ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST
The practitioner in environmental
health science focuses on the relationship of physical, chemical and biological
factors which affect human health. These areas include air and water quality,
hazardous materials management, risk assessment and epidemiology, industrial
hygiene and toxicology, control of disease vectors, food sanitation, radiological
health and environmental health program planning.
Education
Most environmental health specialists
earn a bachelors degree in environmental health. Masters and doctoral degrees
can also be completed.
Registration/Certification/Licensure
Environmental health specialists
and registered sanitarians are designated by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health
Services. One must complete a four-year degree with a minor or 24 semester
hours in environmental health, biological science or physical science and
successfully complete a written exam in subjects prescribed by the cabinet.
The National Environmental Health Association offers eight nationally-recognized
credentials: Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitation,
Certified Environmental Health Technician, Registered Hazardous Substances
Professional, Registered Environmental Technician, Certified Food Safety
Professional, Radon Measurement Proficiency Credential and Radon Mitigation
Proficiency Credential.
Salary
$20,000-40,000
Employment Opportunities
Environmental health specialists
may work in state, county and local health departments; wildlife parks;
hospitals and private businesses.
Programs
Professional Association
National
Environmental Health Association
720 South Colorado Blvd.
South Tower, Suite 970
Denver, CO 80222-1925
(303) 756-9090
Last updated: June 25, 2001