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Requirements of an Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists are often referred to as "medical detectives," and many work in public health and government or nonprofit organizations. To become an epidemiologist, there are academic and professional requirements as well as other skills that are beneficial to doing the job. According to the University of Michigan and the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, requirements to be an epidemiologist include earning a relevant degree and completing certain types of coursework.

  1. Academic Degrees

    • The minimum degree you can earn to be an epidemiologist is a Bachelor's degree, although most epidemiologists earn a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree or higher.

    Coursework

    • Epidemiologists usually take coursework in statistics, research methods, health education, administration, environmental sciences, survey design and epidemiology.

    Experience

    • You may need experience working in public health as an intern; medical experience; or research work as well as preparing articles for publication.

    Legal

    • Privacy laws that protect how health-related information can be collected and used require epidemiologists to be familiar with the law and document their work.

    Personality

    • If you want to become an epidemiologist, having a personality that is detail-oriented, logical and forward thinking will be helpful.

    Communication Skills

    • Competencies needed to be an epidemiologist include being able to communicate effectively and in ways that are culturally appropriate.

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