Connecticut Public Health Career – CT

By allied health world contributing writer
Published: February, 10 2010

Licensed and Certified Public Health Occupations in Connecticut

Here is some information on Connecticut Public Health Careers.

Child Daycare

In Connecticut, the child day care licensing program is run by the Community Based Regulation (CBR) section of the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CDPH). This includes child daycare centers, along with group and family daycare homes. Employees in each of these areas are required to be licensed.

The CDPH reports that the jobs of licensed specialists, nurses, supervisors, health program staff members, and administrative and support staff members in the area of daycare is to make sure that all childcare programs that are licensed by the state are functioning at or above the standards that have been outlined via state regulations and statutes.
The Community Based Regulation (CBR) Section is responsible for the administration of the child day care and youth camp licensing programs at the Department of Public Health.  Family day care homes, group day care homes and child day care centers are required to be licensed. A list of forms and applications related to licensure for child daycare in Connecticut can be found at http://www.ct.gov/dph/cwp/view.asp?a=3141&q=387162&dphNav_GID=1823&dphNav=|. 
Emergency Medical Services

The CDPH is the governing body for professionals in the field of emergency medical services in Connecticut. Aspiring emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in Connecticut must pass an exam from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). A list of important links to obtain a license or temporary permit as an EMT in Connecticut can be found at http://www.ct.gov/dph/cwp/view.asp?a=3127&q=387364&dphNav_GID=1827&dphPNavCtr=|&dphNav=|#46950. 

Environmental Practitioner

In Connecticut, the Environmental Practitioner Licensure Unit (EPLU) regulates, licenses, and certifies professionals of environmental health in lead, septic, asbestos, and sanitarian fields. The goal of the professionals in this area is to protect the health and environment of Connecticut’s citizens by practicing their work within the guidelines of Connecticut regulations. The EPLU manages and enforces various licensing regulations for practitioners and training providers, offers services to local health officials, and provides training providers with updated newsletters.

Applications and forms to become an environmental practitioner in Connecticut can be found at http://www.ct.gov/dph/cwp/view.asp?a=3140&q=400000&dphNav_GID=1890&dphPNavCtr=|#48093.

Youth Camps

The CBR at the CDPH is also responsible for the administration youth camp licensing programs. Camp directors must be at least 21 years of age, not have any prior criminal convictions, be mentally competent and of good character, have 16 weeks or more supervised experience in a supervisory or administrative role at an organized camp, and have previously served as a camp director for at least one summer.
Note: The experience as a camp director may not be from any of the following areas: first aid director, aquatic director, riflery director, challenge course director, or small craft waterfront director. Fields of archery or horseback riding are acceptable.
Licensure information and other forms and applications for the youth camp field can be found at http://www.ct.gov/dph/cwp/view.asp?a=3151&q=400926&dphNav_GID=1863&dphPNavCtr=|#47135.

Water System Operations

Water system operations are governed by the Drinking Water Section (DWS) of the CDPH. Certified water system employees are required to minimize concerns about public health and increase water plant and system performance. They are also charged with ensuring the safety of water plant operators, ensure that they are compliant with regulations, keep operational costs as low as possible and ensure the safety of the infrastructure of the utility.

Applicants must have a combination of experience and education achieved through online programs or Connecticut public health schools, as required by the CDPH.  They must also pass the appropriate examination.

Certification forms and other forms related to water system operations can be found at http://www.ct.gov/dph/cwp/view.asp?a=3139&q=387328&dphNav_GID=1824&dphPNavCtr=|#47133.