(a) must possess a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited or New York State-registered college or university with 30 credit hours in the natural sciences of which not more than 12 credit hours may be in the applied sciences, and have satisfactorily completed a public health training course approved by the State Health Department within two years of appointment; or
(b) may be a public health technician who possesses five years of experience as a public health technician deemed satisfactory by the local commissioner of health or public health director and have satisfactorily completed a public health training course approved by the State Health Department.