I have looked at a few MPH programs and noticed that some are accreditied by the Council on Education for Public Health. Is this really important? Is it like AACSB for business programs - important but not to everyone?
That sums it up nicely. There are some jobs that require it and there are a lot that don't care as long as the MPH is RA. With that said, there are quite a few decent DL MPH programs in your state that are accredited through CEPH.
In some circles, like the US Public Health Service, it is a requirement. http://www.usphs.gov/profession/environmental/requirements.aspx
I'm guessing that you're right. It's a similar professional accreditation. Here's one of my favorites: http://www.umassonline.net/degrees/Online-Degree-Master-Public-Health.cfm