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New Jersey School of Public Health – NJ

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

Education Requirements for Public Health Professionals in New Jersey

In order to become a public health professional in the state of New Jersey, a bachelor’s degree is required and advanced education in the form of a master’s degree and potentially a doctorate degree is highly recommended.  The advanced degrees will offer the student a wider knowledge base in the overall field of public health, as well as the chosen specialty, more opportunities for graduate assistantships and internships, and more marketability upon graduation. 

The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) currently accredits a number of New Jersey universities for their public health undergraduate programs.  Specific entrance requirements exist and grade point average standards must be maintained in order to continue on in this program.  

Master’s and doctorate degree programs are also offered through New Jersey public health schools.  Both programs have the option of teaching or research based assistantships for students.  These positions typically offer paid university tuition and fees to the student, provided that he/she meet the requirements of the assistantship.  Instruction in the university’s undergraduate program and assisting professors in research projects are the two most common types of assignments that are completed by students at these advanced degree levels. 

Since the New Jersey programs are accredited by the CEPH, students graduating from these programs are encouraged to take the national certification exam, which is administered through the National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE).  While the exam is voluntary, completion will allow use of the Certified in Public Health (CPH) credential.  Registration is done online at www.publichealthexam.org; you will then be issued a scheduling permit that will allow you to schedule your examination appointment.  There is an exam fee of $350-$400 that is non-refundable. 

Public health professionals in New Jersey are not currently regulated through state licensure.  Once your education and (optional) CEPH certification are completed, you may begin your search for your future job.

Through campus based and online programs, aspiring Public Health Professionals in Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, Edison and Woodbridge, New Jersey may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state including the Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Bergen Regional Medical Center, Atlanticare Regional Medical Center and Hackensack University Medical Center.