A public health professional looks after the well-being of a community by making the public aware of dangers to avoid and helping to address specific health dangers within the community. A recognized public health professional must become certified through a course of study accredited by the Council on Education of Public Health (CEPH). According to the Association of Schools of Public Health, "Attending a CEPH-accredited school offers assurance of educational quality and will also open doors for many training and employment opportunities."
Whether a student is just beginning to explore the various fields of public health, or has already identified a specific area of interest, there are several accredited programs available. Among those programs available are several certificate programs offered through distance-learning. Each program offers different commitments of time and technological capability. Students must be sure that they have the means and ability to commit to a program before applying.
Each school has different requirements for entrance, but all schools require evidence that the student is prepared for entrance into their program. When applying, the aspiring student must be sure to have transcripts of previous course work, solid recommendations from individuals who can vouch for their determination and ability to study, and a statement of interest that describes interests and future objectives.
Each public health distance-learning certificate program will have different requirements. A successful student will know those requirements and will identify ways to effectively manage time and methods of communicating with teachers, other students and school administrators. Also, effective use of technology is essential to completing a distance-learning course of study. A student who has the motivation to master these techniques will be successful in completing a public health distance-learning certificate.