PUBLIC HEALTH
Epidemiologist
To be a successful Epidemiologist you should...
have ability and a strong interest in science, have the ability to follow a problem to conclusion, have the ability to work with a variety of people, have the ability to work with governmental regulations, have the ability to think logically, have the ability to speak and write effectively, have the ability to exercise patience, flexibility, and a willingness to work in different locations under a variety of conditions.
What will my job be like?
Epidemiologists are scientists who first identify a disease in a population and then track it as it moves through the population. Epidemiologists research the cause and frequency of a disease by using statistics and demographics (i.e., ethnicity, race, and age) to prevent or control the spread of new diseases.
Specialties
- Clinical Health Industry (Clinical Epidemiology)
- Infectious Diseases (e.g., HIV, Tuberculosis, Sexually Transmitted Diseases)
- Chronic Diseases (e.g., Heart Disease, Cancer, Diabetes)
- Occupational/Environmental Diseases
- School Health
Where could I work?
- Colleges/Universities
- State and Local Health Departments
- Federal or Government Health Agencies
- Research Institutions
- Large Medical Corporations
Average Annual Salary
$81,390 per year
What is the future of this career?
Employment of epidemiologists is projected to grow 19 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 800 openings for epidemiologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Type of Education/Training
Epidemiologists receive their education through programs at colleges or universities. A 4-year bachelor’s degree can be obtained. A master’s degree or doctoral degree (PhD) is often required.
Where could I get the education/training?
- Albertus Magnus College
- Eastern Connecticut State University
- Fairfield University School of Nursing
- Goodwin University
- Quinnipiac University
- Sacred Heart University
- Southern Connecticut State University
- University of Bridgeport
- University of Connecticut
- University of New Haven
- University of Saint Joseph
- Yale University
Licensing/Certification
Licensure is not required in the state of Connecticut.
More Information
Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc.
1400 Crystal Drive, Suite 900
Arlington, VA 22202
202-789-1890
Association of Schools & Programs of Public Health
1615 L Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
202-296-1099
