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New Optional Specialization in Public Health Inspection

The new Public Health Inspection Specialization is a professional program that provides an in-depth understanding and the technical skills in areas related to public health inspection practice.

Learning Outcomes

  • Ability to explain the professional, technical, legal, and ethical role of public health inspectors in society.
  • Identify and evaluate various environmental health hazards and apply the associated theories, regulatory frameworks, best practices, and methodologies relevant to public health inspection practice.
  • Demonstrate the knowledge and skills to start a career in public health inspection including the core competencies necessary to challenge the professional certification exam of the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors.

Topics you will learn about

  • Water Quality
  • Food Safety
  • Infection Control
  • Wastewater Management
  • Law

*This specialization is accredited by the Canada Institute of Public Health Inspectors (external link)  (CIPHI), and graduates with this optional specialization will be eligible to pursue the Certified Public Health Inspector in Canada (external link)  (CPHI(C)) designation.

What does the specialization entail?

Is it a specific list of courses that will best prepare students for the certification and the field?

Yes, the specialization is a specific list of courses that teach core CIPHI learning objectives, and are required for them to be able to pursue the public health inspection certification after graduation. Students in this specialization will use their core and open electives to complete this defined list of courses in their 3rd and 4th years of the program. The core public health program has been modified accordingly so that students who are not enrolled in this optional specialization will have much more flexibility now in terms of the courses they want to specialize in, with a new core elective table of CIPHI-focused courses, new elective courses in other areas of public health (e.g., addictions/mental health, chronic disease and injury prevention), and FCS courses. They also have more open electives available to them compared to the previous core program.

Eligibility Requirements

The specialization is accredited by the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors, so graduates that complete this optional specialization will be able to pursue certification as a public health inspector in Canada. Due to accreditation requirements, students must achieve a 60% pass rate in all core accredited courses in order to enrol in it, and they must maintain a 60% in all such courses throughout the program and specialization in order to graduate with it. 

Opting In Late, After First Year

For students who don't opt in, would they have an opportunity in the future? For example, can they still pursue the practicum and CIPHI certification after graduation?

Students will be able to self-enroll in MyServiceHub during a 1-week window in the spring/summer after their first year (similar to co-op). If they miss this deadline, yes they could enrol later using a plan change form, and the self-service opportunity would reopen on MyServiceHub at the same time after their second year. Students will have to be enrolled in the optional specialization to be eligible for public health inspector practicums and to pursue the certification after graduation. This specialization is available to all public health students (both 4-year and 2-year fast-track programs), after their first year). 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

How do I know if I qualify, and how can I enrol in the specialization ? 

 The specialization will be restricted to students that have achieved a minimum GPA of 1.67 (i.e., C- or 60%) in all core courses in the Public Health program.

What happens if I miss the application deadline?

There is only one opportunity for you to change your major through My.ServiceHub. If you have missed the deadline, you will need to complete a Plan Change Form and submit it to the OPH office. 

If I am in my  2nd (3rd or 4th) year, can I still apply? 

Yes. However, you will have to achieve a CGPA 1.67, passing grade in all core courses to earn this specialization. You will also need to complete a Plan Change form and submit it to the School of Occupational and Public Health for approval. 

What happens if I don't enrol now and I decide later? 

You can still get the specialization but you will need to take extra courses to achieve the accreditation. 

If I have failed a core course in first year and retake it before second year, can I still apply?

Yes, but you must have completed the course with a passing grade. 

What happens if I do not get a 1.67 in a core course? 

You will be withdrawn from specialization until you have achieved a passing grade.  Students are only allowed to retake a failed course once. If there is a second fail in the same course, you will be moved into the regular Public Health program without specialization.   

I am not interested in the designation but want to take the specialized courses for personal interest. 

Students can still take the courses and the CGPA 1.67 won’t apply to you. No designation will be given on your transcript.

If I haven’t completed all of my required courses, can I still apply?

Yes, you can still apply for the specialization but please indicate your plan to complete these required courses with the department. 

Can I reapply for the Specialization if I have not met the requirements in a previous term? 

Unfortunately, if you have not met the terms or requirements of the specialization, there are no other opportunities for readmission.