Health Educator System of Japan

Objectives: The study was to analyse health educator system of Japan and to suggest some implications to certification system of health education specialist in Korea. Methods: A content analysis carried out for the study which is an establishment the central operating organization, and curriculum of health educator system of Japan. Related documents of Japanese Association of Health Education were reviewed and personnel of the central operating body was interviewed in 2005. Result: Major findings were as follows: 1. Health educators in Japan were trained and certified through a non governmental organization, named Health Educator Training Organization in cooperation with Japanese Society of Health Education and Promotion. 2. Certification system was developed by Japanese Society of Health Education and Promotion, and health educators were certified through fulfillment of professional training and examination administered by Health Educator Training Organization. 3. The professional training sessions were held twice a year and the credential should be renewed every five years. 4. The eligibility of participation in the professional training sessions and renewal requirement were defined in the regulations of Health Educator Training Organization. 5. There were two kinds of health educators in Japan. The first one was a practical health educator, and the other was a professional health educator. The training for a professional health educator was more intensive than the practical one and consigned to a graduate school designated by Health Educator Training Organization. Conclusion: Review of operating system, clarity of operating process, and the development of renewal system of health education specialist would be necessary for the improvement of certification system in Korea.

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