August 2019

What Do Epidemiologists Do?

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

Typically, epidemiologists conduct studies to collect and analyze data comprising of interviews, surveys, observations and bodily fluids in order to determine aspects of diseases and health problems. Epidemiologists manage public health programs, monitor their progress, and identify ways to improve programs which affect public health outcomes. Epidemiologists fill positions such as supervisory roles, technical, and clerical personnel.

Epidemiologists take factors into account such as demographic data to determine disease risk factors. They may also research and investigate trends in populations of survivors of certain diseases in order to ensure more successful future treatments. Epidemiologists typically work in applied epidemiology or research. Applied epidemiologists address public health problems directly through state and local government positions and often take part in communal education outreach. Research epidemiologists usually work for universities or in affiliation with federal agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Epidemiologists who work for non-profit companies often do public health advocacy work. Private industry epidemiologists usually conduct research for pharmaceutical companies or insurance companies.

Epidemiologists tend to typically specialize in one or more of the following public health areas:

• Infectious diseases
• Public health preparedness and emergency response
• Maternal and child health
• Chronic diseases
• Environmental health
• Injury
• Occupational health
• Behavioral epidemiology
• Oral health

Several epidemiologic positions include HIV specialist, tropical disease expert, management policy advisor, director of family health, health center administrator, industrial hygienist, state or federal environmentalist, and vaccine researcher.

For more information on epidemiologists: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/epidemiologists.htm.

Where Do Epidemiologists Work?

There were approximately 5,800 epidemiology jobs held in 2014. Most epidemiologists work for state government, not including education and hospitals. Some epidemiologists work in local government, not including education and hospitals. Epidemiology occupation sites also included private general medical and surgical hospitals. Epidemiologic research and development in the physical, and engineering and life sciences, occurred in colleges, universities, and professional schools, including state, local and private institutions.

The work environment of an epidemiologist is typically in an office setting or laboratory, at state and local government health departments. Epidemiologists also work in the field and support emergency actions and clinical settings. Epidemiologists also work in hospitals, at colleges, and at universities. Due to the diversity of the epidemiologic specializations, work environments vary greatly.

What Do Epidemiologists Earn?

In 2022, the average annual income reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for epidemiologists in the United States was $85,880. The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) reports that, in 2023, epidemiologists in New York earned a median annual salary of $91,779 (epidemiologists in the 25th percentile made approximately $69,093 while those in the 75th percentile made approximately $161,535).

Supply and Demand

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of jobs for epidemiologists in the U.S. will increase by 26% between 2021 and 2031. The New York State Department of Labor projects that the number of jobs for epidemiologists in the state will increase by 41% between 2020 and 2030.

Educational Program Requirements

Most epidemiologists need a minimum of a master’s degree in public health with the most common concentration being epidemiology, from an accredited college or university. Some epidemiologists have completed a doctoral degree in epidemiology or medicine.

Classes for the epidemiology concentration typically comprise biological and physical sciences, math and statistics, analysis and survey design, and also include advanced courses emphasizing multiple regression, medical informatics, reviews of previous biomedical research, comparisons of healthcare systems, and practical applications of data. Many public health master’s degree programs require students to complete an internship or practicum ranging from one semester to a year.

Epidemiologists working in clinical capacities often have an epidemiology degree as well as a medical degree.

Financial Support

Financial assistance through public health scholarships for undergraduate and graduate study can be found here: http://www.publichealthonline.org/scholarships-and-grants/.

This link contains over 50 scholarships: http://mphprogramslist.com/public-health-mph-scholarships-and-grants/.

New York Licensure Requirements

There are currently no licensure requirements in the United States for epidemiologists or general public health professionals.

Education Programs in New York (Subject to Change)

What Do Public Health Policy Analysts Do?

Health policy analysts do research, make reports and manage health care policies and programs. You may work for government, educational institutions, research labs, hospitals, and different types of community agencies. You may also be called a health care planner, health promotion program officer, or health services researcher.

Generally, health policy analysts:

• Gather and analyze statistical information and write reports.
• Develop health policies by collecting and analyzing statistical data.
• Design, implement and monitor programs.
• Maintain, update and manage health information databases.
• Distribute program and policy information to your organization and the general public.
• Write newsletters and other documents on health policy for your organization or the general public.

Public health policy analysts use data mining, analysis strengths, critical thinking, and effective communication skills.

Where Do Public Health Policy Analysts Work?

They typically work for (and with) government institutions, nonprofit organizations, political action committees, professional associations and community groups.

What Do Public Health Policy Analysts Earn?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not publish employment and earnings data for health policy analysts. According to salary.com, the median salary for health policy analysts in the United States is approximately $90,688, slightly lower than the median salary of $96,773 in New York State. In NYS, health policy analysts in the 25th percentile make approximately $88,265 while those in the 75th percentile make approximately $104,214.

Supply and Demand

There is no Bureau of Labor Statistics supply and projection information on public health policy analysts.

Educational Program Requirements

Although a bachelor’s degree may be sufficient for entry level positions in research for government agencies, political campaigns or non-profits, either a master’s degree or doctorate are needed for those who wish to advance in this field.  Most public health policy analysts have a Bachelor’s degree minimum or a Master’s or Doctorate degree in either public health, public policy, political science, or public administration. Some analysts earn degrees in multiple specialty areas.

