Epidemiology Careers: How to Become an Epidemiologist and What They Do
Epidemiology Careers: How to Become an Epidemiologist and What They Do
Epidemiology is the study of how diseases spread and affect populations. Epidemiologists are public health professionals who use data analysis, research, and socio-cultural knowledge to track disease trends, identify risk factors, and design prevention and control strategies. Epidemiologists work in various settings, such as government agencies, academic institutions, private organizations, and clinical trials.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in epidemiology, you will need to have a strong background in biology, mathematics, statistics, and social sciences. You will also need to obtain a master’s degree in public health (MPH) or a related field, with a focus on epidemiology. Some epidemiologists may also have a doctoral degree (PhD) or a medical degree (MD) if they want to teach or lead research teams.
Depending on your area of interest and specialization, you may work as an:
• Academic research epidemiologist: You conduct research on various topics related to epidemiology, such as infectious diseases, chronic diseases, environmental health, or social determinants of health. You may also teach courses and mentor students at colleges or universities. You will need to apply for grants and publish your findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• Applied epidemiologist: You analyze data and monitor disease outbreaks and trends within a specific population or region. You may also evaluate public health programs and policies and provide recommendations to improve health outcomes. You may work for local, state, or federal government agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO).
• Clinical trial research epidemiologist: You design and conduct clinical trials to test the safety and effectiveness of new drugs, vaccines, devices, or interventions for treating or preventing diseases. You may also monitor the participants’ health and report any adverse effects or complications. You may work for pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, or contract research organizations.
• Infection control epidemiologist: You prevent and control the spread of infections in healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes. You may also educate staff and patients on infection prevention practices and protocols. You may work for healthcare facilities or consulting firms.
The average salary for epidemiologists in the United States is around $70,990 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, your salary may vary depending on your level of education, experience, location, and employer. The BLS also projects that the employment of epidemiologists will grow by 5% from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
FAQ
Q: What is epidemiology?
A: Epidemiology is the branch of medical science that investigates all the factors that determine the presence or absence of diseases and disorders.
Q: What degrees do you offer in epidemiology?
A: According to the Department of Epidemiology at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, they offer a two-year, part-time MPH in Epidemiology with online and on-campus components; three types of Master of Science degrees: an 80-credit Master’s in Epidemiology, a 42.5-credit Academic Year Master’s in Epidemiology and a 42.5-credit Summer Only Master’s Degree in Clinical Epidemiology; and one type of PhD in Population Health Sciences with a field of study in Epidemiology.
Q: What are some of the topics related to COVID-19 and epidemiology?
A: The World Health Organization (WHO) has a question and answers hub that covers various topics related to COVID-19 and epidemiology, such as transmission, prevention, treatment, vaccines, variants, testing, contact tracing, masks, ventilation, mass gatherings, schools, travel advice and more.
Q: What are some of the careers that epidemiologists can pursue after graduation?
A: According to the Department of Epidemiology at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, some of the careers that epidemiologists can pursue after graduation include academic research and teaching, public health practice at local, state, national or international levels, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, health care delivery systems, non-governmental organizations and consulting firms.
Epidemiology is a rewarding career that allows you to apply your scientific skills and knowledge to improve public health and well-being. If you are passionate about solving health problems and making a difference in the world, then epidemiology may be the right career path for you.
Post a Comment for "Epidemiology Careers: How to Become an Epidemiologist and What They Do"