Professional Development & Career Resources

As many ASNNA members are entering a time of transition this resource is here to support your next steps. With the conclusion of SNAP-Ed we recognize the uncertainty and change this moment brings. This guide was created to help you navigate new opportunities build on your strengths and continue making an impact in the fields of public health nutrition and beyond.

Here you’ll find tools for job searching professional development and career planning. Whether you are exploring new roles continuing your education or shifting to a new sector this guide offers practical support and encouragement.

Your work through SNAP-Ed has created meaningful change in communities across the country. The skills experience and dedication you’ve developed will continue to serve you well. ASNNA is proud to stand with you as you move forward with purpose and resilience.

Job Boards

North American Food Systems Network

The NAFSN Job Board connects individuals with career opportunities in community food systems across North America. From program coordination to policy and research roles, this resource supports transitions into meaningful work that advances equity, sustainability, and local food access.

Society of Nutrition Education and Behavior

Explore career opportunities in nutrition education, public health, and community wellness through the SNEB Job Board. This resource connects individuals with roles in academia, outreach, program leadership, and more,

Public Health Job Postings

The 2025 Public Health Job Postings resource features a wide range of current job and internship opportunities in public health, nutrition, and community wellness. Listings include roles in health education, program management, research, policy, data analysis, community outreach, and more. 

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Employment Opportunities page connects nutrition and public health professionals with rewarding careers that make a real-world impact on community health. Job seekers can explore positions in nutrition, dietetics, and wellness, and benefit from a supportive work environment, competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits package.

National Commission for Health Education Credentialing

The NCHEC Job Postings Board connects health education professionals with employment opportunities that value the CHES® and MCHES® credentials. Job seekers can find positions in health education, wellness, and public health that specifically prefer or require national certification. This resource is ideal for those seeking roles where their expertise in evidence-based health promotion and community engagement is recognized and valued.

Job Search Skill-Building Trainings

Resume & Cover Letter

Create a Strong Resume | Harvard University | Link to Resource

Resume Workshop | University of Purdue | Link to Resource

Interview Preparation

Interview Preparation Through Practice | University of California Berkley | Link to Resource

Interviewing Resources | University of Michigan Career Services | Link to Resource

ASNNA Job Search Skill-Building Webinars

Building Your Personal Brand | ASNNA & USU Extension | Link to Resource

Your Job Grocery List: Ingredients for Finding a Good Fit | ASNNA & WA SNAP-Ed | Link to Resource

Public Health-Related Books

Professional Certifications

Certified Remote Work Leader

The Certified Remote Work Leader course from Utah State University Extension helps individuals transition into leadership roles in virtual or hybrid environments. Over four weeks, participants gain skills in managing remote teams, fostering collaboration, and navigating change—all critical as programs shift away from traditional in-person formats. This certification supports career mobility, especially for those seeking flexible, location-independent roles in public health, education, and nonprofit sectors.

Cost: $149

Learn more at extensioncourses.usu.edu/product/master-remote-work-leader-certificate-course/.

Certified Remote Work Professional

The Certified Remote Work Professional course from USU equips individuals with skills to succeed in virtual careers. This 4-week, self-paced program includes nine modules and four live workshops, covering communication, time management, and remote tools. Participants must pass assessments with 80% or higher to earn a certificate.

Cost: $40-$149

Learn more at extensioncourses.usu.edu/product/master-remote-work-professional-certificate-course/

Community Health Workers (CHW)

Community Health Worker (CHW) certification offers a pathway to formalize their role as trusted public health advocates within their communities. CHWs bridge gaps between individuals and health systems by providing culturally competent education, outreach, and support. Certification requirements vary by state but typically include 75+ hours of training in core competencies such as communication, advocacy, service coordination, and public health principles, along with supervised field experience. Many programs also recognize prior experience through ‘grandfathering’ options. Certified CHWs are increasingly valued in public health initiatives, and demand for these roles is projected to grow by 14% through 2032. This credential enhances employability, especially in community-based organizations, health departments, and preventive care programs.

Cost: Varies by State

Learn more for requirements and information by state at www.astho.org/topic/brief/community-health-worker-certification/.

Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)

The Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) certification strengthens job prospects by validating core competencies in health education and behavior change. It signals to employers—especially in community health, nutrition, and wellness—that you are equipped to deliver evidence-based programs and adapt to evolving public health needs.

Cost: $230-$400

Learn more at www.nchec.org/ches-exam.

Coursera Certifications

Coursera professional certifications help job seekers stand out by providing industry-recognized credentials from leading universities and organizations. Completing these programs demonstrates mastery of practical, in-demand skills and a commitment to continuous learning. Coursera certifications can boost your resume, increase your confidence in interviews, and open doors to new career opportunities by showing employers you are prepared for today’s evolving workforce.

