Becoming an Environmental Health Practitioner
The Environmental Health Practitioners focus on protecting public health by recommending solutions to reduce pollution levels. They monitor each and every issues related to community health and environment and keep themselves updated always. Their main task is to check the levels of contaminants in air, water and soil. They also measure the noise and radiation levels.
The Environmental Health Practitioner usually choose a specific area of operation such as air, soil, noise, water or radiology rather than focusing on all areas. The experts who handle air quality work indoors. The soil specialists focus on land, farming and waste management. Environment Health Practitioners, who work to reduce noise pollution, focus on vehicles, industrial sites, construction activities, music concerns etc. Those who are in charge of radiological pollution, monitor radiation levels from power plants, medical facilities and other natural sources.
The Environmental Health Practitioner generally work for local, state and federal government agencies, consulting firms and industry. They spend equal amount of time at desk and in field. They must show flexibility to work at remote places or far-away locations.
Education Requirements:
1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: A bachelor’s degree in any scientific subject is the first step to becoming an Environmental Health Practitioner. The four-year degree program must be approved by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC).
2. Post Graduate Degree: After completing a bachelor’s degree program, the aspiring Environmental Health Practitioners may go for a post-graduation degree in any of the following subjects:
* Food Science
* Workplace Safety
* Environmental Protection
* Public Health
* Environmental Law
3. On-Job Training: It will be an added advantage if the aspiring Environmental Health Practitioners complete an on-the-job training under the guidance of trained professionals or officers.
Salary & Job Outlook: The job outlook for Environmental Health Practitioners remains excellent. They earn in the range of $45,000 – $113,000 per annum based on their qualification, expertise and job experience.