EHS Apprenticeship Program

Are you passionate about public health? Do you want to safeguard communities and promote environmental well-being? If so, the Environmental Health Specialist (EHS) Apprenticeship Program offers a unique opportunity to jumpstart your career in environmental health while serving as an employee of the Maryland Department of Health (MDH).

What is the Environmental Health Specialist Apprenticeship Program?

The Environmental Health Specialist Apprenticeship Program is a dual-learning pathway offered in collaboration with the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) and Morgan State University. It is designed to give aspiring environmental health professionals the education, skills, and practical experience they need to succeed in this growing field. As part of the program, you will work as an MDH employee while also completing coursework, making it a comprehensive blend of academic learning and hands-on experience.

This program not only prepares you to become a Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian(REHS/RS) through the National Environmental Health Association(NEHA), but also offers free tuition as you complete both academic coursework and on-the-job training.

What Does the Program Offer?

Comprehensive Training: You will receive a well-rounded education that combines coursework, practical rotations, and mentorship to develop a deep understanding of environmental public health.

Real-World Experience: As a MDH employee, you will gain hands-on experience through practicum rotations in local public health agencies across Maryland. You’ll work alongside experienced professionals, applying your skills in real-world settings, including soil evaluation, waste management, and disease vector control.

Academic Support: Benefit from expert instruction at Morgan State University and academic guidance from your Apprenticeship Supervisor. Coursework is tailored to your prior education, and you will complete a core course in environmental health as part of the program.

Licensure Preparation: This program prepares you to sit for the Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS) exam administered by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA), positioning you for a nationally recognized certification in the field.

Free Tuition: As an MDH employee, your tuition for job-related coursework will be fully covered, making it easier for you to focus on your education and training without the burden of student loans.

Why Choose the Environmental Health Specialist Apprenticeship Program?

Meaningful Impact: Join a field dedicated to protecting public health and preserving the environment, making a tangible difference in communities across Maryland.

Diverse Career Opportunities: Explore a wide range of career paths, from food safety regulation and environmental investigations to well and septic system inspections.

Professional Development: Receive continuous support and mentorship from environmental health experts, empowering you to reach your full potential and advance in your career as an Environmental Health Specialist.

Serve and Learn: This program allows you to be both a student and an employee, providing the chance to learn academically while applying your skills on the job as part of the Maryland Department of Health.

Meaningful Impact: Play a crucial role in protecting public health and the environment, with hands-on opportunities that directly contribute to the well-being of communities across Maryland.

Diverse Career Opportunities: Explore various public health disciplines like food safety, water quality, waste management, and more.

Professional Development: Benefit from ongoing mentorship and professional development through both your academic coursework and MDH employment.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Environmental Health Specialist Apprenticeship Program, applicants must
meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. Age Requirement:
 -Must be at least 18 years of age.

2. Academic Requirements:
-Must have completed a minimum of 60 college credits or hold an Associate’s Degree in a relevant field (e.g., public health, environmental science, biology, or a related discipline).
-Must meet the academic criteria required by the Board of Environmental Health Specialists.

3. Knowledge:
-Demonstrates proficiency in English, including spelling, punctuation, grammar, and basic arithmetic.
-Exhibits an understanding of environmental health and public health issues, particularly regarding soil, water, air, and food science.
-Has foundational knowledge of the U.S. and Maryland political, legal, and constitutional frameworks as they pertain to public health and environmental regulations.

4. Skills:
-Report Preparation and Presentation: Ability to prepare and present comprehensive reports that summarize findings, observations, and recommendations.
-Study and Investigation: Capable of conducting studies, assessments, and investigations related to environmental health issues.

-Communication: Effective at communicating technical information with cultural competency to diverse audiences, including private businesses, governmental agencies, and the public.

5. Abilities:
-Demonstrates the ability to understand, interpret, and apply environmental health laws, regulations, and standards.
-Shows capacity to learn and adapt to various environmental health practices and principles, including the use of specialized equipment and safety protocols.
-Ability to work in field environments, which may include walking over uneven surfaces, stooping in confined spaces, and using personal protective equipment(PPE).

6. Work and Training Commitment:
-Must be willing to participate in a combination of on-the-job training with the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) or Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and academic coursework at Morgan State University.
-Must be prepared to work part-time or full-time at MDH while balancing coursework requirements.

7. Driver’s License Requirement:
-A valid driver’s license is required for fieldwork assignments, and applicants must be willing to travel to various local public health agencies across Maryland.

8. Professional and Personal Competency:
-Must demonstrate cultural competency in working with diverse populations and communicating environmental health issues effectively.
-Must be able to follow infection control precautions and handle physical hazards, including exposure to toxic materials and hazardous conditions, in the field.

Benefits:

• Earn while you learn as an MDH employee and student
• Gain practical skills and experience in environmental health
• Tuition support for job-related coursework
• Networking opportunities with public health professionals
• Career advancement potential in public health

How to Apply

Application Requirements:

• • Complete the application form, submit transcripts, resume, and letters of recommendation.
  • Short essays on career interest and goals in environmental health.
  • For any further information, please reach out to mcy@morgan.edu