The credentialing of entry-level health educators has been a contentious issue for some professionals in the field. A sub-group of health educators working in the field of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs (ATOD) are considering adding a new national certification specific to substance abuse prevention. In support of this movement a few states (e.g., Ohio, Indiana, Kansas) offer state certification while federal agencies (e.g., Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration, Centers for the Application of Prevention Technologies) and non-profit organizations (e.g., Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America - CADCA) provide professional development and training.
In response to inquiries from state officials and other interested prevention professionals, NAADAC (National Association of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselors) sponsored a feasibility study to explore perceptions of a new credentialing process. A representative sample was constructed through a modified snowball sampling process. Emails were sent to members of the HEDIR (Health Education Directory), NAADAC and a notice was published in the CADCA email newsletter asking selected readers to go to an online survey and/or forward the address of the Web-based survey to individuals who were involved in ATOD prevention.
Survey respondents (N = 677) from 49 states and five foreign countries indicated strong support (79%) for the development of a substance abuse prevention certification program, while 18% indicated no need for a program and 3% were undecided. Among those who indicated they would apply for such a certification if it were available (N=418, 62.7%), the major reasons given were to ensure professional credibility and enhanced employment opportunities. Those who opposed a national credential expressed a number of objections, but in general did not see a need for another certification.
The survey also collected data on perceptions of the credentialing process including requirements of minimum educational degrees, testing for certification, grand-parenting, reciprocity, acceptable fees for certification, continuing education requirements, and estimates of numbers of professionals that would choose to apply for certification from their state. A small majority of respondents (58.3%) also reported that they were not in favor of separate certification of sub-specialist (e.g., Tobacco Prevention Specialist). Demographic data indicated the highest level of education for respondents (50.8% held Master's degrees), current professional certifications or licenses, percentage of time devoted to substance abuse prevention, years in the field of substance abuse prevention, settings/populations served and involvement in community prevention coalitions (69.9%). Additional details and results will be shared with the convention audience.