How to Become a Public Health Inspector
Public health inspectors play a key role in the safety of our health. Public health inspectors work to prevent food poisoning, water contamination, air pollution, and various other problems that can affect both humans and the environment. They do this by ensuring that the conditions of businesses, schools, and other facilities maintain a high level of sanitation.
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Instructions
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To become a public health inspector, you will need to earn a college degree from an accredited college or university. Public health inspectors generally major in public health and safety, health inspection and administration, environmental health or food sciences. A bachelor's degree from a four-year college is ideal to ensure the highest earning potential, but an associate's degree or related certificate from a community college may be acceptable to become a public health inspector. The amount of education that is required of a public health inspector varies according to state. Know that some states do not even require an education.
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Complete an accredited public health inspector job training program. Most large cities offer them on a regular basis, but you can generally find them in smaller areas as well. A local college or health department may be able to provide you with information on where a public health inspector program is being offered. Through these programs, you will learn how to fulfill some of the tasks that public health inspectors perform on a regular basis, such as completing government documents and knowing what procedures need to be taken when entering any business to judge sanitation. The length of the training program may vary according to whether you have a college degree or not.
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Become a certified public health inspector. Certain states allow you to bypass college, and earn a certification instead. This can be an easy and less time-consuming alternative to attending college. Keep in mind that the requirements for public health inspector certification will vary, but often consists of a written examination. Most states that require an education will also generally require you to become certified as well.
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Consider becoming professionally accredited. There are many organizations, such as the Board of Certified Safety Professionals, that can provide you with accreditation as a public health inspector. You will generally need to prove years of experience, and take an examination to earn your accreditation. It is important to remember that the more accredited you are, the better your chances of finding a good career in public health and safety are.
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Tips & Warnings
Complete an internship at a health department if you are earning a degree, as this offers invaluable experience an may lead to better job prospects.
Research the salaries of public health inspectors in the area that you are planning to work. Many states pay well, but some public health inspectors need part-time jobs to supplement their income.
College students can expect to take courses such as microbiology, environmental science, and food science in order to become a public health inspector.
If science is a weak subject for you, this may not be the best career choice.
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