How To Become An Epidemiologist

Step 1: Study Science In High School

Epidemiology is a scientific field that requires a foundation in the sciences. Take Science courses each year throughout your high school education.

Many states only require high school students to complete three years of Science. This may include Biology, Physics, and Chemistry. After completing these courses, look for Advanced Placement (AP) courses in Earth Science or AP Physics.

Step 2: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree In the Field Of Science

A Master’s degree is often the minimum educational requirement for Epidemiologists, which requires you to earn a Bachelor’s degree.

Aspiring Epidemiologists often major in a field of science, such as Biostatistics or Nutrition. Public Health is also a common major, as Epidemiologists often need to complete Public Health courses during their undergraduate studies.

Step 3: Earn a Master’s Degree In Epidemiology

You will need to earn a Master’s degree from an accredited university or college. Earning a Master’s degree in Epidemiology provides you with the necessary skills and knowledge for this career. Unfortunately, there are not a lot of Epidemiology Master’s programs.

If an Epidemiology program is not available at your school of choice, you may major in Public Health. Public Health was the traditional choice for this career before the creation of Epidemiology programs.

Public Health programs typically include coursework in the Biological and Physical Sciences, Math, and Statistics. During your final year of study, you may take courses in Medical Informatics, Biomedical Research, and Multiple Regression.

Step 4: Complete an Internship

During your graduate studies, you should start looking for internship opportunities. If you are enrolled in an Epidemiology or Public Health program, your university may help find suitable internships in your area.

In some cases, Epidemiologists complete fellowships. A fellowship typically involves advanced work compared to the entry-level tasks completed in an internship. This provides hands-on training and may lead to a permanent position.

Step 5: Earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) Degree

Earning a Medical degree is not required for most Epidemiology positions. However, those that work in clinical settings may need a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.

If you plan on working in a clinical setting and treating patients, you will need to enroll in an MD program at a medical school. This typically includes four years of study and the completion of a residency program.

You may shorten your educational path by skipping the Master’s degree. Most medical schools require applicants to hold a Bachelor’s degree in Pre-Med or the Biological Sciences, such as Biology. You also need to pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).

Step 6: Become Licensed to Practice Medicine

If your Epidemiology career path requires a Medical degree, you will likely need to become licensed and board-certified to practice medicine.

Licenses are available through the state where you plan on practicing medicine. The requirements vary, but you often need to hold an MD degree and complete a residency program.

Board certification is not a legal requirement for practicing medicine. However, some employers may require Epidemiologists in clinical roles to become board certified through the American Medical Association (AMA).

Step 7: Earn a Professional Certification

Voluntary professional certifications may increase your employability and help you advance in this career. The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) provides training material to help Epidemiologists prepare for the Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) credential.

The certification is available through the Certifications Board for Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC). To gain the CIC credential, you must hold at least an Associate’s degree and have two years of work experience.