Certified Health Education Specialists' Participation in Professional Associations: Implications for Marketing and Membership

Abstract

A number of health education professional associations exist to advance the profession through research, practice, and professional development. Benefits of individual membership may include continuing education, networking, leadership, professional recognition, advocacy, professional mobility, access to research findings, advances in the profession, service opportunities, and the ability to help shape the future direction of the profession. The purpose of this study was to analyze membership and involvement in professional associations and identify implications for marketing and sustained membership. The study sample was randomly selected from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. database. The sampling frame was certified health education specialists living in the United States. Statistical analysis was delimited to respondents who were currently employed. Data were collected using an 88-item self-administered questionnaire. No dominant professional association exists at the national level as evidenced by the finding that together, APHA, SOPHE, and AAHE capture 55% of the national market. The most common reasons for membership in professional associations include: maintaining CHES certification, advancing the profession, and networking. Based on survey findings, health educators must recommit themselves to increased involvement in associations, and professional associations must take a proactive marketing position to strengthen current and future membership.