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July 30, 2025

Media Contact:
Ebony Wilder, Deputy Director, Office of Communications, 410-767-5569

Maryland Department of Health and Morgan State University launch new Environmental Health Specialist Apprenticeship Program

Baltimore, MD—The Maryland Department of Health, Morgan State University’s College of Interdisciplinary and Continuing Studies, and the Maryland Professional Employees Council (MPEC) have announced the launch of the Environmental Health Specialist Apprenticeship Program, which will provide aspiring public health professionals across the state with a valuable opportunity.

“This apprenticeship program marks a major step forward in how we train and empower the next generation of environmental health specialists,” said Maryland Health Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani. “This dual-pathway approach ensures Marylanders are equipped with both the academic foundation and the practical tools to protect public health in communities across the state.”

Approved by the Maryland Department of Labor, the Environmental Health Specialist Apprenticeship Program is tailored for adult learners and individuals pursuing meaningful careers in environmental health. Apprentices will participate in environmental science and public health coursework while acquiring field experience through practicum rotations at local health departments throughout Maryland. Participants will be equipped to take the Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian exam, administered by the National Environmental Health Association.

“This apprenticeship shows how Maryland is reimagining workforce development to meet our state's emerging needs and prepare for the future,” said Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu. “We applaud the Department of Health, MPEC and Morgan State University for creating this first-in-the-nation apprenticeship pathway in environmental health. It will open up doors for Marylanders while filling critical positions. We welcome other employers to work with our team to develop similar initiatives."

Key features of the program include:​

• Tuition assistance for all program-related coursework
• Hands-on training in water safety, disease vector control, and soil and waste management
• Flexible learning environment
• Career path to licensure and long-term employment in the environmental health field
  

“This partnership demonstrates how public institutions can collaborate to address workforce gaps while creating accessible pathways to education and meaningful careers,” said Morgan State University Vice President and Dean of the College of Interdisciplinary and Continuing Studies Dr. Nicole Westrick. “The apprenticeship program reflects the University’s mission to create flexible, high-quality academic pathways that meet learners where they are—especially adult learners balancing education with work and family responsibilities.”

Marylanders who meet the eligibility requirements below are encouraged to apply:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have completed 60 or more college credits in a relevant field such as public health, environmental science or biology.
• Are interested in a career that combines public service, science, and community impact.
• Commit to classroom learning and fieldwork as a paid Maryland Department of Health employee.
  

In response to Maryland's Fiscal Year 2026 Budget, Governor Wes Moore has announced a hiring freeze for the Executive Branch. This means that recruitment efforts for most positions are temporarily paused. However, certain job categories, including the MDH-MSU Environmental Health Specialist Apprenticeship positions, are exempt from the hiring freeze and are actively seeking candidates. 

For more information about the Environmental Health Specialist Apprenticeship Program or to request application details, visit bit.ly/ehs-apprenticeship.

For more information on other Maryland Department of Health jobs, visit health.maryland.gov/careers.