What is an epidemiologist?

Epidemiologists are public health workers who investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury. They seek to reduce the risk and occurrence of negative health outcomes through research, community education and health policy.

What does an epidemiologist actually do?

Epidemiologists study the external ways that diseases and viruses spread within a population, what causes this spread, and how to stop or control it. Virologists, meanwhile, focus their attention on the viruses themselves, studying how they originate, function, and replicate.

How many years does it take to become an epidemiologist?

The timeline to become an epidemiologist depends on your training and background. With specific education requirements, it could take seven years or more: four years for a bachelor's degree and two to three years for a master's degree.

Do epidemiologists make good money?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for epidemiologists is $78,830 as of May 2021.

What is the difference between a doctor and an epidemiologist?

A physician looks at an individual, whereas an epidemiologist looks at an entire community. While both aim to find a diagnosis, a physician will care for and treat an individual. An epidemiologist is concerned about disease exposure, putting measures in place to stop it from spreading further.

What is an Epidemiologist?

Do epidemiologists go to med school?

How to Become an Epidemiologist. Epidemiologists typically need at least a master's degree to enter the occupation. They may have a master's degree in public health (MPH) or a related field, and some have completed a doctoral degree in epidemiology or medicine.

What is the highest paid epidemiologist?

The best Epidemiologist jobs can pay up to $152,500 per year. An epidemiologist is a public health professional who studies the patterns and causes of diseases. They conduct epidemiological studies to help understand, manage, and improve public health in a particular population.

Is it hard to get a job in epidemiology?

Epidemiologists can anticipate a strong career outlook in the coming years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 26% job growth rate (much faster than average) for epidemiologists between 2021 and 2031. Epidemiology is a small and competitive field.

Are epidemiologists in high demand?

Job Outlook

Employment of epidemiologists is projected to grow 27 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 800 openings for epidemiologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Is epidemiology a stable career?

“In one of these studies, for example, we're interested in why some women are more at risk for breast cancer than other women.” The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 26.7% employment growth for epidemiologists or medical scientists between 2022 and 2032. In that period, an estimated 2,700 jobs should open up.

Do epidemiologists do a lot of math?

Epidemiology combines science and mathematics to study the distribution of disease within a population and the factors that influence disease. At its core, epidemiology uses basic math skills to determine the distribution and cause of diseases.

What GPA do you need to be an epidemiologist?

Academic Background

MS applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Doctoral applicants must have a Masters degree in epidemiology (or a related field) or have a health-related professional doctorate. A minimum grade point average of 3.2 is required for a competitive applicant.

Do epidemiologists have to be good at math?

Strong math skills: Epidemiologists should have highly advanced skills in mathematics and statistics, so they can design strong studies and surveys. Good teaching skills: Epidemiologists often have to work in community outreach, so they should be able to teach the public about public health matters.

Is epidemiology a stressful job?

High scores of occupational stress in the subdomains of Role Overload and Physical Environment were not surprising, given that field epidemiologists must exhibit a rapid response to disease outbreaks, requiring decision-making with potentially serious consequences and potential exposure to hazardous field sites [8,31].

Is epidemiology a good career choice?

Wrap Up. A career in epidemiology is an important, fulfilling, and lucrative field for those who wish to affect society in a positive way through medicine and research. An epidemiologist ensures the safety of many, and conducts research to prevent, contain, and even cure disease.

Who is a famous epidemiologist?

In an article in Old News, David Vachon writes of John Snow's life and achievements, and concludes: "For his persistent efforts to determine how cholera was spread and for the statistical mapping methods he initiated, John Snow is widely considered to be the father of [modern] epidemiology."

What is the lowest salary for an epidemiologist?

While ZipRecruiter is seeing salaries as high as $131,258 and as low as $44,411, the majority of Epidemiologist salaries currently range between $63,200 (25th percentile) to $99,700 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $121,389 annually in California.

Do epidemiologists work remotely?

As a remote epidemiologist, you perform most of your job duties from home or another location outside of the office or lab. You review and analyze data collected through interviews, observations, and surveys to find patterns in the incidence and symptoms of the disease.

Where do epidemiologists make the most money?

What is the career path for a epidemiologist?

A career in epidemiology typically begins with a bachelor's degree in biology, medicine or other biological science. Epidemiologists then typically obtain a master's in public health focusing on biostatistics, behavioral studies, immunology, health services and administration and epidemiological methods.

Do epidemiologists need a certification?

Epidemiologists can work in a variety of roles and settings, including government agencies, health clinics, and research facilities. Earn a certification. This isn't usually a requirement to enter the field, but an employer might expect you to have a credential and it may give you an advantage in the job market.

Is epidemiology a college major?

While epidemiology degrees are not found at the undergraduate level, various related areas of study can provide an excellent base for future epidemiological pursuits. At the master's level, two primary degrees in epidemiology are offered: Master of Public Health (MPH) and Master of Science (MS).

Where is the best place to live as an epidemiologist?

Best-Paying Cities for Epidemiologists

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the epidemiologist/medical scientist profession are Buffalo, New York, Philadelphia, Boulder, and Seattle.

What is the highest paid health field?

Do epidemiologists work long hours?

Epidemiologists usually work full-time, though they may have to work more than 40 hours a week during public health emergencies or to complete field research.