Back to Careers Would you like a career as a Public Health Inspector? • What does a Public Health Inspector do? To become a certified public health inspector you must complete a prescribed course of studies and successfully pass an oral exam conducted by field and academic professionals. In Ontario, Ryerson University in Toronto is the only university that provides the required four-year degree course in Public Health and Safety.  The studies in science, technology and law cover health and safety issues that include infection control, pollution control, waste treatment and disposal, food safety, water quality, health hazards assessment. Subjects covered include epidemiology, parasitology, toxicology, ecology, chemistry, physics, biostatistics, health education, risk assessment, risk communication, and emergency measures and planning. In addition to theory, you gain applied learning through lab exercises, field trips and regular contact with industry and labour markets. On graduation and subsequent completion of a three-month filed practicum with a local public health agency and an oral exam, successful candidates are awarded the Certificate in Public Health Inspection (Canada). A majority of public health inspectors work for local public health agencies across the country, however, industry and other government agencies do employ public health inspectors in various capacities. The program is recognized and accredited by the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspection and is recognized by the World Health Organization, the Pan-American Health Organization and the International Federation of Environmental Health. A two-year fast track program is also available to those holding a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited university.  For more information on what a public health inspector is or does and how to become a certified public health inspector in Canada, please call your local public health agency and ask to speak to a public health inspector or visit the Ryerson web site at www.ryerson.ca/sophe