Epidemiologists are persons who are responsible for identifying, investigating and describing the determinants and distribution of illness and disease. They develop the means for prevention and control such as when a food poisoning or influenza outbreak strikes a community, Epidemiologists are called upon to determine its origins and assist in the implementation of control measures.
Epidemiologist Eligibility
Candidates are required at least a Master’s Degree from an accredited institution in the area of public health, ideally with an emphasis in epidemiology with a good background in science.
Epidemiologist Required Skills
- Epidemiologists possess stamina, patience, the power of concentration, emotional stability, logical and analytical mind, problem-solving ability, leadership quality, ability to take timely decisions and self–motivation.
- They should be critical thinkers, who can analyze their findings, as well as recognize emergency situations when they arise.
- Epidemiologists should be mathematically proficient with statistical analysis and data presentation software programs.
- They should be smart to work independently or as part of a team and be able to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- They should be excellent listeners, as fact-finding interviews are an important part of their research.
Institutes offering Courses for Epidemiologist
- National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai
- Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), Thiruvananthapuram
- All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health, Kolkata
- Vinayaka Missions Homeopathic Medical College, Salem
How to become Epidemiologist?
One has to follow below-given steps for becoming an Epidemiologist-
Step 1
After completing graduation in science stream they have Master’s Degree in public health with an emphasis on epidemiology. But some employers prefer a Medical or Doctorate degree along with this. This course of study will include coursework in biostatistics, behavioural studies, health services, research and administration, immunology, toxicology and more. There are many institutes offering courses in this subject in the country. Some of them conduct entrance tests for admission.
Master Degree courses:
- M.Sc. (Epidemiology)
- M.V.Sc. (Epidemiology)
- M.V.Sc. (Veterinary Public Health & Epidemiology)
- Post Graduate Diploma in Epidemiology and Health Management (PGDEHM)
Educational qualification-
For Masters’ Degrees, candidates must be passed their graduation in science stream with Epidemiology as one of the subjects.
Step 2
At some places like research epidemiology positions, it always requires a PhD degree. Those with advanced degrees will have a wider choice of career paths with more research and teaching positions available to them.
Research Degree courses:
- PhD (Epidemiology)
- PhD (Veterinary Public Health & Epidemiology)
Educational qualification-
For Doctorate degree courses, they should have a Master’s Degree in Epidemiology with at least 55% marks in aggregate.
Epidemiologist Job Description
Epidemiologists also determine the causes and risk factors of diseases and parasites; determine the modes of transmission, progress and lifecycles of diseases and parasites; plan and conduct studies to investigate human or animal disease, as well as preventative methods and treatments; confer with physicians, health care policy analysts and other professionals; assist in the design and development of study protocols and health status questionnaires, sample selection and analysis.
Epidemiologist Career Prospects
Epidemiologists may work as researchers, educators, administrators, consultants and clinicians.
- They can have research work in laboratories, investigate outbreaks of new diseases, and educate individuals about the harmful factors that influence personal health.
- They can also have jobs in public and private health institutions, government agencies, laboratories, pharmaceutical businesses or universities.
- Epidemiologists can work as health experts in government agencies like World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centres for Disease Control (CDC), Indian Council of Medical Research.
- They also have good scope in an academic field like teaching and conducting research at universities.
Epidemiologist Salary
Epidemiologists’ salary varies from place to place, level of education and experience. Those with Masters in Public Health (MPH) can earn from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 45,000 per month. However, this varies on the basis of posts and experience one has. Epidemiologists employed in pharmaceutical and medical manufacturing industry earn the highest salary.
