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If you’re interested in a career in environmental health, you may be wondering how to become an environmental health specialist. Here’s a quick guide to help you get started.
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What is an environmental health specialist?
An environmental health specialist is a professional who works to protect the public from health hazards in the environment. Environmental health specialists may work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, private companies, and nonprofits. They may also work as consultants.
Environmental health specialists typically have a bachelor’s degree in environmental health, public health, or a related field. Some positions may require a master’s degree or higher.Environmental health specialists typically have a bachelor’s degree in environmental health, public health, or a related field. Some positions may require a master’s degree or higher. Environmental health specialists typically have a bachelor’s degree in environmental health, public health, or a related field. Some positions may require a master’s degree or higher.
Environmental health specialists typically have a bachelor’s degree in environmental health, public health, or a related field. Some positions may require a master’s degree or higher.
What are the requirements to become an environmental health specialist?
To become an environmental health specialist, you will need to have a bachelor’s degree in environmental health, biology, or a related field. You will also need to have at least two years of experience working in a related field. In some states, you may need to be licensed to practice.
Education
While there are no specific educational requirements to become an environmental health specialist, completing a degree in environmental health, science or engineering can give you the skills and knowledge you need for the job. Many environmental health specialists have a bachelor’s degree, although some may have a master’s degree or higher. In addition to coursework in environmental health and science, your studies may also include math, statistics and computer science.
Certification
Most environmental health specialist jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree in environmental health, natural sciences, or a related field. Some jobs may require certification in specific areas of environmental health, such as food safety or hazardous materials.
The National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) offers the Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS) credential. To earn the REHS/RS credential, candidates must have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent, complete at least 450 hours of professional-level work experience in environmental health, and pass an examination. Candidates who have completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree in environmental health may be eligible for an accelerated path to the REHS/RS credential.
Some states offer their own certification programs for environmental health specialists. For example, California offers the Certified Environmental Health Specialist (CEHS) credential, which requires candidates to have at least a bachelor’s degree in environmental health or a related field and pass an examination. Candidates who have completed a master’s degree in environmental health may be eligible for an accelerated path to the CEHS credential.
What are the duties of an environmental health specialist?
An environmental health specialist is responsible for investigating and preventing environmental health hazards. They conduct inspections and collect samples to test for hazards, such as lead in paint or asbestos in buildings. Environmental health specialists also develop educational programs to teach the public about how to protect themselves from health hazards.
What are the benefits of becoming an environmental health specialist?
There are many benefits to becoming an environmental health specialist. As an environmental health specialist, you will have the ability to make a difference in the lives of people and in the environment. You will also have the opportunity to work with a variety of people, including scientists, engineers, and policy makers. In addition, you will be able to work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations.
