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How to become an epidemiologist

Date
May 1, 2024
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How to become an Epidemiologist graphic.
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What Does an Epidemiologist Do?

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, interest in epidemiology surged dramatically, with Google searches for the term “epidemiology” spiking to an all-time high in 2020.1

This guide will walk you through the steps to becoming an epidemiologist, including the education and skills required, job prospects, and salary expectations.

Epidemiologists, also commonly referred to as disease detectives2, are vital to the protection of public health across our communities. It's a career that combines research, science, medicine, and sociology, offering job security, career growth potential, and the ability to help thousands of people.

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What Is Epidemiology?

Before we dive into how to become an epidemiologist, let's first answer the question: What do epidemiologists do?

Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health and disease in populations. Epidemiologists investigate patterns and causes of diseases and injuries in humans and ways to prevent and control them.

Day-to-day tasks for epidemiologists will vary depending on their specific role, where they are employed, and the nature of the public health issues they are researching. However, there are common responsibilities and functions that you can expect if you’re planning on pursuing a career in the field of epidemiology.

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Daily Job Activities, Duties, and Responsibilities for Epidemiologists

While the specifics of an epidemiologist’s job depend on a number of factors, the basic functions of the job will generally revolve around a few key types of objectives. These include the following:

The work of epidemiologists is critical in understanding and addressing public health issues and emergencies like infectious diseases, chronic conditions, and environmental health issues. Epidemiology plays a crucial role in public health by providing the scientific foundation for understanding, preventing, and managing health-related issues at the population level.

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What Is the Difference Between a Clinical Epidemiologist and an Epidemiologist?

The main difference between a clinical epidemiologist and an epidemiologist is that clinical epidemiologists tend to focus specifically on how to apply their findings to individual patient care and clinical practice. Clinical epidemiologists might work in a health care setting like a hospital or medical clinic and could focus more specifically on treatment protocols.

Epidemiologists work in various settings, including public health agencies, research institutions, universities, and nongovernmental organizations. Epidemiologists have a broader scope of focus across the larger population. In contrast, clinical epidemiologists typically home in on research informing individual patient care.

There are multiple fields of work that you can consider if you want to focus on a career in epidemiology, such as:3

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Education and Skills Required

To meet the specific education requirements for a career in public health, you may need to invest seven years or more in your education. This typically involves completing a four-year bachelor's degree program followed by two to three years of study to earn a master's degree.

Your bachelor's degree should be in a relevant topic of study, such as biology, public policy, social services, or social science. A Bachelor of Public Health would provide a strong foundation in public health care services, research methods, and epidemiology.

Many aspiring epidemiologists choose to pursue a Master of Public Health degree like the one offered at Norwich University with classes emphasizing epidemiologic methods. Degree programs like these can help you prepare for a successful career in this field by giving you the opportunity to:

Explore the Master of Public Health curriculum at Norwich University.

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Important Skills and Qualities of an Epidemiologist

In addition to formal education, several critical skills are essential for success as an epidemiologist4. These include:

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Epidemiologist Job Prospects

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) suggests epidemiology to be a booming field in the coming years with a projected growth rate of 27% from 2022 to 20325. This is about nine times higher than the average growth rate of 3% across all careers, offering a vast potential for individual career growth, opportunity for promotion, and job security.

Epidemiologist jobs exist in various settings, including government agencies, health care organizations, research institutions, and nonprofit organizations.

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What Is a Typical Epidemiologist Salary?

Epidemiologist salaries vary depending on experience, education level, and geographic location. Epidemiologists working in metropolitan areas tend to earn higher wages than those in rural areas.

According to the BLS, the average epidemiologist salary in the United States was $78,520 as of 2022, with professionals in the scientific research and development sector averaging $103,650 per year.6 Salary.com suggests a significantly higher salary as of 2024, claiming an average of $107,110, with the range typically falling between $91,853 and $128,308.7 This data suggests there may be a yearly upward trend for an epidemiologists average salary.

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Overview: How to Become an Epidemiologist

Now that we've covered the basics of epidemiology, overall educational and skill requirements, and salary potential, let's dive into the steps to becoming an epidemiologist.

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Step 1: Obtain a Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree in public health will be beneficial in preparing for graduate-level coursework. Majors such as biology, statistics, and public health can also provide a solid foundation for a career in epidemiology. a solid foundation for a career in epidemiology.

While this will vary by individual, obtaining a bachelor's degree takes approximately four years.

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Step 2: Earn a Master's Degree

A master's degree in public health, epidemiology, or a related field is typically required for entry-level positions in epidemiology. Graduate programs in public health will typically include coursework in biostatistics, epidemiologic methods, and public health surveillance. , and public health surveillance.

It takes around a year and a half to two years to obtain a master’s degree in public health.

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Step 3: Gain Work Experience

Work experience is often required for many epidemiologist positions7. You can gain experience through internships, volunteer work, or entry-level public health or health care positions.

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Step 4: Obtain Certification

While certification is not required to work as an epidemiologist, it can demonstrate your expertise and dedication to the field and help you stand out above other candidates. Here are some popular choices for certification you may pursue in order to sharpen your skills, enhance your professional practice, and make yourself more attractive to potential employers.

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Start on Your Path to Becoming an Epidemiologist

Becoming an epidemiologist requires a combination of education, skills, and experience. With a positive job outlook and competitive salary, it can be a rewarding career choice for those interested in public health and disease prevention.

If you are interested in becoming a “disease detective,” focusing on research, deduction, and public health and safety, this might be the perfect career choice for you.

You can learn more about the educational requirements for pursuing a master’s in public health and embarking on a career in epidemiology by speaking with an admissions representative.

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Sources

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