Following are actual testimonials provided by graduates of the Environment & Public Health program over the last five years. Some of these students began the program right out of the college and others took it later in life to achive a career change. Whatever the reason and whatever their background, each student has 1 thing in common: EPH changed their lives. If you are interested in taking your life in a new direction, please visit our Environment & Public Health page to learn more about the program and to apply.
"I was able to successfully make a career change because of the EPH program at Rutgers. The curriculum provides an excellent foundation for becoming an REHS. I have never attended a program where so many experts not only teach in such an intimate atmosphere but also share their real-life experiences. They were very approachable and when I finished the course, I left with a network of specialists who are only a phone call or email away if I have questions. Furthermore, the hands-on experience provided through the field training was invaluable. There are some things that cannot be learned in the classroom so being out in the field exponentially increased my knowledge. Finally, the staff at Rutgers was wonderful during the whole process. They really reduced my stress by taking care of a lot of the paperwork required for the state exam. Was it worth the time and money? You bet. I have a job and a career that I find really interesting!"
- Marianne Feeney, REHS, Franklin Township Health Department, EPH 2007
"EPH was a perfect start for my career in public health. I felt completely prepared for the REHS exam and field work. The internship was 100% beneficial. I was able to demonstrate the knowledge I learned in EPH and was offered a position immediately. This class was worth the time, energy and money!!!"
- Rachel Dornish, REHS, Camden County Health Department, EPH 2007
"I would highly recommend the EPH course to a friend or colleague. The course offers the training, tools, and personal insights from instructors that are essential for becoming an REHS. It differs from other educational programs because the teachers work in public health, so they’re able to give you the practical, first-hand knowledge of the material that you will need in the field. One of the most indispensable instructors was [faculty coordinator] Dr. George Van Orden. He is a wealth of knowledge and taught us so much. He also had a full understanding of all topics, not just the one he taught, so he could answer almost any question. The course seemed expensive at the time, but in the long run, its impact on my career is priceless. I was hired by two departments for part-time work after completing EPH and after a few months, one of my part-time employers hired me for a full-time position."
- Stephanie George, REHS, Pequannock Township Health Department, EPH 2007
“If you’re looking for a second career, like I was, you might go back to graduate school, and spend significant time doing it. EPH, on the other hand, was a great, quick class that opened the door to a lifetime career. I came away from EPH with a solid foundation to perform the requirements of an REHS. What we gained in 12 weeks will provide a very satisfying career, in an area that can only grow and provide even more opportunities."
- Tom Felcetto, REHS, Research Biologist, Merck, EPH 2006
“EPH fully prepared me to enter Public Health and did so in the shortest possible time. I was presented with trained professionals from the field who taught the essentials and gave me the practical knowledge of their many years of experience. The information you learn is exactly what you practice when you enter the field. I would definitely recommend EPH to a friend or colleague.”
- Keith Levine, REHS / Lead Risk Assessor, Monmouth County Health Department, EPH 2006
“The field training component was excellent. I was fortunate to work with a great group of people who really cared about what I learned. It helped me to understand all aspects of the public health inspector’s work life. The knowledge you gain from the experience is so valuable for the all encompassing world of public health.”
- Toni Lewis, REHS, Director & Radon Measurement Specialist, Lewis Home Inspections, EPH 2006
"EPH provided an intense and positive learning environment. The bioterrorism-related topics were most valuable; it is vital for future REHS's to comprehend the important role they play in protecting the public’s health and safety. I have already seen that my time and money in this course was a wise investment."
-Virginia Wheatley, MPH, REHS, NJ Dept. of Health & Senior Services, EPH 2005
"EPH was very timely in shaping students to be successful REHSs. The field training component really puts everything learned in the classroom to task. Participating in septic system installation approvals, food-borne illness investigations and restaurant inspections really ties everything together."
-George Ammann, Atlantic County Health Department, EPH 2005
"EPH has been the ultimate tool to launch my major career change into public health. The class was very organized, well planned and thorough with excellent instructors, and the field training exceeded my expectations. There is no way to compare the price to the value received for seven weeks, seven hours a day of top-shelf, quality education which can prepare you to move to a new field."
-Carl Scialfa, Branchburg Health Department, EPH 2004
"Words cannot express the impact that this program had on my life. The wealth of information provided was invaluable….The specialized instructors were knowledgeable and kept me motivated throughout. I wasn’t sure about dedicating my life to public health before, but now I realize how rewarding it is."
-Janet Castro, North Bergen Health Department, EPH 2004
"I lucked out with my internship. The senior sanitarian was very enthusiastic about giving me hands-on experience and gave me really good advice. Being out there gave me a lot of confidence that I could do the job in the future."
-Romel Fernandez, Woodbridge Health Department, EPH 2004
Unlike the public heath courses I took in college, EPH dealt specifically with public health in New Jersey. Learning state regulations was really beneficial in preparing me for my career. EPH is also a great networking tool! I met a lot of wonderful people who helped me get a full-time job right away."
-Michelle Pizarro, Morris County Office of Health Management, EPH 2003
"EPH really prepares you for what you will have to deal with out in the field. I was making a career change and class opened a lot of doors by introducing us to people in different fields in health departments at the local, county and state levels. Receiving job leads and help in rewriting my resume were critical to starting my new career."
-Tricia Cowell, Bernards Township Health Department, EPH 2003
"The instructors were excellent. I’m applying a lot of the principles taught in the class on the job today. And even though the class is New Jersey specific, a lot of the information transcends state lines. There’s nothing like this class in New York; New Jersey is ahead of the curve on environmental issues and continuing education."
-Franklin Parchment, New York City Department of Environmental Protection, EPH 2003
"It was such a benefit to have instructors who are experts in their fields. The combination of a 7-week class with a 5-week internship was an ideal way to learn. You immediately put into practice what you learned in the classroom."
-Michele Picone, Englewood Health Department, EPH 2003