Epidemiologists: Job Description, Education, Skills and Duties, Earnings and Outlook
Submitted by: paula
Job Overview Epidemiology had been an important aid in the medical field as this contributes to the knowledge on the incidence, prevalence, epidemics of certain diseases that affect large numbers of people in specific age and sex group, stage of development and area or location. Epidemiologists are researchers in the health sciences and/or medical doctors that conduct epidemiological studies to idetify causes, nature and the extent of spread and control of the diseases affecting groups of people or communities at a specific time. They use statistics, several medical screening and examinations and field investigation in general so as to identify connection of incidence of the specific disease to the charactersitics of the affected population and community.
Education, Knowledge and Trainings Required
The minimum requirement to become an epidemiologist is a possession of a masteral degree in Epidemiology. A four year bachelor's degree in any of the sciences is needed prior to entering an epidemiology program. Other colleges and university require either a medical or a nursing degree and a 3 year of professional working experience as an entrance credential for an epidemiology program.
Skills and Abilities
Scientific and technical skills are needed in practicing in the field of Epidemiology. Research skills such as that of data collection methods, data organization and interpretation as well as recording and reporting skills are needed in digesting the data to arrive at a conclusion that could be used by the field of medicine and public health as the basis of their recommendation for health policies and launching health and programs.
Duties
On the very basic, epidemiologists use research methods, statistical analysis, laboratory procedure and screening techniques and field investigations or appraisals to determine the extent of the disease in the population, the cause, the way of dissemination, and the connection of the disease and the people and community characteristics to be able to suggest ways of specific disease prevention and control.
They work both in the offices or indoor libraries, laboratories and clinics conducting readings, tests, analysis, as well as on the field conducting interview, observation andother data gatherig methods. Their works are valuable to the medical community and public health offices as these are being used as bases for public health policies and programs.
Earnings and Job Outlook
The salary of an epidemiologist depends on factors such as the years of professional experience, area of specialization, the employer and the state of practice. The income ranges from 27,000 U.S. dollars to 52,000 U.S dollars per annum. For those who are already pioneers and experts in the field as both scientists and statisticians, their income may go as high as 85,000 U.S dollars and over. The job outlook is expected to grow faster than the average as the healthcare sector is always in need of the developments in knowledge on public health and diseases, to be able to create, modify and improve health programs and policies.
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of their job opportunities and available trainings for skills and practice upgrading.
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