Rising healthcare costs, effects of national healthcare legislation, and concerns about employee health and productivity are just a few reasons why more and more organizations are looking to implement wellness programs.
By fostering healthier lifestyles and promoting the value of staying well, organizations are learning that they can slow the pace of rising health insurance premiums and improve the attendance and productivity of their employees—particularly those with chronic conditions.
But to achieve this healthy ROI, organizations need qualified professionals with the training to manage engaging and effective health and wellness programs that have a beneficial and lasting effect on both the organization’s culture and profitability.
Mike Olson, co-founder of Advantage Health Corporation, attributes the increased value of wellness professionals to a shift in organizational priorities: “Today, smart companies know that to retain talent, they need to provide a positive, engaging lifestyle.”
Health and Wellness Careers Outlook
The careers outlook for health and wellness professionals with the required knowledge and skills is positive. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a growth of 13 percent for health educators and community health workers between 2019 and 2029, a rate that’s faster than average across industries.
Emsi research from 2020 predicted a 12 percent increase in the same job categories over the next decade. Also, top employers of health and wellness professionals–including general medical and surgical hospitals, individual and family services, outpatient care centers, and government support organizations–are projected to grow 4 to 14 percent over the next decade. This suggests positive growth for health and wellness jobs as well.
Stephanie Pereira Da Silva, health and wellness manager for Kimberly-Clark Corporation, gives insight on the industry’s growth potential:
“The wellness career outlook is positive and growing. From fitness-focused careers to corporate wellness planning, job trends within the industry are constantly changing and developing. In many companies, wellness is managed by human resources, giving candidates with a health and wellness degree an opportunity to take the reins and broaden or expand the programs.”
Health and Wellness Jobs and Salaries
According to 2019 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics pay data, the median salary for health educators and community health workers was $55,220. Job titles and salary ranges in this field vary. Some examples:
- Benefits coordinator ($36,871-$55,872)
- Corporate wellness administrator ($46,989-$82,368)
- Wellness program consultant ($49,917-73,052)
- Wellness program manager ($64,713-$118,212)
- Employee health services manager ($93,128-$145,839)
- Community health director ($90,509-$194,902)
Source: Salary.com’s 2020 salary calculator
Gain the Knowledge and Skills You Need for an Exciting Health and Wellness Career
The online University of Wisconsin Health and Wellness Management bachelor’s and master’s programs are designed to create competitive candidates in this expanding field. In addition to the standard coursework, graduates have the opportunity to apply their knowledge in the health and wellness field as part of the required capstone courses, which provide 100 hours of field work in a professional environment. This gives UW students an advantage over graduates of other programs. According to UW advisory board member Michaela Conley, CEO and founder of HPCareer.Net, “UW students aren’t just passive receivers of information; they’re hands-on practitioners, capable of performing real-world tasks right out of school!”
In the video below, UW Health and Wellness Management faculty further discuss the practical benefits of the bachelor’s degree program.
Take the Next Step
Start exploring the UW Health and Wellness Management program.
If you have questions about the program, such as how to apply or which courses you’ll take, our advisers would be happy to answer them. Call 608-262-2011 or email learn@uwex.edu.
