title: Overview of the National Health Educator Competencies Update Project, 1998-2004.
abstract: The National Health Educator Competencies Update Project (CUP), conducted during 1998-2004, addressed what health educators currently do in practice, the degree to which the role definition of the entry-level health educator is still up-to-date, and the validation of advanced-level competencies. A 19-page questionnaire was sent to a representative sample of health educators in recognized practice settings in all states and the District of Columbia. A total of 4,030 health educators participated in the research (70.6% adjusted response rate) resulting in the largest national data set of its kind, with 1.6 million data points. The model derived from the research was hierarchical (7 areas of responsibility, 35 competencies, and 163 subcompetencies), with three levels of practice (Entry, Advanced 1, and Advanced 2) differentiated by degrees earned and years of experience. The findings affect professional preparation, credentialing, and professional development.
authors.affiliation: University of Wisconsin at La Crosse, 54601, USA. gilmore.gary@uwlax.edu
authors.forename: Gary David
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Gilmore
authors.forename: Larry K
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Olsen
authors.forename: Alyson
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Taub
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Connell
mesh_terms: D026683:Advisory Committees; D002983:Clinical Competence; D018672:Community Health Planning; D040381:Education, Public Health Professional / Q000592:standards*; D006266:Health Education / Q000592:standards*; D040441:Health Educators / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D017145:Models, Educational; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010865:Pilot Projects; D024382:Professional Role; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States