Nevada School of Public Health – NV

By allied health world contributing writer
Published:  February 14th, 2010

Education Requirements for Public Health Professionals in Nevada

A bachelor’s degree is the minimum education required to begin a job in the field of public health.  A number of Nevada public health schools currently offer public health bachelor’s degree programs.  These four (4) year programs will introduce the student to the overall field of public health, as well as the more specific components of the field.  Course that are included within these curriculums include: Introduction to Community Health Sciences, Introduction to Public Health Biology, Policy Issues in Health and Society, Epidemiology, and Health Ecology.  Additionally, the last year of each program requires students to perform an internship, which will allow the chance to be mentored by a professional in the field of public health.  The internship opportunity is also a chance to explore an area that has sparked an interest and further expands knowledge in that area.  Many students use the contacts made during their internships to lead to future employment opportunities. 

Although not required, it is recommended by those in the field and educators alike that students continue their education by seeking a master’s degree in public health. A doctoral degree is also an option, especially if an interest in research is present.  Nevada’s public health schools that offer bachelor’s degree programs also offer degree programs at each of these advanced levels.  Graduate assistantships, which are paid internship-type positions, are available.  Typically, tuition and fees are paid by the university and in exchange, the student completes his/her education and works alongside a professor to complete research projects and/or teaches in the university’s undergraduate program. 

Since the state of Nevada does not regulate public health professionals through licensure, you will not be required to take a national examination or a state examination prior to seeking employment.  Nevada’s two (2) undergraduate programs are not accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) at this time, so you will not be required to take the CEPH examination after graduation in order to begin employment.