Health inspectors are responsible for making sure that the places we go and the foods we eat are safe and sanitary.
This can be a challenging career, but it can also be very rewarding because you're helping maintain the health of your community.
Most health inspectors work for federal, state, or local government agencies to enforce health and safety regulations.
If you're interested in becoming a health inspector, read on to find out what kind of degree you should get to jumpstart your career.
Associate Degrees for Health Inspectors
In some states, an associate degree is all that's required to be a health inspector. These two-year programs allow you to start your career early.
Natural Sciences
Health inspectors tend to have a science background and know a lot about chemistry, biology, and various sanitation practices.
An associate degree in natural sciences can help prepare you to evaluate which locations meet the applicable health standards.
Education in natural sciences gives you a detailed understanding of how chemicals interact with and affect the environment.
If you're looking at becoming an environmental health inspector, in particular, this is a good degree for you to start with.
Health
If you're interested in going into healthcare or already have some work towards a health degree, that can get you hired as a health inspector.
Health inspectors with health degrees typically work for state and local departments that regulate restaurant and food safety.
While working as a health inspector, you could continue your education with an online bachelor's degree program.
A bachelor's degree in health and wellness could open up additional career options for you that aren't available with just an associate degree.
Bachelor's Degrees for Health Inspectors
Health inspectors who work for state or federal government agencies typically have at least a bachelor's degree.
Public Health
The bachelor's degree in public health is the default for most state or federal health inspectors, particularly those specifically in public health.
With a public health degree, you'll learn about health and safety regulations and how they apply to public and private facilities.
Public health degrees typically also include classes in natural sciences so you have additional background in chemistry and biology.
Many colleges and universities offer online bachelor's degrees in public health so you can earn your degree without putting your life on hold.
Natural Sciences
A natural sciences degree best prepares you to be an agricultural field inspector, food safety inspector, or an animal and plant health inspector.
This degree gives you a background in chemistry, biology, and environmental sciences that you can put to work in your career.
Many agricultural health inspectors work for the U.S. Department of Agriculture to ensure the safety and quality of food produced in the U.S.
To work for this or other state or federal agencies as a health inspector, you typically need at least a bachelor's degree.
Master's Degrees for Health Inspectors
While most health inspectors only need a bachelor's degree, a master's degree can open up supervisory opportunities.
Public Health
A Master of Public Health (MPH) gives you the background you need to run a health inspection department in a supervisory position.
You'll learn practical skills that translate directly into public health management as well as other healthcare fields.
This versatile degree can be extremely valuable if you're already working as a health inspector and want to move up the ranks quickly.
Best of all, you can get an MPH online while you continue to work full-time, so you don't have to lose seniority in the process.
Occupational Health
Occupational Health is another master's degree option that provides you with the knowledge to be an occupational health inspector.
Occupational health inspectors ensure the safety and security of all workplaces so employees are protected from various risks.
Many occupational health inspectors work for the federal government but some also work for state government agencies.
Occupational health inspectors with master's degrees are often called upon to testify in court concerning various workplace safety matters.
Environmental Science
If you dream of becoming an environmental health inspector, a master's degree in environmental science can take you to the top of the field.
Environmental health inspectors help ensure the safety and well-being of the public every day as well as when disaster strikes.
For example, an environmental health inspector would be responsible for ensuring that companies aren't illegally dumping toxic chemicals.
Many environmental health inspectors work for federal agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Licensure
All local, state, and federal government agencies require health inspectors to be licensed.
The licensure process typically involves taking a written exam and paying licensing fees, along with continuing education each year.
Licensure of health inspectors ensures that they're always up-to-date and knowledgeable about health and safety regulations.
Most state and local licenses require you to have at least an associate degree, while federal licensure requires at least a bachelor's degree.
Certifications
Some public health inspectors get additional certifications in areas that they specialize in. Certifications can increase your career opportunities.
Many certification programs involve some coursework followed by a written exam and must be renewed every few years.
Some certifications are only available to health inspectors who've had a few years of experience in the relevant specialty area.
While certifications typically aren't required by government agencies, they can increase your value relative to other potential employees.
Learn More About Health Inspector Degrees
Become a licensed health inspector with an online bachelor's or master's degree in public health, natural sciences, or a related discipline.
