Five Careers All Epidemiologists Should Consider
- Community Health Worker
- Clinical Trial Researcher
- Survey Researcher
- Disaster Epidemiologist
- Statistician
Many who are interested in this field may be under the impression that there is only one position available, but the field actually encompasses dozens of jobs. From researchers to in-the-field specialists, this field is a great place for those who want to change public health for good. And, as Forbes points out, epidemiologists are often passionate about their positions, making it a great work environment for interested students. Here’s a rundown of five jobs that are currently looking for qualified candidates.
1. Community Health Worker
Community health workers have a variety of different fields they work in, and one of them happens to be this field. This is because the field is so closely tied to public health. These professionals who take on this role often work in management positions, overseeing efforts to combat any health issues that a community may be facing at any given time. They serve as the first line of defense against epidemics and natural disaster-related health issues.These individuals generally work for state and local governments, and sometimes with the Department of Health, although they can also be found working with nonprofit organizations and community centers.
2. Clinical Trial Researcher
A clinical trial researcher that focuses on public health can often find work in governmental health agencies, healthcare companies, nonprofit organizations, or pharmaceutical companies. Their job focuses on lab work instead of field work, tying them strictly to clinical trials, as the position suggests. These are analysts who assist scientists in completing trials for new or developing drugs, making sure to report any adverse side effects that may appear during the trial. In order to be eligible for this position, students should be aware that a graduate degree in this field is necessary; this is a specialized profession that requires further education.
3. Survey Researcher
The role of the survey researcher is different from a clinical trial researcher; these professionals work with data offered by surveys instead of clinical trials. These surveys often have to do with ongoing health concerns in a particular region or the onset of a new health concern. These scientists work with data to come up with conclusions that pinpoint specific problems; they may also be involved with designing plans to combat the issue, although this is unlikely. Many survey researchers work for the government at all levels, including the local level. They may also work with large health NGOs to work on international surveys that impact populations that may be deemed at higher risk due to lack of healthcare.
Read: Top 10 MPH Programs with No Out-of-State Tuition Fees
4. Disaster Epidemiologist
According to the CDC, the role of the disaster epidemiologist is to study the factors that not only cause disaster but how the disasters themselves can affect health populations in various regions. Because natural disasters come in all forms, this is a specialized role that requires the epidemiologist to not only understand epidemiology and how it affects the population but how health factors can arise from natural disasters in the weeks and months after the event occurs. A crucial role for any professional in this field is to provide accurate and up-to-date information about the natural disaster; they also design plans to limit the effects the disaster has on the surrounding region.
5. Statistician
Some professionals in this field work as statisticians, a job that is generally overlooked but integral to the health community. That’s because statistics provide tangible information on various epidemics and a history of how some natural disasters have affected public health in the past. While not a particularly exciting position, which generally sees these professionals working in office environments, it remains an invaluable source of information that those who work in the field can use to their advantage.
Epidemiology is a field that is only growing in its efficacy; this has to do with the number of professionals entering the field as well as the technological advancements that have made responses to public health crises and epidemics much quicker. This field will only grow more important as the government learns how to use these professionals in an effective manner. While these are just five jobs in the field of epidemiology that are currently available, curious individuals will find that there are dozens more, just waiting to be explored.
