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What does a Health Specialist do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A health specialist is a professional who helps people maintain their health and well-being. They may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Health specialists may also work in public health or research.

Health Specialist job duties include:

  • Advising patients on health and wellness
  • Educating patients on preventative care and health maintenance
  • Ordering, performing, and interpreting diagnostic tests
  • Prescribing medications and treatments
  • Coordinating care with other healthcare providers
  • Managing chronic health conditions
  • Promoting healthy lifestyles and behaviors
  • Counseling patients and families on coping with illness and stress
  • Providing emotional support to patients and families

Health Specialist Job Requirements

A Health Specialist typically has a degree in public health, health education, or a related field. Many positions also require certification from a professional organization such as the National Board of Public Health Examiners. Some employers may prefer candidates with several years of experience working in public health or a related field.

Health Specialist Skills

  • Analytical skills
  • Communication skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Organizational skills
  • Time management skills
  • Research skills
  • Writing skills
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Active listening skills
  • Empathy

Related: Top Health Specialist Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Health Specialist

There are many ways to become a health specialist. One way is to attend a college that offers a degree in health science or a related field. Alternatively, many community colleges offer two-year programs in health science that can lead to a career as a health specialist. In addition, many hospitals offer training programs for individuals interested in becoming health specialists. Finally, many professional organizations offer certification programs for individuals who want to specialize in a particular area of health care.

Related: Health Specialist Resume Example

Related: Health Specialist Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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