Health promotion specialist

Alternative titles for this job include Health improvement specialist

Health promotion specialists advise people and communities on how to improve their health and wellbeing.

Average salary (a year)

£25,000 Starter

to

£35,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

38 to 40

You could work

evenings / weekends occasionally

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

University

You could do a degree or postgraduate qualification in:

• health promotion
• public health policy
• health studies
• nursing
• community development
• psychological and behavioural science

You might also start by doing a foundation degree in health and social care.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

College

You could do a college course, which may lead to a trainee position in health promotion or outreach work. Courses include:

• health and social care
• T Level in Health

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

• funding advice
• guide to T Levels
• search for courses

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Public Health Practitioner Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

This usually takes around 3 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

Work

You could start as a health promotion assistant or an NHS 111 health advisor and complete further training while you work.

Volunteering

Volunteering in the NHS is a good way to get work experience in healthcare. This can be helpful when you apply for jobs or training.

You can also find opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and Do it.

Direct Application

You can apply directly for health promotion specialist jobs.

To do this, you'll need a qualification and experience in an area, such as:

• nursing
• education
• social work
• mental health
• substance misuse

Experience of working with vulnerable people and communities will be helpful.

More Information

Career tips

You could work for different types of organisations like the NHS, local authorities or charities.

You can find details of health campaigns and initiatives through the Royal Society for Public Health.

Further information

You can learn more about working in health promotion from Health Careers.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of education methods and ability to design courses
• the ability to work well with others
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• leadership skills
• customer service skills
• sensitivity and understanding
• excellent written communication skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

You may need a driving licence for some jobs.

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a health promotion specialist, you could:

• design programmes to promote health awareness
• give advice on how to make healthier lifestyle choices
• promote the benefits of regular exercise on physical and mental health
• highlight the risks smoking, alcohol, drugs and poor diet have on health
• raise awareness of mental health and sexual health issues
• help individuals and community groups to use support services
• run training courses and organise events
• offer policy advice to public bodies, like health authorities and local councils

Working environment

You could work in the community, at a health centre or in an office.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could:

• move into a senior role, with responsibility for planning health strategies and campaigns
• manage and co-ordinate the work of health promotion teams
• work as a freelance consultant

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Public Health Practitioner

• Wage: £27,008 a year Annually
• Location: 1 Town Square, Barking

Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Access to HE - Health Science

• Provider: HALESOWEN COLLEGE
• Start date: 01 September 2027
• Location: Halesowen

Access to Higher Education Diploma: Social Science - Counselling (Express Course)

• Provider: CITY COLLEGE PLYMOUTH
• Start date: 26 September 2027
• Location: PLYMOUTH

Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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