There are both administrative and health care focused epidemiology careers in public health for students who want to positively impact their communities.
Infection Control Coordinator
This entry-level position works under the direction of epidemiologists and public health officials. Infection control coordinators have administrative duties, such as emailing out weekly updates and scheduling conference calls. Infection control coordinators facilitate the development of infection control monitoring programs that are designed to ensure medical compliance with city, state and federal standards and regulations. Infection control coordinators work closely with employees from State Health Departments and other regulatory agencies. They work with infection control administrators to update infection control policies and protocols. They assist with identifying and resolving non-compliance issues that affect health care organizations. Employees prefer RN licensed candidates who understand OSHA regulations and the basic principles of epidemiology.
Health Informatics Epidemiologist
These health care professionals have equally strong backgrounds in IT, data analysis and infectious diseases. They are responsible for supporting ongoing health care quality and analytics projects designed to monitor and maintain major disease prevention programs. Their duties range from entering bio-statistical data in databases to providing scientific data in support of technical publications. Health informatics epidemiologists must have strong familiarity with the health care system and related topics, such as health care IT, equality and providers. They spend a large portion of time accessing health care information and electronic health record management systems to compile reports. Thus, they must have a rich understanding of data analytics and research methodology.
Department of Health Epidemiologist
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these epidemiologists study and evaluate local communicable diseases and environmental health problems. Their positions’ responsibilities are defined by agency policies and state and federal laws. They design and implement epidemiological studies among specific demographic groups and environmental settings. They methodically gather and analyze statistical data, disease properties, lab findings and medical assessments so they can identify and evaluate disease trends. As a result, they write technical reports of their findings that include prevention and containment methods and recommendations. Once there are epidemic outbreaks, they actively monitor reports from health care, day care, assisted living and other facilities. They conduct government training and community education programs.
Infectious Disease Specialist
Infectious disease specialists are highly trained epidemiologists who work for State Department of Health programs or agencies attached to the Department of Health and Human Services. They provide expertise when conducting infectious disease surveillance and investigating disease outbreaks. Afterwards, they interpret infectious disease data and recommend control measures. Infectious disease specialists are often asked to publicly speak or train health officials, so they must have excellent presentation and communication skills. They are key members of specific infectious disease monitoring teams that perform disease control and prevention activities. They assist with the preparation and distribution of protocols and procedures various infectious disease investigations. They provide guidance to field staff, health care providers, school administrators, day care facilities and local health departments.
Related Resource: Biostatistics Careers are in Public Health
Other potential epidemiology careers in public health include research associate, associate professor and public health coordinator.