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.

Epidemiologists may specialize in:

• 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

What is the average annual salary?

$91,800

What is the future of this career?

Employment of epidemiologists is projected to grow 9 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Epidemiologists are likely to have good job prospects overall, according to the BLS.

What type of education and/or training do I need?

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 can I get the education and/or training?

• Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic
• University of Connecticut, Storrs
• Yale School of Public Health, New Haven

Do I need a license or certification for this career?

Licensure is not required in the state of Connecticut.

Where can I get more information?