An individual who would like to become an epidemiologist needs to spend many years studying before they will be qualified for a professional position in the field of epidemiology. While the road to a career in epidemiology is long, being an epidemiologist can be rewarding work that helps save lives and both prevent and control widespread health epidemics.
Job Responsibilities
Epidemiologists work as medical detectives, researching the causes and consequences of contagious illnesses. They also do research to learn about development of and exposure to certain types of illnesses such as foodborne illnesses. Those working in the field of epidemiology need to be familiar with not only biological and environmental factors that facilitate the spread of illnesses, but also genetic, social, psychological factors as well.
Education
Those aspiring to careers in epidemiology usually need to at least study up to the Master’s degree level. In their academic careers, future epidemiologists should focus on the study of public health with specialization in epidemiology when possible. The types of courses in an academic program leading to employment as epidemiologists should include the subjects such as biostatistics, behavioral studies, immunology, toxicology.
Ideally, an individual seeking employment as an epidemiologist should continue their studies through the doctorate level. A clinical or research epidemiologist will almost always need to have a Ph.D and/or a medical degree.
Training: How to Become an Epidemiologist
Training for epidemiology jobs is generally acquired on the job and builds upon the academic studies of an epidemiologist:
Further, there are a few possible licenses or certifications that can advance an epidemiologist’s career. These include certification programs with the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology and the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology.
Important Skills For an Epidemiologist
It’s important that epidemiologists are insightful and able to carefully the information they acquire in their research efforts. Critical thinking is an important skill for an epidemiologist, and it’s also important they epidemiologists are talented in science and mathematics. It is also important that epidemiologists are able to communicate well, both through speaking and through writing.
Salary and Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an epidemiologist will make about $63,000 annually on average. Of all areas of epidemiology, pharmaceuticals and the manufacturing of medications are the areas where epidemiologists are the most highly paid. While an epidemiologist may start with a salary as low as $42,000, this salary should gradually increase over time and is likely to reach $100,000 by the end of an epidemiologist’s career.
Where Do Epidemiologists Find Work?
Epidemiologists can find work at a variety of different types of institutions. They work in both the public and private sectors, and they are most frequently employed by government health departments, hospitals, and at universities. Those training for a career in epidemiology should get an idea of what type of environment they want to work in while they are studying so that they can tailor their education to the unique position that they wish to fill upon graduation.
Related Resource: Public Health Program Manager
Because epidemiologists fill an important role in health care, there are many professional opportunities out there in epidemiology. Deciding to become an epidemiologist is a great career path for those interested in working at the intersection of science, medicine, and public health.