Professional Portfolios for Health Educators and Other Allied Health Professionals

  • Sharon E. Thompson The University of Texas at El Paso
  • Ronald F. Bybee The University of Texas at El Paso

Abstract

A professional portfolio is a compilation of material that documents a health educator’s competencies. A portfolio can assist students relate academic assignments to the practical skills that are necessary for the practicing health educator (Waishwell, Morrow, Micke & Keyser, 1996). The portfolio should be conceptualized as a “living document” that is ever-changing with the increasing depth of knowledge and experience of the individual. During a Society for Public Health Education/American Association for Health Education Program Approval Process (SABPAC) visit, the site team recommended that students develop a portfolio as an assignment in an introductory health education course. By instituting this assignment earlier in their academic careers, students become oriented to the process of collecting and organizing assignments and material for their portfolio, as well as documenting volunteer experiences and/or health education in the community. This portfolio can eventually be used as a job-seeking instrument that gives potential employers an overview of an applicant’s strengths and experiences.

Published
2004-03-01
How to Cite
Thompson, S. E., & Bybee, R. F. (2004). Professional Portfolios for Health Educators and Other Allied Health Professionals. Californian Journal of Health Promotion, 2(1), 52-55. https://doi.org/10.32398/cjhp.v2i1.581