Certifications include:

LinkedIn Learning Certifications

LinkedIn Learning professional certifications can give job seekers a competitive edge by demonstrating up-to-date skills and a commitment to ongoing professional development. Earning these certifications shows employers that you have mastered in-demand tools, technologies, and best practices relevant to your field. They also help individuals stand out in the job market, expand their professional network, and increase their confidence when applying for new roles or advancing in their careers.

Certifications include:

  • Change Management Professional Certification | Enroll Here
  • Career Essentials in Project Management | Enroll Here
  • Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate | Enroll Here
  • Career Essentials in Administrative Assistance | Enroll Here
  • Human Skills in the Age of AI  | Enroll Here
  • Building AI Products: Understanding the Workflow Professional | Enroll Here
  • Career Essentials in Generative AI | Enroll Here
Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES)

The Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) certification expands career opportunities by recognizing advanced competencies in health education leadership, program evaluation, and policy development. To qualify, candidates must hold a CHES certification and have at least five years of documented experience in health education. MCHES signals readiness for strategic roles in public health and positions professionals to lead and innovate in complex, evolving environments.

Cost: $295-465

Learn more at www.nchec.org/mches-exam.

National Nutrition Certification Program (NNCP)

The National Nutrition Certification Program (NNCP) offers a valuable opportunity to strengthen their qualifications in nutrition education and culinary skills. Designed for professionals who teach nutrition to the public, NNCP includes 18 comprehensive online modules validated by experts and administered through Utah State University Extension. Participants must achieve a minimum score of 80% to earn certification and receive a verifiable digital badge. This credential enhances professional credibility, boosts confidence in food preparation and teaching, and supports career advancement in community health and wellness.

Cost: $25

Learn more at extensioncourses.usu.edu/product/nncp-national-nutrition-certification-program/.

Navigating for Success (NFS)

Navigating for Success (NFS) is a 12-week, 17-module online training from Cornell University designed for EFNEP and SNAP-Ed nutrition educators. Participants gain skills in teaching diverse audiences, food safety, nutrition, and program marketing. The course includes live cohort discussions and equips frontline staff to effectively engage limited-resource communities.

Cost: $250

Learn more at fnec.cornell.edu/about-us/professional-development/navigating-for-success-2/.

Nutrition and Wellness Educator

The Certified Nutrition and Wellness Educator (CNWE) certification from American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) validates expertise in nutrition and wellness education across settings like schools, community programs, and industry. Candidates need a bachelor’s degree, must pass a competency exam, and pay a certification fee. Maintaining the credential requires 75 professional development hours every 3 years. CNWE boosts credibility and opens doors in public health, education, and wellness.

Cost: $185-$285

Learn more at www.aafcs.org/credentialing/professional-certifications/cnwe.

Trainings & Webinars

Self-Paced

Previously Recorded

Picking Up the Pieces After Job Loss

Cost: Free

National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences

Previously Recorded

Building Your Personal Brand

Cost: Free

Association of SNAP Nutrition Education Administrators (ASNNA) & Marta Nielsen, USU Extension

Previously Recorded

Your Job Grocery List: Ingredients for Finding a Good Fit

Cost: Free

Association of SNAP Nutrition Education Administrators (ASNNA) & Mattie Sobotka, Washington SNAP-Ed  

Ongoing

Trauma, Resilience, and Nourishment

This course sets the foundation for future Leah’s Pantry courses. Some historical context of food security and community nutrition approaches are introduced, followed by a discussion of the meaning of food in our lives, the role of trauma and adversity in individual and community relationships to food, and an overview of the stress response. Activities include videos, readings, and personal reflection opportunities.

Cost: $15

Leah’s Pantry

Ongoing

Nutrition, Food Security & Support: Women & Stimulant Use in Rural Areas for SNAP-Ed Implementers

Stimulant use has been prevalent in the western US for decades and remains higher in rural communities than in metropolitan areas. For women, stimulant use tends to accelerate more quickly, leading to severe physical and emotional problems, and makes seeking help difficult, especially in rural areas. SNAP-Ed implementers are in a unique role as they regularly encounter women needing/receiving substance use treatment services and those in recovery. As such, understanding the impact of stimulant use on women and how to provide strength-based and trauma-informed approaches that promote recovery are important, especially since recovering from stimulant use is a complex process. Consequently, increasing the knowledge and skills of SNAP-Ed implementers regarding substance use and recovery will strengthen their connection with rural women as they continue their paths to health and wellness.

Cost: Free

Leah’s Pantry in partnership with the Pacific Southwest Rural Opioid Technical Assistance Center (ROTA-R)

4445 Corporation Lane, Ste 264
Virginia Beach, VA 23462