureate degree; students are placed in psychology internships tailored to interests and professional goals