New York Licensure Requirements

According to the New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions,  no state certification or licensure are required for health policy analysts.

Education Programs in New York (Subject to Change)

What Do Occupational Health and Safety Specialists Do?

Occupational health and safety specialists inspect and evaluate workplace environments, equipment, and practices for compliance with corporate and government health and safety standards and regulations. Specialists inspect workplaces to ensure adherence to regulations on safety, health, and the environment. Additionally, they conduct training on a variety of topics.  Examples of this profession include ergonomists and industrial or occupational hygienists. Occupational health and safety specialists are also part of a broader set of public health professions.

Occupational health and safety specialists also design programs to prevent disease or injury to workers, and prevent damage to the environment. Specialists seek to increase worker productivity by reducing absenteeism and equipment downtime. They also seek to save money by lowering insurance premiums, workers’ compensation payments, and by preventing government fines. Many jobs involve fieldwork and travel. Most specialists work full time and some specialists work weekends or irregular hours during emergencies.

More about this profession here.

 Where Do Occupational Health and Safety Specialists Work?

Occupational health and safety specialists work in varied environments such as offices, factories, and mines. In the federal government, specialists are employed by various agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). In addition to working for local, state, and federal governments, occupational health and safety specialists work in management, scientific and technical consulting services, education services, hospitals, and manufacturing.

Occupational health and safety specialists work in a variety of settings, such as offices, factories, and mines. Their jobs often involve considerable fieldwork and travel. They may be exposed to strenuous, dangerous, or stressful conditions. Specialists use gloves, helmets, respirators, and other personal protective and safety equipment to minimize the risk of illness and injury.

What Do Occupational Health and Safety Specialists Earn?

In 2022, the average annual income reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for occupational health and safety specialists in the United States was $82,110. The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) reports that, in 2023, occupational health and safety specialists in New York earned a median annual salary of $82,867 (occupational health and safety specialists in the 25th percentile made approximately $54,802 while those in the 75th percentile made approximately $104,745).

Supply and Demand

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of jobs for occupational health and safety specialists and technicians in the U.S. will increase by 5% between 2021 and 2031. The New York State Department of Labor projects that the number of jobs for occupational health and safety specialists in the state will increase by 18% between 2020 and 2030.

Educational Program Requirements

Occupational health and safety specialists generally have a Bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety or in a related scientific or technical field, such as engineering, biology, or chemistry. For some positions, a master’s degree in industrial hygiene, health physics, public health, or a related subject is required.

High school students interested in becoming occupational health and safety specialists should take courses in English, math, chemistry, biology, and physics.

New York Licensure Requirements

Certification is usually voluntary though many employers encourage it. Certification is available through various organizations depending on which field the specialist is to work.  The Board of Certified Safety Professionals offers the following certifications: Certified Safety Professional (CSP) certification, associate Safety Professional (ASP), Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST)and Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST).  The Board for Global EHS Credentialing awards a certification known as a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH).

Graduation from an accredited educational program is necessary for occupational health and safety specialists to be eligible for most certification examinations. Periodic continuing education is generally required for certification maintenance.

Continuing education may include additional training, certification, or a master’s degree.

Additional Information from the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration can be found here.

Financial Support

General information about state and federal scholarship programs and opportunities, here.

Education Programs in New York (Subject to Change)

What Do Biostatisticians Do?

Biostatisticians are trained to use statistical methods to analyze health care data to help understand the causes of diseases. Biostatisticians are included in the broader category of statisticians and are also part of a broader set of public health professions. To view a description of the public health field and a list of other public health professionals, click here.

Biostatisticians also design surveys, questionnaires, and other data collection tools to collect data the data they need for their research or also analyze secondary data, which is data that someone else collected. For further information regarding biostatisticians go to https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/mathematicians-and-statisticians.htm .

Where Do Biostatisticians Work?

Biostatisticians often work in teams of health professionals and are commonly employed by federal, state, and local governments. Biostatisticians may also be contracted or hired by pharmaceutical companies, research organizations, hospitals, or other health care institutions. They usually work in office settings, though they may go into the community to collect data.

What Do Biostatisticians Earn?

In 2022, the average annual income reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for statisticians in the United States was $105,510. The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) reports that, in 2023, statisticians in New York earned a median annual salary of $115,608 (statisticians in the 25th percentile made approximately $75,599 while those in the 75th percentile made approximately $176,902).

Supply and Demand

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of jobs for Mathematicians and Statisticians in the U.S. will increase by 31% between 2021 and 2031.

For more information on projections of statisticians by New York State labor regions, click here.

Educational Program Requirements

Most statisticians have a background in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) with about half earning a Master’s degree and about half earning a Doctoral degree. In addition to a statistics background, biostatisticians will also have course work related to health care.

 New York Licensure Requirements

Licensure or certification is not necessary for biostatisticians. During the course of a biostatistician’s career, Institutional Board Certification (IRB) certification for research with human subjects and classified data may be necessary for job duties. Additionally, biostatisticians can be certified through the National Board of Public Health Examiners. For more information on a certification in public health, click on https://www.nbphe.org/.

Education Programs in New York (Subject to Change)