How to Be Program Epidemiologist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Aug 2, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The rise in global air pollution has caused an increase in environmental health risks, such as asthma and other respiratory diseases. As a result, the demand for epidemiologists has grown significantly over the past decade. Epidemiologists are experts in evaluating and understanding the distribution and determinants of health in populations.

They use data to assess the impact of environmental factors on human health and develop strategies to reduce or eliminate the risk of disease. By studying the causes and patterns of diseases, epidemiologists can help identify potential public health threats and develop effective interventions to protect the health of the population.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelors Degree. The first step to becoming a program epidemiologist is to earn a bachelors degree in epidemiology, public health, or a related field. During your studies, youll take courses in biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health, infectious diseases, and health management.
Obtain a Masters Degree. Many employers prefer to hire program epidemiologists who have earned a masters degree in epidemiology, public health, or a related field. Be sure to look for a graduate program that offers courses specific to program epidemiology. Courses may include health communication, research methods in program evaluation, and applied epidemiology.
Gain Work Experience. After completing your degree, its important to gain experience in the field. This can include working as an epidemiologist or research assistant in public health departments, at universities, or with non-profit organizations.
Obtain Certification. Depending on the type of work you wish to do, obtaining certification may be beneficial. The American Board of Epidemiology offers certification to those who have completed a graduate degree in the field and have a minimum of two years of work experience.
Apply for Jobs. Once you have the necessary education and experience, you can start applying for jobs as a program epidemiologist. Because of the increasing demand for these professionals, you should have no trouble finding a position that fits your interests and skill set.

The need for skilled and capable epidemiologists has grown significantly in recent years due to the rapid spread of infectious diseases. In order to be successful, epidemiologists must possess a strong knowledge of public health and medical science, including principles such as epidemiology, infectious disease control, biostatistics, and laboratory techniques. They must also be able to analyze data, interpret trends, and make predictions.

Achieving these skills requires a strong educational background, including a bachelor's degree in a related field such as public health, epidemiology, or biology. epidemiologists must have experience in conducting research, working with data, and writing reports. In addition to formal education and training, epidemiologists must also stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field.

This can include attending professional conferences, reading relevant literature, and taking continuing education courses. By possessing this combination of skills and knowledge, epidemiologists are able to help prevent, diagnose, and treat infectious diseases, ultimately helping to save lives.

You may want to check Lead Epidemiologist, Infection Control Epidemiologist, and Biostatistician Epidemiologist for alternative.

Job Description

Conduct epidemiologic studies and surveys to identify disease trends and risk factors.
Develop and apply epidemiologic and statistical methods to analyze public health data.
Develop surveillance systems and databases to monitor communicable and chronic diseases.
Prepare and publish reports, journal articles, and presentations regarding epidemiologic findings.
Provide guidance and advice on data interpretation and health issues.
Coordinate and collaborate with other scientific, medical, and public health professionals to interpret data and develop strategies for disease control.
Develop educational materials and participate in outreach activities to promote public health initiatives.
Design interventions to improve population health outcomes.
Contribute to public health policy formulation and evaluation.
Conduct research to identify new treatments and preventive measures for diseases.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of epidemiology and biostatistics
Ability to analyze data and interpret results
Knowledge of infectious disease control and prevention
Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate epidemiological research projects
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Proficiency in computer software and databases
Knowledge of public health regulations
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Understanding of ethical and legal issues related to epidemiological research
Ability to collaborate with other public health professionals

Epidemiology is a field of public health that studies the patterns, causes, and effects of health-related conditions and diseases in defined populations. An epidemiologist is a professional who specializes in this field, and they possess many important skills, including critical thinking, data analysis, and communication. Critical thinking is essential for epidemiologists since they must evaluate and interpret data to determine the causes of health-related conditions and diseases.

Data analysis is a key skill as epidemiologists must be able to analyze data to identify patterns, trends, and correlations. Communication is also important as epidemiologists must be able to explain their findings to other health professionals and the public. These skills are essential for an epidemiologist to be successful and to help protect the health of their communities.

Surveillance Epidemiologist, Health Care Epidemiologist, and Data Analyst Epidemiologist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in epidemiology?
How do you stay up to date on the latest trends in epidemiology?
What kind of data analysis methods have you used in your epidemiology work?
How do you create and analyze surveys and questionnaires?
Describe a successful epidemiological investigation youve completed.
What challenges have you faced while conducting epidemiological research?
How do you communicate complicated epidemiological information to a lay audience?
What processes do you use to assess epidemiological risks?
What techniques do you use to control the spread of infectious diseases?
How do you ensure confidentiality and privacy when collecting epidemiological data?

Common Tools in Industry

Epi Info 7. Epi Info 7 is a software package used for the collection, analysis, and visualization of epidemiological data. (eg: Used to investigate the outbreak of Zika Virus in 2016)
STATA. Statistical software package used for data manipulation, statistical analysis, and graphics. (eg: Used to analyze the link between smoking and lung cancer)
R. A programming language and software environment for statistical computing and graphics. (eg: Used to analyze the correlation between air pollution and asthma rates)
SAS. Statistical analysis software used for data management, analytics, predictive modeling, and business intelligence. (eg: Used to assess the effectiveness of a new vaccine)
ArcGIS. Mapping software used for geographic information systems (GIS) to create and analyze spatial data. (eg: Used to map the spread of malaria in a given area)

Professional Organizations to Know

American College of Epidemiology
American Public Health Association
Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists
International Epidemiological Association
Society for Epidemiologic Research
American Society for Microbiology
American Association of Immunologists
American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America
International Society for Environmental Epidemiology

We also have Field Epidemiologist, Molecular Epidemiologist, and Community Health Epidemiologist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Epidemiology. the study of the distribution, causes, and control of diseases in populations.
Public Health. the practice of protecting and improving the health of individuals, communities, and populations.
Surveillance. the systematic collection, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of health data for the purpose of decision making and control of diseases.
Biostatistics. the application of statistical methods to biological data, such as epidemiological studies.
Health Promotion. activities designed to improve the health of individuals, families, and communities.
Risk Assessment. evaluation of the potential risks posed by a particular hazard or situation.
Research. investigations conducted to increase knowledge about a particular area or subject.
Data Analysis. the process of gathering, manipulating, and interpreting data to draw conclusions.
Program Evaluation. the systematic collection and analysis of data to assess a program's effectiveness, efficiency, and impact.
Disease Modeling. the use of mathematical models to study the spread and control of infectious diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Program Epidemiologist?

A Program Epidemiologist is a public health professional who studies the distribution, causes, and prevention of diseases, injuries, and other health-related conditions in different populations.

What type of data does a Program Epidemiologist analyze?

Program Epidemiologists analyze a variety of data, including health surveys, laboratory tests, mortality statistics, and epidemiological studies.

What skills are necessary to be a Program Epidemiologist?

To be a successful Program Epidemiologist, one must have excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, an understanding of statistical methods, and knowledge of public health principles and practices.

What is the job outlook for Program Epidemiologists?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of Program Epidemiologists will grow by 11% from 2018 to 2028, which is faster than the average for all occupations.

What is the median annual salary for Program Epidemiologists?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Program Epidemiologists in May 2019 was $69,660.

Web Resources

How to Become an Epidemiologist | Online Graduate Programs onlinegrad.baylor.edu
Epidemiology Degree Programs - Michigan State University epibio.msu.edu
Epidemiology - University of Washington www.washington.edu